From Czech & Speake, their popular No. 88 unisex fragrance (“No.88 has a fresh, woody top note of reviving and uplifting bergamot, the richness and warmth of geranium, rose otto, cassie and exotic frangipani. Combined with dry base notes of vetiver and sandalwood, this modern classic has a full-bodied, sophisticated sensuality.”) in a Deluxe Gift Set with 200 ml Cologne Shaker, 200 ml bottle of Bath Oil and two soaps. £165 at Czech & Speake…
The big Tom Ford gift for 2008: the Tom Ford Private Blend coffret, with 2 ml rollerballs in each of the 12 original Tom Ford Private Blend fragrances. Says Tom, “Private Blend is my own scent laboratory; it's where I have the ability to create very special, original fragrances that are unconstrained by the conventions of mainstream scent-making. Private Blend is designed with the true fragrance connoisseur in mind.” Ok? $225 at Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus…
I first came across the Lollia line of products when I added a mini handcreme to a drugstore.com order to qualify for free shipping. As I'm sure a lot of you can relate, it makes no sense to me to pay
$5.99 for shipping when for $5.99 I can pick up a little sweet-scented doodad that I can slip in a friend's purse when she's having a bad day! Anyhow, the creme was a big hit, and the packaging absolutely delightful, so I decided to explore their other products.
Since I was in the market for a home scent that would be relaxing and appropriate for bedtime, I decided to order their Relax candle. The notes — white orchid, Tahitian vanilla, bee blossom honey and Indian amber — sounded tempting, and the packaging charming, with a lilac-colored paisley pattern printed on the glass and a little crystal droplet designed to hang from the rim. It seemed whimsical and happily romantic…
Finding a scented candle that works well during the hot summer months can be a bit of a challenge. Even if the fragrance is delightful, just the act of striking a match to create a spark can be utterly unappealing on those days when the sun is beating down relentlessly and you can fry an egg on the pavement outside. Diffusers are perfect for the summer season, while candles — in my house at least — tend to be set away for rainier days or the coming autumn.
Sometimes, though, one comes across a good deal, and one feels almost compelled to pick up a candle (or, ahem, two) at a bargain price. Such was the case for me with my most recent candle purchase, the Shanghai candle by Tocca. Even though I knew the summer months were here, I was intrigued by the description:
China’s peony flower seduces the soul with a subtle sweetness and exotic beauty. Inspired by the vitality and pulse of one of the world’s great cities, Shanghai intoxicates with an indulgent, glamorous fragrance…
Am I crazy, or did Father's Day creep up extra fast this year? It's coming up on Sunday, June 15th, so time to get shopping…
If Dad deserves a gift fit for a king (or make that an emperor), how about an Empire candle from Cire Trudon? “Pine, sage and hay are vibrating in the air of the Napoleonian camp with hints of cades and maquis. The joyful and indulging warmth of thyme, marjoram and rosemary ring like a fife…” And so on. $70 at Aedes…