You knew it was that time again, right? Donatella Versace, Our Lady Of Scented Abundance, wants to know what you bought in the third quarter of 2009 (July, August & September). Update: the poll is now closed, thanks to everyone who voted!
I only bought one bottle, but it was rather expensive: Van Cleef & Arpels Bois d’Iris, at $185. I spent $90 in the first quarter and $190 in the second quarter, so I’m at $465 for 2009 so far. At this time last year, I had already spent $682, so at least there’s been a little improvement.
And you?
Note: image of Donatella Versace’s perfume collection (originally from Allure magazine) courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman.
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Back to Black By Killian. One bottle isn’t that bad but I’m heading to NY in early November. Plans include Aedes so that one bottle is sure to expand, I’m thinking Idole by Lubin, maybe a Serge Luten (or 2).
Oh, have fun at Aedes! I would like a nice bottle of Idole myself.
Maybe you or others can recommend some other secret spots? I’ll be hitting Aedes, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorfs. Where else should I go for niche perfume in New York?
Bergdorfs, Barneys, Bendels:
http://www.nstperfume.com/perfume-shopping-in-new-york-city/
Ah, the 3 B’s! I’ll add Saks, Takashimaya, and the weird little Caron boutique to the list, although Aedes wins the prize for most gracious accommodating of sample whores. Despite having lived in Brooklyn for years, I never made it to CB I Hate Perfume, but that could be fun as well.
Do I remember correctly that you live in the Twin Cities? If so, and you’d be interested in doing any splits to make your shopping dollars go farther… shoot me a note over on MUA.
Le Labo, which I think is in Elizabeth Street. Anyway, somewhere in Nolita – there’s an amazing Brazilian cafe on the corner of that road, which you should go to after your visit to Le Labo!!! ENJOY!!!
Idole is on my wish list, nice boozy stuff
There is a Santa Maria Novella shop in Soho at: 285 Lafayette. It is not only gorgeous but they have baskets of free samples from the Eau d’Italie (e.g, Paestum Rose) just sitting out, free for the taking. After asking, “Are these really free?” They said yes, and I nabbed on of each. (Okay, I don’t really have much of a perfume budget so I’ve become the Queen of mooching free samples.)
If you link Bond No. 9, there is a shop in Soho (Bond Street), the West Village (Bleeker Street), both very generous with the samples.
There is also a Diptypque shop on Bleeker Street, if you like that line (and they give samples, too, although they are often out of some of the most popular).
Have fun!
3rd qtr purchases:
TDC Sublime Balkiss
Balmain Jolie Madame
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir (which I didn’t like and swapped for a split of Chanel Bois des Iles, so it’s a wash.)
…and the usual pile of samples. Oh, also large decant sof TDC Sel de Vetiver and Bond #9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory.
(SOTD: Gris Clair.)
Glad you were able to swap out the JM…and for Bois des Iles, my favorite!
great stuff!
It’s lovely! I just wish it would cool off here so I can wear it.
I didn’t myself buy any full bottles this quarter. Shocking!
I did buy 2 minis( long lost perfumes Crepe de Chine & My Sin)
and a tiny bit of vintage Joy parfum that may be turned… I have no idea lol it’s even still in it’s cute display box all sweetly decrepit.
and I was gifted a bottle of Gres Cabotine
So I’ll put one bottle on the poll.
Oh good for you! And jealous of the Joy, lucky you.
For myself…TDC Bois d’Iris and Givenchy Vetyver–all impulse buy. Could have been worse if I went to Serge Lutens when in Paris and actually snatched ISM and Chergui (and Guerlain Champs-Élysées for that matter)! My only defense is that I got Givenchy Vetyver when I was in Harrods: I blame it on the decor XD
Yes, surely it was the decor!
yes of course…..not your fault at all….that sneaky decor….
Oh crap. I thought you might make this a Thursday poll and give me more time to do my calculations. Must go tally…
Sorry!
HA! Me too Joe! I can say that I am 6 bottles into 4th quarter after yesterday’s escapades in NYC. YIKES!
I love how you say NYC as if it’s hours away.
It IS an hour train ride away.
Let’s see, three unsniffed purchases, but this time, all of them turned out very well – barbara bui le parfum (veeery nice, woody, yummy), jacomo silences (lovely chypre with rose) and lancome cuir (waiting for the colder months to wear it). I also bought bulgari blu notte for men, for the chocolate. no samples for me this quarter, the horror!
Silences has rose?? How’d I miss that?
Three for three, that’s excellent! Good for you. Jealous of your Barbara Bui, too.
I bought a bottle of Flowerbomb, Fancy, Believe, 2 Wrapped w/ love on clearence, a Marc Jacobs Splash, and an L gwen s. All were cheap but the Flowerbomb. Around $250 for me. O and a Fantasy solid. O and a L solid so like $300. Scary!
That is a lot of perfume for $300 though! You did better than I did with my 1 bottle for $185.
OK – 6 bottles, but bargains all.
MAC Naked Honey (2 bottles)
Barbara Bui (2 bottles)
R.L. Safari
Carla Fracci Giselle
My perfume budget was totally zapped by the recession, so I have consoled myself with (rationalizing here) buying inexpensive comfort scents this quarter.
Most of these have been praised by beloved perfume bloggers at PP, PST,and my favorite info source, NST, who know best about such things. I’ve sold my ginormous Chanel N0.18 and a few other pricey bottles to fund my addiction. With my supply of original Black Cashmere and a few Andy Tauers, gazillions of accumulated samples,and a closetful of bottles from my reckless, newbie past, I am content.
2 bottles of Barbara Bui, lucky you! And sounds like you got a lot for a little, good for you.
Barbara Bui can be found online at Rei Rien, and at other online stores.
I bought it unsniffed, and I just love it.
I’ve been wearing it a lot – it’s wonderful!
Correction: Actually, Robin, I first bought B.B. on eBay in the second quarter, but stocked up recently at Rei Rien. ( I also discovered that Giselle was another second quarter purchase.) So that’s 4 bottles, not six – I’m doing better than I thought with the budgeting thing!
Oh good for you!
You had to mention Rei Rien…and I had to go check it out. I see more trouble in my future in the shape of a lot of great minis! :/
I bought four bottles and 3 Crazylibellule crazy sticks — do those count? I guess they do! None of my bottles was more than $59 though.
Laurence Dumont Tendre Madeleine
EL Cinnabar
EL Tuscany per Donna
Avril Lavigne Black Star
Crazylibellule Chere Louise, Encens Mystic, Vanille Macarons
and of course, many, many samples!
Gosh, I guess they count. They’re sure bargains though, and sounds like you did great at keeping your cost down.
mmm Tuscany per Donna…good stuff, really the only EL that works for me, although I think my oooold bottle is a bit off on the top notes.
I’m curious Daisy, how old is your bottle? This Tuscany I just purchased does not smell quite like the one I loved in the ’90s — I’m wondering if it’s been reformulated, of if I just remember it differently!
my bottle is from….(pause while doing the math…bought it when J was in ballet, which is when she was 4….) …..1995? yes I bought it in 1995…which means the bottle might have been produced somewhere between 93-95? I think the 100ml bottles sit in stock longer than the smaller ones.
I would be happy to trade samples….but like I said, the top notes may be off…it smells “different” to me than it used to.
I think ’95 is about when I started wearing Tuscany, so your bottle is probably about the vintage of my old bottle (which the top notes also seemed “off” on after a few years). Thanks for the offer to trade, though. I did buy a vintage mini of it on eBay to compare, and it seemed “off” too. How to recapture the scent I once wore?!
It’s sad, but sometimes it’s just best to find something new to love.
I get so tired of chasing down something discontinued or an old formulation….either not finding it or it costs like a 2nd mortgage.
sigh…..
It’s true … sometimes it’s best to just accept that something is gone, of the past! There’s certainly plenty of new stuff to love!
Oh, heavens… man, I knew this was coming so I tallied last week -and put off a few purchases until Oct. 1, how bad is that??
Full Bottles (anything 15ml and over for edt/edp, and 1/4 oz for parfum):
Parfum Sacre, backup
Vtg No. 5 parfum, backup
L’arte Di Gucci, two bottles
L’Heure Bleue parfum
vtg L’Origan parfum
Jolie Madame edt (not vintage, but not the current stuff either)
Victoria parfum
Balenciaga Michelle parfum
And 18 mini bottles, mostly of vintage/classic/discontinued stuff; I won’t name them all. Total expenditures: $458 (gulp).
The most I paid for any bottle was $60. I wasn’t all THAT bad… at least I like to tell myself so.
Haven’t we collectively decided that $100 is the new “free”? If so, then you were good as gold!
yeah, in fact based on the $100=free calculation…. and no bottles over $60, I figure that the CEO owes you some $$$ back (don’t ask for numbers to back up this claim, just go with it)
Mwa ha ha! Actually, I had set myself a limit of $100 for 4th quarter and I’m already over it: vintage Sortilege, two bottles of Emeraude parfum*, and a backup bottle of Shalimar Light. I had planned for a small decant of La Myrrhe, but it may have to wait until my birthday (January).
* Still my favorite, ever, no matter how many things I try. And They Ain’t Makin’ More Vintage Emeraude Parfum, baby. I’m stockpiling.
more Emeraude? You ARE stockpiling! I’m enjoying my decant btw, thank you thank you!
Then you sent me a decant of Drunken Slut Edt…er, I mean Tocade Edt….and I’ve been forced to buy a bottle of that…luckily that fell in the 4th quarter.
So you’re getting along well with Drunken Pantyless Slut? That’s very good…
well, it just sort of screams ME now doesn’t it?
Oh, but you got some really lovely classics!
But what is Victoria??
Victoria’s Secret Victoria – the original one, a floral chypre. Top notes are rather nasty (maple syrup+hairspray+swimming pool, yerk), and this is the case with the other two minis I bought as well, so it must have been that the formula didn’t age well. If I suffer through half an hour, though, it is the most delightfully cool, feminine scent – rose, muguet, vetiver, moss, and a very dry amber.
Victoria — that brings back memories! It was my sister’s signature scent in the ’90s. It smelled great on her (but didn’t work for me, unfortunately!).
Oh, of course…I knew that, once upon a time! Sounds lovely.
Mals is such a trouper: she even endures suffering for her perfume.
it’s inspiring, really.
I’m proud to know her.
There are only certain scentss I’ll suffer for, Joe…
Oh, and BTW I do owe you a reply email; things have been a bit nuts around here. (I have a new nephew, squee!)
she had the baby!!! yay! Congrats on your new Aunthood
Hmmm, just one (unsniffed) large bottle — Annick Goutal Songes. I was desperate for some frangipani, but I don’t think this is the one for me (it’s the EDT, maybe that’s part of it?). I put 2-4 in the poll, though, because I also got a small bottle of Crepe de Chine and a mini of Kenzo Amour Le Parfum (both via eBay) and went in on a split of Andy Tauer’s Une Rose Chypree.
If I throw in sample/decant purchases, it starts to get scary! But samples! They’re sooooooo wonderful. And thanks to someone who mentioned that it was worthwhile to check directly with perfumers to see if they sell reasonably-priced sample packages…I’ve been in scent heaven since Friday when my sample sets from L’Artisan and Tauer both arrived (not to mention that my awesome NST giveaway Lisa Hoffman set arrived last week as well
). I think that if I had to choose between a limited array of FBs and unlimited samples, I would go the sample route — having so much fun with that!
You know, I think I might have to agree. More $/ml, but more fun to go around.
I think it’s partly because I’m still so new to fragrances — once I’ve “been there, smelled that,” maybe having so many scent samples to try won’t be as important.
Whoops, and I forgot another bottle I bought: Pacifica’s Malibu Lemon Blossom (but that was such a delightfully cheap buy that it barely counts!)
Congrats on your Songes, that’s a lovely scent!
I think I agree with you on the samples. More fun per $.
Just one bottle for me, babe! $87. for AG Des Lys. I think I purchased the last bottle in the states, as it is sadly discontinued.
This makes up for the damage I did earlier in the year. I won’t even go back there to determine how much I’ve spent altogether, lol!
Hugs!
Hey you! Congrats on the Lys…that’s a pretty one. Hope they’ll release it again eventually…they seem to be cycling through the soliflores, I think?
Five bottles for a total of $182:
L’Heure Bleue EDP 2.5oz
Eau de Rochas 1oz
LouLou 1oz
Yvresse 2oz
Mauboussin 1.7oz
All purchased from discounters, so some good deals. All but L’Heure Bleue were purchased unsniffed (the horror) with the 20% discount from Parfum1. Eau de Rochas and LouLou were instant love. Mauboussin reminds me a bit on Angel (which I have), but it’s different enough that I can appreciate it. Yvresse may take a few more wearings to appreciate. It might be the one dud out of the bunch. And L’Heure Bleue’s been on my wish list for awhile, so very happy with it.
I also received a 1.7oz bottle of L’air du desert marocain from Andy in one of his giveaways!!! THANKS AGAIN, ANDY!!!!
Oh wait! Do gifts count? I bought a bottle of Dior Homme for my husband for his birthday. $50 at a shop in Playa del Carmen, MX, while on vacation…which brings my total to $232. Not so bad…
No! Gifts do not count, neither given nor received.
if he wears it even ONE time then it doesn’t count on your tab…cuz after he’s worn some, then you’re just “borrowing”
Ha ha!!! Funny, Daisy. He wore it a few times. Smells great. Haven’t tried it myself…though, now you got me thinkin’.
Oh, even two instant loves is a very good record unsniffed, congrats! And lucky you on the Tauer, that’s another great scent.
I purchased Ormonde Jayne’s sample programme. Does that count as One, or not even one?
I think it counts as one! Not that it isn’t worth it, but that puppy ain’t cheap
I’ve tried and loved a few OJs…definitely planning to join you in the sample programme purchase (but am trying to hold out until they officially launch Tiare and incorporate it into the samples).
Really, it’s up to you. Most of us don’t count samples even though the cost can really add up.
Did you love any of the Ormonde Jaynes??
Oh yeah, I absolutely adore Osmanthus and Fragipani, great scents to wear from summer into fall. I also LOVE the Ormonde Man on my boyfriend.
He likes most of the perfumes on me with one exception: Ta’if. He hates it, can’t stand it, and the three times I have it on (without telling him which one specifically) he said the same thing: It’s too strong, it’s not you, and it’s invasive.
So interesting…so many people find Ta’if too wispy! But so glad you found a few you like.
$40 worth of samples, some swaps, but NO bottles =)
And shame on you for not getting Diorissimo in extrait or the Joy EDP!
I am SO SO stupid! But I dithered, and now I don’t want to buy either because I’m sure they’re reformulated & I won’t be happy.
I got Kilian Pure Oud and Back to Black, plus SL Fille en Aiguilles and PdE Wazamba. Oh, and I received Roja Dove Enslaved as a gift, but that doesn’t count since I didn’t pay!
Nice picks, and a nice gift!
My vote is 5-9. It started off decent enough-Glow, Covet (on clearance), then came the Skin Musk, Windsong, etc. Rent versus perfume.
Rent is hard to come up with, sometimes
Well, this was my worst quarter by far, so far. Not counting samples (bc I don’t even track them)… I voted 5-9 due to minis/splits, but what I got, for a grand total of $231, was:
Eau de Rochas, 10 ml
Tuscany per Uomo, 50 ml
Guerlain Meteorites, 30 ml
Speziali Fiorentini Te Nero, 50 ml
Bvlgari Black, 75 ml
Balenciaga Prelude, 5 ml
Chanel Egoiste, 4 ml
Guerlain Vetiver, 5 ml
Eau de Givenchy, 5 ml
John Varvatos, 75 ml
AT Une Rose Chypree, 15 ml
Chanel #5 edp, 4 ml
FM Angeliques Sous la Pluie, 10 ml
The true horror? All but the last 4 were unsniffed purchases. :O Summer is always a bad splurge time for me; I think I go a little manic. Next year I’ll do better (but not this quarter bc I need cold weather scents).
I completely understand. I almost didn’t respond. Talk about cutting back.
Mmm, Angeliques Sous La Pluie, great choice! Really, for all you got, you didn’t spend that much!
That one was my great bargain…only $23 shipped!
Correction…one of my 2 great bargains, the other being the URC split from a fabulous NSTer!
Wow, that is a bargain!
Good haul!
Wow, but you did great for that price!
oh, *sigh* I see I’m not alone with these unsniffed purchases
I know it’s stupid, but I like the surprise, and one rule I never break with unsniffed stuff – it has to be a bargain
You know, mine were all bargains, and all came fairly highly recommended by people with similar tastes. And most were minis to boot. The best was the look on my husband’s face when he saw the Egoiste… “where did that come from?” “oh, got it for cheap on the bay” “but…I thought that was for men…that’s what I used to wear…” Heehee.
how are you getting along with the Chanel no 5??
you like?
You know, I’ve done little more than sniffed at it. I still have so many samples to work through…seriously need a better system. Or, simply to slow down. It posed as vintage, though I doubt that it is, but since I wasn’t paying vintage $, I didn’t quibble.
“vintage” covers a lot of ground with Chanel, and usually it’s not too spendy. I’ll send you some extrait to try in comparison to the Edp.
The listing just made me giggle so much, I had to do it. “Really old, please only buy it for the bottle, the perfume is sure to have turned.” And I’ve been hopelessly remiss in sending your (still waiting!) pkg, but we’ve been under the weather in turn here. Now, the dh is um… no longer gainfully employed…so I’m free to run errands w/o kids on the weekends.
Boojum: You may never see this comment at this point, but regarding fall/cool weather scents, you may end up enjoying the Tuscany Uomo in really cold weather.
If I can find a way to apply 1/10th of a spritz somewhere that doesn’t project much…:D That is a monster, sillage-wise.
I’ve had scents where I’ve held a cotton swab right up against the atomizer, sprayed to wet it, then use the swab to dab judiciously. It is kind of strong, so just tiny dabs on the chest and crook of the arms might do the trick.
2 bottles:
flowerbomb
flowerbomb extreme
Nice! Did you try the new Eau Mega? I haven’t yet.
I can’t wait to read a review of this! I am one of the few (so it seems…) that like Viktor & Rolf.
I’m hoping to smell it this weekend. I don’t dislike V&R, just think their clothes are more interesting than their perfumes.
Seven bottles this quarter – eek!!
Niki de Saint Phalle – 59 mL
Fendi Theorema – 100 mL
Avon Far Away – 50 mL (yuck, yuck, yuck – purchased unsniffed for $15.00 and am giving it away)
Parfums de Nicolai – Cologne Sologne – 100 mL
Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois – 50 mL
And two 7.5 mL perfume oils from Body Time: Egyptian Musk and Green Fig
And, to make matters worse, I smelled two things recently that I am in love with SL Fille un Aiguilles and Santa Maria Novella Tobacco Toscano. Luckily my birthday is coming up!
Nice — you got some hard-to-find things, too!
Alien
Chanel No. 22
…and a whole slew of vintage ‘fumes, some good, some not.
The best were Infini, Molinard de Molinard, and 7 ml of Joy parfum ($5!!!!!!!!!:o ). I also got a mini with most the label worn off, but the word “Lyric.” I didn’t know that Amouage Lyric was a 2008 inception, so I got all stoked that I was getting vintage Lyric for $2.
Ack, where did you find that Joy??
I found it in a little antique shop in Hebo, Oregon. The gal sold me an Organza mini for the same price.
Awesome find, lucky you!
Note to self: visit Hebo.
A Lyric mini? Didn’t know they had them! And that was a steal even though it is a new frag…it’s pricy stuff!
Erm, it wasn’t Amouage. It was, as I found out through some research, one of a trio of perfumes sold exclusively at Sears Roebuck in the 50s. The company was named Lyric. The perfume is called Private Life.
LOL! oh dear. Well, it was only $2.
Holy Indole! Thank goodness for PayPal’s reporting functions. “Funny” how one forgets what one has bought. Yeeeesh. I’ve spent about $800 on perfume last quarter (including samples, etc.). ACK! This has gotta stop!
Full/partial bottles, minis, splits ≥ 15ml:
- AdP Colonia Intensa (split 65ml)
- Diptyque L’Eau de Tarocco (partial)
- Hermes Eau de Gentiane Blanche
- Roger & Gallet Shiso
- L’Heure Bleue vintage
- Prada Infusion d’Iris (partial)
- Spiritueuse Double Vanille (split 15ml)
- Habit Rouge (split 30ml)
- Guerlain Parure (split 15ml)
- Eau d’Italie Sienne L’Hiver
- CdG Sequoia (split 20ml)
- L’Artisan L’Eau de Navigateur (partial)
- Chopard Mira Baï
- Baldessarini Del Mar Seychelles (gift for someone else, so not counted!)
Hey Big Spender! I think, gulp, I am right up there with you.
Hey, I just realized not one single item cost more than $100, so that still counts as being trés frugal, right? Bwahahaha.
yes, you shall now be known throughout the land as Joe, the Frugal Perfume Dragon. (all bow down, and tremble!)
I thought that I was going to throw up after adding all my purchases up, but Daisy and Joe just made me feel not so *demented*.
Oh wait…in that case, wasn’t it all free? <$100 = free, no?
L’eau du Navigateur = my new love. Great choice!
I really need to try that one!
I’ve been meaning to try it as well, but was waiting to do a sample order once the HV is on the website. Losing patience…
*faints*
careful—we’ll waft some MIMOSA under your nose to bring you around….and if that doesn’t do it, I’m sure we could come up with some MELON!
LOL…I’m up, I’m up!
uh-huh, don’t make me get out the mimosa! (I’m so mean!)
wow, it seems more longer than 3 months… I’ve managed notte bianca (or whatever , profumi del forte, for my vanilla moods), rose 31 (Le labo, for my rosy cumin ones, unfortunately my boss hates that), black aoud (montale, an impulse buy, still not sure for what mood, probably when I want to convince my boss that cumin is wonderful in comparison), jasmine et cigarette (ELDO, perfect with my Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress), MKK (SL) and samples…
Very jealous of your Rose 31, too bad your boss hates it!
OK, here goes:
- a motherlode of sample bottles/partial bottles from a flea market
- Bal a Versailles EDT (the large economy size!)
- Vintage Tabu EDC (from eBay)
- Replique bath & body oil (from eBay)
- samples from Sonoma Scent Studios
That doesn’t sound too bad!
I bought 3 bottles this quarter at discount :
Chanel No 5 parfum refill 8ml
Eau de Pamplemousse Rose 100ml
Annick Goutal Ambre Fetiche 100ml
The AG I did not plan on getting, but when it showed up at discount I could not not get it, if you know what I mean. I can tell I will wear it throughout the cold season–it has a number of my favorite dramatic notes held in an understated elegant way.
And these wikisplits in place of bottles I wanted to buy full price:
OJ Champaca 10ml
Chanel Beige 10ml
I estimate I slid in at around $250. To me perfume is cheap for the amount of ongoing entertainment and pleasure I derive from it. $250 is the price of three sessions of therapy; I get more benefit from the perfume!
I love the comparison to the cost of therapy. HA!
Yes…shame insurance won’t cover it!
LOL!! I need a low deductible on my perfume insurance….
Yes. Now if perfume would just start solving more of my problems!
I’m just BAD, and everyone already knows it so I might as well fess up….but remember, my 18yr old shares the perfume so that makes it a little better, right? here goes , ( and nobody point out anything that you may know I’ve missed since I’ll just pretend I don’t remember anyhow)…..
Natori EdP
DSH Arabian Rose
DSH Tea Rose
LLP Crepe de Chine
Bal a Versailles parfum
Mauboussin
Yvresse —unsniffed mistake
Ajmal Ghala
Ajmal Lail o Lail (1001 Nights)
Ajmal Aswaaf
Al Haramain Alf Zahra
Guerlain Attrape Coeur
Guerlain Spiriteuese Double Vanille
The total is just about $1000 but the last two I don’t get to have yet….CEO has them in “perfume stash” for holiday gift giving. And there’s some samples and decants but let’s not open that kettle of fish!
oops, I did forget one ginormous purchase that is included in my total so I was forced to ‘remember’ it and add to the list:
Amouage Lyric….still in transit…and the CEO better be planning to give it to me for sweetest day or it could turn into ‘great-big-cranky day’ really fast!
Given how generously you share your spoils w/swappers&splitters, I think you get a discount, or a pass for a free bottle or something. We won’t tell.
lol that sounds good to me—I’ll forward your comment to the CEO immediately!
Here I am, particularly dense on this matter: what is “sweetest day?” Is there some holiday for garnering gifts from loved ones that I am not aware of?
See! Even Ann doesn’t know what it is, and she’s a she! I’m convinced it’s some weird Midwestern thing, Ann.
Oh, and I thought one of the last two on your list was supposed to be the Sweetest Day gift.
It’s even more specific than that…I think it’s a Michigan thing, or at most an eastern Great Lakes thing. I googled it last time it was mentioned here. Midwestern girl born and bred, and I’d never heard of it.
Ann– Sweetest Day is October 17th, is it not on your calendar? (passes Ann a sharpie)
Joe–I will take any holiday I can get! Sweetest Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Friday, Christmas….all I know is there’ll be 4 great bottles in the “perfume stash” and one of them better show up on my pillow tout de suite! (the CEO is aware that bodily injury may result from perfume gratification delays)
Anyone who is not familiar with ‘Sweetest Day’ has never had one of those little freebie Hallmark calendar booklets.
Oh God now I am having some sort of flashback to many many years go when I lived in Columbus OH… is this some day when those “red cards” start to show up on the aisles, as if no one could wait to be disappointed only one time a year at Valentine’s Day?
Did you forget Creed Rose-nan Thé Bulgarian? Pondichery? Hmm? Sorry… tough love in this corner.
Curses! no, no I have no recall of that at this time.
and I’m not planning to have any recall at a later time either.
Helping Joe out here (although really I should back the generous sender of samples) but – isn’t there also a bottle of Amouage Dia in the holiday stash?? I didn’t see that listed.
P. S. Also adding that I’m feeling a little guilty here, and the CEO might be sending me a bill seeing as how more than a couple of those bottles were my fault!
yeah, Rapple, you just better watch yourself there! (you super-enabler, you!)
I think the Dia was at the very tail end of 2nd quarter….it’s been hiding in the basement for a while….but my decant is almost empty! (PANIC)
Oh, I wanted to ask if your Epic decant was giving you headaches?
oh that’s right! You are also the one who turned me on to Ambre Narguile too…..I mean, you know, if I had bought 15ml of that….
Daisy, I’ve been too chicken to try it. Besides, I’ve been wearing the uber gorgeous old Mitsouko.
Sweetest day?!?
I guess I better buy something for that, LOL…
*sigh* Awesome list Daisy.
Hey Daisy! I also bought Yvresse and Mauboussin this quarter, both unsniffed, and I agree – Yvresse – bleh. But Mauboussin is OK. Curious about that Natori. How is it? No idea what those Ajmal things are…
That does it. Yvresse is one of those minis I keep eyeballing as an unsniffed purchase when I buy something else…given the enormous chorus of Nos on this thread…I think I’ll spare myself.
I’ll send you a sample. I love it, and everyone can send their dissed and dismissed bottles to me!
I don’t even wan to think about the $ or I might throw up, but here’s what I purchased:
Ajne Printemps (partial bottle)
Penhaligon’s Amaranthine (decant)
TF Black Orchid (FB)
Patou Que-Sais-Je (FB)
Patou Forever (FB)
Kelly Caleche (purse spray)
Ajne Om
TF Tobacco Vanille (split)
Patou Chaldee mini
2 bottles MAC Naked Honey
MAC Africanimal
Natori edp
Etat Libre’s Jasmin & Cigarette
Kenzo Power mini
Lilly Pulizer Beachy (FB)
Oh my God I’m disgusting…..but I smell good
oh thank goodness! someone as bad as me! We may be broke, but we smell FANTASTIC!
Nice list though!
Lovethescents – have you smelled the Patou Que Sais Je? I’ve been wondering about that one – what’s it like? I fell in love with Colony (FB worthy) but it has carnation in it and within a couple of minutes I was itching. Darn!
I have 2 Que Sais Je minis so when a I spotted a literal bargain on a FB, I couldn’t resist. It’s a glamorous hazelnut to my nose, with little drops of honey. I love it
*rummages through train case in which I keep my stash* Count it as 4:
Bulgari Black
Gucci Envy
Shalimar (vintage EDT)
And 2 biggish decants: Nahema and Apres l’Ondee (disappointment, in that I could only think of those violet-scented Anis de Flavigny candies)
If I acquire anything else, I’m going to need an additional case to hold overflow from my growing stash…and just yesterday I nabbed some vintage Bal a Versailles PDT.
LOL…guessing your case is too darned small. You better be good this quarter!
Actually, since I have work right now, I started checking *B*y for another train case/hatbox/doctor’s bag.
(Possibly uninteresting story: A year ago my mother’s cats were staying with me while she was out of town. One of them repeatedly shoved the train case off of the shelf in my closet, because SHE wanted to sit there. Fortunately nothing was damaged, so I didn’t have to explain to my mother why she left me with two cats only to return and find one. And the train case now routinely sits on the closet floor.)
Oh, thank goodness no bottles broke!
Ok. I think listing after Joe and Daisy makes me feel a little better, lol. Though not so much as I am * pretending* that the FB of Mitsouko extrait that I received on Oct 1, will actually count for the 4th quarter. When I promise to be gooood.
Mille et Une Rose (10 ml)
MAC Naked Honey (2)
Mauboussin (2)
DSH Giardini Segreti
DSH Rose La Fleurette
Joy (eau de Joy edp, pre-reform) (3)
Mini Amazone
Vintage Magie Noire in the ugly black bottle (Woo – hooo!!)
Coco parfum (do gifts to yourself count?)
No 19 parfum
Chamade edt – vintage FB (late 60s) (woo-hoo!)
Theorema edp
First Premier Bouquet (VC & A)
L’Heure Bleue edp
Mitsouko edp
Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant
And a handful of swaps and mini’s, including a total score on a mini Chamade extrait in the coolest little crystal bottle that is so cute and tiny and just like the real bottle! And an empty vintage Mitsouko parfum bottle that still smells like the heavenly stuff.
mmmmm you gotz lotz ov goood stuffs.
oh, I have you to thank for the Mauboussin tip….I luvs it!
but you wuz bad to send me Organza Harvest 2007 –I can only find bottles in the UK and they don’t want to ship to the US!!! arg!
Fortunately, I’m sure something amazing will be released any day now and totally divert my fickle lemming glands!
I know, I know… I wish I’d bought two of them when they were easy to get! It is such a great jasmine vanilla oriental. A very similar though different scent is the Montale Velvet Flowers. Just imagine Organza Jasmine with saffron in it. Good stuff.
See, and I really liked the Amarige Mimosa Harvest 2007 and should have bought it…but didn’t bank on the LE concept. Sigh. Maybe I should go pull out my sample and convince myself I didn’t really like it after all.
I waited too long to buy that Amarige Mimosa too – by the time I’d made up my mind to get it, it was long gone. Too bad.
Hey, Oct 1 *is* the last quarter, that’s not even cheating.
Seems like everyone got vintage Joy this quarter but me
Yes, I hunted that Joy down mercilessly – two pour bottles of the “older” Joy eau de Joy edp and one of the cute cute cute and yet ugly brown eau de Joy bottles. I think they must be from grey market Asian bottles. I am so relieved to have them tucked away. It is gorgeous, and perfect, and smells like fresh cut roses… and all that other stuff they put in there!
D*MN IT. Why does everybody but me get rose out of Joy?
C – you make me laugh. Can I say it is a state of mind? Like “tree falling in the woods stuff” – try NOT to smell it, and it is all over the place.
I guess I get too distracted by trying NOT to smell ho panties.
Don’t worry, M, it’s now in a loving home where it’s owner finds deep rich rosy goodness in it.
C – I have a very defective skank-o-meter…I rarely smell skanky yuck at all, unless it’s strait up civet, or smelly socks. It is always my fear that I’ll wear something that smells rancid to other people, but great to me. Always that “Sex Panther” fear…. Of course, I’ve not yet tested the French Lover stuff….
Wow – *thumbs up*! And the Mitsouko that’s on the way – *Swoon*!
Yes, Mitsouko came along this year and totally kicked my butt after all these years of indifference. Sigh – it is so beautiful and perfect. What took me so long? Thankfully I like the current edp OK. But I am thrilled that the extrait is from 2006 – I believe, before the big ugly reform happened.
I’m a serious Mitsouko fiend.
No bottles, my biggest frag expense was the OJ sample set. Plus a couple of other samples.
There aren’t that many things that I want either and I’m hoping that Santa might be kind this year. Just need to decide if I should ask him for Dia or 31 Rue Cambon
Wow. Dia v. Rue Cambon. That is a tough one. Good luck with that!
Tell me about it! I wanted Dia for some time and 31RC is a new discovery but I fell for it quite hard. Both just make me smile
I say go for whichever is the best buy at this time. It is not likely that Chanel will discontinue Rue Cambon any time soon. I actually think Dia “behaves” very similarly to Chanel’s Coco, except it is more floral. And Rue Cambon reminds me of the very drydown of Chanel’s Coco as well — all that wonderful warm amber. They all could be cousins for sure.
Interesting, I always think of Dia as more of a N5 type. On me it’s more of a floral aldehyde, classic and ladylike although not old or particularly formal.
I’ve been Chanel-less since Coco Mademoiselle and I broke up a few years ago but there’s definitely a place for both of them.
We’ll see. There’s plenty of time to decide still and I have samples of both until then.
I vote for BOTH. My santa responds well to bribery….I’d recommend establishing a bribe protocol immediately.
I suppose some bribery and being really, really good won’t hurt, right? lol
yup, gotta cover all the bases.
I thought that was really, really bad…
whatever Santa wants….
*grins* Bad. But in a good way.
Kinda like Bandit.
Oh, you were VERY restrained! Good for you.
Ack, it wasn’t for the lack of trying. I sniffed a few things but not many made me feel like I must own a whole bottle, y’know? And those that did, well, they are not an impulse buy material.
I might finally get a bottle of Diorissimo. I was going to wait until spring but was recently told that they are discontinuing smaller sizes come November.
Let me know if it smells ok. I wasn’t sure if it had already been reformulated.
I’m probably not the best person to ask as I’m not intimately familiar with it and I’m probably not experienced enough to pick out the subtle changes but I’ll do what I can. Of course, if it’s been changed beyond recognition and now smells of pine needles then I’ll be able to tell.
The local department store has two slightly different types of packaging, I keep meaning to go back and compare the ingredients to see if there’s any fundamental difference there at least. I’m also keeping an eye on on-line discounters in case a good deal pops up.
Abyss – Helg at Perfume Shrine had a great article about the different Dior packaging and how to tell what you’re getting. Go to perfumeshrine.com and do a search on Dior.
Hope this helps.
Oh, and make sure you do some research on the batch numbers that Dior uses/used. It will be helpful deciding which box to get as well. The batch numbers are almost always on the box somewhere. You can usually determine which is the older box, and in this case, that is a good thing with the Diorissimo!!
I remember reading that page a few months ago so thanks for reminding me about it, Rappleyea.
I’ll also see if I can swot up on the batch numbers a bit.
Decants of both!
Ah, yes, good point! The whole decant/bottle split concept is still new to me so I always forget about that option.
Zillions of samples, but this is the FB count, so:
- Shiseido Feminite du Bois
- Fendi Theorema
My first discontinued bottles! Eeeep! I swore I’d never fall in love with one!
Never regret Theorema…..it is wonderful stuff! now try it with a spritz of Mitsouko! wahooo!
It’s going to be really sad when the world starts running out of Theorema.
Yes, Theorema was a priority stock up this year along with the others I’ve stashed away.
I am done buying perfume for the rest of the year. OVER BUDGET!
I need to invest in stock with companies suchas: Macy’s,Dillards, Saks & Nordstorm, (LOL) as much as I shop there.
Total spent 3rd quarter $360: 5 bottles
YSL Parisienne
Marc Jacobs Lola
Very Hollywood Michael Kors
Idole d’Armani
Estee Lauder Beautiful Sheer
However, I have a wonderful SA Lady @ Macy-Houston, who give’s me tuns of sample and lotions and extra gift bags filled with goodies.
I am, one of her loyal customer, I only buy from her.
I believe, in builing relationships with SA, it bad when you call them on the phone, and they know your voice. (LOL).
My personal belief, no one should have to pay for perfume sample vials, they should be free.
If you call/email a corporation and ask for sample, they should be more than happy to send you atleast 3 to try.
I have been declined alot, especially from Estee Lauder Family, which house alot of designer fragrance, but I still by there products.
You sound like a good customer, glad you found an SA to match!
I bought 3.5 that I can think of, though I’m at work and can’t peek at my perfume shelf at the moment:
Diptique Philosykos
Demeter Thunderstorm
SJP Covet
Decant of Guerlain AA Figue Iris
I spent about $66. I cut way back on the samples this quarter, and I’m going to try to make through this month without ordering any (other than ones that I get with Sephora purchases). I am training for an adventure race later this month, so I’m trying to save my spending money for things I might need. It’s so hard though!!
Ooooh, what’s an “adventure race”? Good luck training for it, whatever it is.
This one is one where you compete in teams of three to six people. It has six legs, and you do different things along the way. You might bike, run, paddle, skate, or use public transportation to different points around the city and do challenges along the way such as eating, shopping (let’s hope for this one!), trivia, taking pictures, etc. The route is kepts a secret, and we get clues along the way as to where to go next. It should be fun if I can get in shape by then!
Oh, that sounds like such a blast! And hard to train for, since you don’t know what you’ll do.
May I just say bless you to the other four demented people who had to answer more than 15?
Full Bottles:
Badgley Mischka Badgley Mischka $30
Calvin Klein CK One Summer $20
Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte $105.
Thierry Mugler Alien Liqueur $90
Estee Lauder Jasmine White Moss $85
Fresh Sugar Lemon $10 – mistake at any price
Hermes Vanille Galante $45 (15ml)
Christian LaCroix + Avon Rouge $33 (why, oh why did I buy this one?)
L’Occitane Bergamot Tea $20
LoLLIA Imagine $10
Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs $30 – for a whole gift set!
Yves Rocher Iris Noir $10
Yves Rocher Rose Absolute $10
Yves Rocher Voile d’Ambre $5
Mac Naked Honey $25
Stetson $12
FB damage $540
Now this is where it gets really nauseating:
Decants:
Andy Tauer Une Rose Chypree $30
Comme des Garcon Carnation $50
Creed Fleur de The Rose Bulgare $30
Le Labo Fleur d’Oranger 27 $30
Le Labo Patchouli 24 $20
Le Labo Rose 31 $20
Natori Natori $35
Prada Iris No1 parfum $50
Habit Rouge $35
Le Labo Iris 39 $20
Amouage Epic Woman $35
Chanel 31 Rue Cambon $15
Guerlain Mon Precieux Nectar $76
Vintage Lubin Gin Fizz $15
Vintage Lubin Nuit de Longchamp $15
Decant damage $476
Total Damage for quarter $1116
Holy cow – I have a problem. Please tell me that it will settle down after I get out of this initial phase of smelling everything? I didn’t even include the samples – although I slowed way down on buying samples and tried to stick to swapping and/or begging. I spent under $100 on samples this quarter.
oh darn! did you have to mention the Guerlain Mon Precieux Nectar?
I should add that to…..no wait, I’ve forgotten it again….
crisis averted.
8ml doesn’t count, regardless of the doozy of a price. LOL
HA! that’s right! DOESN’T COUNT! you have redeemed yourself from your earlier “tough love” incident.
I’m impressed, I was trying to find excuses for my shopping spree, but you’re on a totally different level! if you need any encouragement:
1) you need a basic collection for your training as serious perfumista,
2)it’s an investment,
3)you will be able to help out all friends, relatives and co-workers needing advice,
4) you’ll be so busy smelling all your samples/bottles that you won’t have time to buy anything else
5) (I mean, look at all the poor fashionistas having crisises if they don’t own the it-bag / it-shoes of the moment 1 second before everybody else)
are you O.K. now?
6. It’s all Daisy’s fault – she is an enabler-supreme. She and I went on a Thelma & Louise spending spree of epic proportions this quarter.
We even both got put on spending lock-down within days of each other (and my CEO only knows about $300 of my spending) – of course, you see where that got both of them. Nowhere, that’s where.
yup, lockdown=challenge!
however I have attempted to be “better” lately. At $200+ for a bottle it’s easy to be very bad, very quickly! Those are the things I need to stay away from!!! (they call my name….Dayyyyyzeeeee…..yes?)
Ok Robin, we need to open a new blog about “Perfume Addicts”
Cynthia W, is “out of controll’ we all are. (LOL)
We’ll need a part-time job just to cover our “perfume addictions”. OMG, the Holidays are coming up, and they will be selling lots of goodies with extra free gifts. HELP!
Cynthia, all I can say is bless your heart, you have my sympathy, and thanks for the swaps!
*gulp*
I absolutely slowed down, although maybe not until my third year.
That’s what’s scary. I’m in my second year and it’s just as bad as the first. :-O
I must be backwards. Other than samples and a couple of minis, I bought nothing at all (or almost nothing) that first year. Second year, after I got a feel for what was out there? Ack. Small to some, but for my budget…I need to be pickier.
Wow Cynthia! I’m in awe!
It will be ok. Take a few breaths. Eventually your list of wants will diminish significantly as time passes and your tastes are more defined, and you’ve “smelled it all” that is worth smelling. Recall that most of the new stuff is so meh, and sad to say, there is little each year new that is really sniff worthy.
Wow, Cynthia, great stuff… great stuff. Keep remembering that. I too am in that first year of mania, and I’m feeling less need to buy the Next Great Thing. (Weakness = old classic stuff going about unloved, though.)
Wow – impressive list! Lucky girl!
Now if only I wasn’t plotting to get my hands on some Fat Electrician and Debut as we speak. lol
And I forgot a bottle of Pacific Avalon Juniper – but it was only $3, so that doesn’t count at all. And if I had known that decants under 15 ml didn’t count, I would have crossed some of them off, too. Too bad I actually had to pay for them.
Nice deal! I like that AJ, too, esp the adorable owl on the packaging.
I had been pretty good this quarter, given I’m just at the end of my first year of this addiction…I mean hobby
100ml Eau de Merveilles
10ml Vintage Chanel 22 Parfum (which I resold, so it doesn’t count)
5ml Ambre Sultan
15ml Chanel Cristalle edt
30ml Givenchy Organza
10ml Vintage Diorissimo Parfum de Toilette
50ml Vintage Jolie Madame EdT
Crazylibellule and the poppies Encens Mystique solid
Which all came in at under $100. (Although given the current £:$ rate, I feel like I’m cheating a bit here).
But this week I’ve added to the total significantly:
50ml Theorema (Although Daisy just lessened the guilt about this one – thanks!)
30ml Miss Balmain Vintage EdT
which makes it up to $150 which I guess isn’t too bad, but then I am on a student budget!
I like to do my part….
by the way you are the official High Priestess of Bargain Getting to have all those for so little $$ . you rock!
Oh, you did great, exchange rate or no!
O.k., here it goes:
Panthere de Cartier EdP
Panthere de Cartier Body Milk
JHAG Citizen Queen
Tom Ford Velvet Gardenia
Halston
Natori for both the juice and that masterpiece bottle
Amoureusse
Bal a Versailles extrait
I think that is it.
Oh and a partially used bottle of Amande Honorable.
Yum! very nice list! especially that JHaG, gorgeous stuff, yes?
Yes! It’s a very wearable light leather scent. I love it.
Oooooooh. Citizen Queen AND Bal a Versailles??? (I have both. Love them.) And Amoreuse and Natori are both calling my name… I think I’ll sniff them after Christmas!
Hello.
Amoureusse is gorgeous! I don’t wear it very often but I am proud to have it in my collection.
Natori has been said to be a very sheer version of Dior’s Poison. I have no idea because I have never tried Poison, but I sure do enjoy the Natori. It’s a scent that you can wear daily. Not too heavy nor too light. And like I said, that bottle is a whole other reason why you need this perfume.
Please tell me it ain’t so… I ran screaming from Poison back in the day (had a friend who wore it – she even applied lightly, but it’s SUCH a Wagnerian soprano of a scent). Although people seem to say that Natori sticks close to the skin, so perhaps it will work.
Hey Mals86,
It does wear close to the skin.
Hope that helps.
~D
my nose to brain connection must be way different….I don’t get the connection to poison at all…..don’t worry Mals, I bet you’ll like Natori.
Ooh.,.. I’ve being dying for some Amoureuse – want to do a split?
Super Enabler Cynthia?? or should I say Thelma?
signed~~Louise
You two are crazy! Don’t you remember what happened to Thelma and Louise????
So the words “wanna do a split?” uttered by Daisy and Cynthia = “Drive, Thelma!”
oh no, we’ve already decided to nix the drive over the cliff part, that was just showboating. um, and we probably shouldn’t take actual guns anywhere (prison orange=really not my color) but we could take concealed bottles of Poison or Addict with us incase we had to “spritz our way out of a tight spot!” Stand back or I’ll start spritzing, you know I’ll do it!!!!
There will be no driving over cliffs – our perfume bottles might break.
Nice list. Did you get the new Halston or the old?
Hello Miz R!
It’s the new Halston. Completely tweaked and nothing like the original.
But it does have a certain 1970′s vibe. I find it to be cheap and tawdry and for those reasons, glad to add it to my collection where it’s the only one of its kind. lol
~D
LOL! That’s perfect, we all need a “cheap & tawdry”.
only 2 purse sprays and 2 minis, so i counted that as one! and i managed to track down some naked honey yesterday, so that goes to the 4th quarter!
Hermes Jardin sur le Nil 15 ml ($15)
Ed Hardy Love & Luck 7 ml ($12)
Lanvin Eclat d’Arpege teeny tiny mini ($4) (now i need to try the original and the eclat summer, which i see online)
Clinique Happy to Be tiny purse spray ($5)
Wow, great deals you got!
Has anyone seen recent pix of Donatella? As her lips have morphed, she reminds me of someone…hmmm…could it be Janice from the Muppet Show? http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:LWJthSGDyu6qiM:http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/Janice-MuppetsTV.png
Have you ever seen them in the same room together? Well, have you?
LOL … it’s uncanny!
SHRIEK! That was too funny!
It’s amazing, esp. when you consider that the picture above is not all that old. She’s really changed in the past few years.
OMG! Very uncanny. Thanks for the giggle.
Yup, separated at birth!
come to think of it…..I never have seen them in the same room together….hmmmmm….suspicious….
Oh! You guys, that’s not very nice! Janice of the Muppet Show deserves more respect than that!
oops, you’re right kitty……..
Whoops… I voted 1 bottle, then realized I actually bought 3. Does it matter if 2 of them are already dust collectors that I purchased simply to have and not wear?
LOL…it’s really hard to keep track, isn’t it?
Twinpeaker: that is too funny
OK – here’s my list:
Bvlgari Jasmine Noir
Gucci/Gucci
L’Occitane Bergamot Tea
Tocca Cleopatra
And… drumroll please…
Chanel Coromandel [actually that one is primarily my husband's, but I've already dipped into it - hehe]
I think that’s all FB?
Of course, there have quite a few samples and a couple of minis, but I know they don’t count. Robin’s rules.
Hey, strictly speaking the Coromandel doesn’t count either if it’s your husband’s!
Awww shucks!
lol whatadaya wanna bet that Rustic’s been dipping into the Coromandel more than her hubby has? shhhh, we’ll keep the secret though…
Plus, if it wasn’t for me [or Miss Kitty V] to provide a sample, he never would have known of the wonders of Coromandel.
so you’re saying that purchase was really more like a humanitarian effort? that works for me!
LOL
Ahh too many! Although this is my ‘first’ quarter as
Donna Karan Gold
YSL Opium
YSL Yvresse
La Perla Charme
Missoni Acqua
Tom Ford Black Orchid
SJP Lovely & Twilight
Mac Naked Honey
Chloe Narcisse
L’Occitane Verbena
Van Cleef & Arpels First & Murmre
Badgley & Mischka
Estee Lauder Youth Dew Amber Nude
Plus a whole bunch of samples from TPC
a bit of a mix! I’ve been sniffing like crazy
Very good stuff!
You got a great mix of new & old!
I really clamped down this last quarter as my husband isn’t working, so I just bought a single bottle of Chamade … but I love hearing about everyone else’s purchases – it’s like vicariously spending the money and having the fragrances myself!
I know – even though a couple of folks on here have quite enviable lists[!!], I feel more giddiness than jealousy.
Well, if you were going to buy one, you may as well buy the best. Chamade is my #1 HG, and the only one I’d attempt to save in a fire…It is the most beautiful fragrance ever. Gorgeous!!!
I know what you mean – it is fun!
I hope things improve for you – we’re in the same situation.
I’m using the financial crunch as an opportunity for personal growth.
More exercise, more cooking, more laughing, more love, more hope.
Smelling fabulous.
That’s a great attitude! Concentrate on more of the things that are meaningful; I’m going to work on that.
Hoo boy. I fell off the wagon in a big way in 3Q.
Bois d’Iris: $60 for the 90 ml glass bottle from an independent seller on Amazon. I was so dumbstruck when I saw it that I emailed the seller to confirm the size. “Yes, it’s the 90 ml size.” I did not hem and haw on this one, that’s for sure.
Sel de Vetiver: $95 on ebay. Almost half price.
Sycomore: $165 on ebay. Not exactly half price, but I’ll take it. I’ve been spritzing almost every day and have barely made a dent.
Ginestet Le Boise: $88 at beautyhabit’s sale. Birthday gift for DH.
Etro Vetiver: $68 at beautycollection. Again, for DH, but he didn’t care for it. Sold it on ebay, along with my bottles of Fresh Hesperides, Jolie Madame and Chanel 19. I hesitated about selling the Chanel, but I knew I would never get through the bottle. I had swapped for a mini of the parfum, and I couldn’t justify keeping both. The mini is just the right amount for me.
I love these quarterly confessionals! Go, and sin no more.
SO envious of your Bois d’Iris!
Oh my, what deals — esp. that TDC. That’s wonderful.
I have a feeling that what Donatella would say is not “sin no more” but “is that all?”
Wow, pairofnines, you are a good shopper. Love your choices, especially the two TDCs!
Sycomore and Bois d’iris are very beutiful scents indeed!!
After crazy sampling for the past several months, I’ve decided more than ever that I’m a Guerlie Girl so I’ve been stocking up on the Guerlains (most are vintage):
Jardins de Bagatelle (didn’t expect to like this as much as I did)
Mahora edp and a bottle of extrait – I didn’t even know it ever came in an extrait!
Champs Elysees extrait
Mitsouko – this was the deal of deals – 1 oz. vintage extrait for $134! And it was a religious experience when I wore it!
Whoa!
Good for you! I’ve been wearing Jardins de Bagatelle off and on since it came out in the 80s. I still have an old bottle of body talc. It is very pretty – I especially like it in the summer. It just smells like sunshine to me. And the Mitsouko! Are you kidding? Good for you! It must be even more gorgeous as you got it for a song.
I said this to Angela last week, but something about Jardins reminds me of My Sin without so much animalic base. But I really really like it and I’ve been wearing it in coolish Fall weather and enjoying it very much.
you get the BEST deals on vintage extraits!!!
And you smell divine!
Thanks!
trying hard to cutback… nothing too outrageous in this quarter (got a little too spendy on some Diors and L’Artisans last quarter). Just a little bargain here and there to lift the spirits. Trying hard not to think about the lemming list…. (arrrggh Daphne)
Best finds on the ‘bay:
Tauer L’Air du Desert Marocain (def. most satisfying purchase this quarter. can’t live without.)
Missoni
Miss Dior
Boucheron
From local discounter store – all unsniffed, but together >$100:
Bal a Versailles (me like)
Cabochard (meh)
Madame Rochas (meh)
Ysatis (meh)
Glad you found at least one you can’t live without!
Luckily for me, I liked but didn’t love Daphne. Although as things go, it’s expensive but not outrageous.
Ysatis used to be so good! It’s so sad what it’s become. A shell of it’s former self…
Only three, which in comparison to the massacre of 2008 or to the first and second quarter is pretty good. I bought Muscs Koublai Khan, Teint de neige and Philosykos. But I’m no angel… I’ve spent an incredible (well, it was incredible before, actually…) amount of money in nail polish, which has now found its place in two small metal lockers hung on a wall beside my perfume cabinet. So now the small room I use as an office has become some sort of perpetual obsession sanctuary.
My daughter also has a thing about nail polish.
She loves to collect them – then hardly ever actually uses them. She has really pretty hands and lovely au naturel nails.
Yeah, my office is also “perpetual obsession sanctuary”. Most of it is books, though, which doesn’t make me feel as guilty as, say, the perfume.
I have to come back and read everyone’s damage tonight but I actually shopped last quarter!
CdG Vettiveru
Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom
Stella roll-on
Yves Rocher Fleur de Noel (unsniffed – waiting for cold weather)
Yves Rocher – larger bottle of Rose Absolute
United Colors of Benneton Women unsniffed for $10 (not terrible, not great but I was on a binge)
Lily Pulitzer Beachy for $25 unsniffed – good beach scent.
(don’t hit me) Britney’s Midnight Fantasy for $20, based on Chandler’s assessment, and which I will mostly wear to bed. I like berries at night.
Gotta run – already made a dent in this quarter with the MPG mini-rampage – got my Rose Muskissime today and (whew) like it.
Rose Muskissime is wonderful !! congrats on snagging it at a great price too…. and thanks for the tip!
I’ve dug out my sample to see if I need some too!
Luckyscent must have run out of it, but you know I am happy to share.
Yeah, luckyscent didn’t have it listed anymore, but beautyencounter had it for $70. I’ve been getting goodies from beautyencounter for quite a while and they’re probably my favorite discounter.
So glad to see Vetiverru on your list…that’s an underappreciated scent. And glad you’re doing some shopping!
I adore Vettiveru! I want to add a “rich” vetiver to my collection, like the Malle or Le Labo, but this one is a great everyday vetiver.
I need *many* vetivers
I forgot to add the MAC honeys! I knew I was forgetting something.
I just bought a 30ml bottle of Miracle by Lancome yesterday for AUD93, so that qualifies for the 4th quarter!
I had just cleaned out my perfume stack, sending 5 bottles to the room spray shelf so didn’t feel guilty about buying this one – it had been on my Wish List since it was released in 2000!
The damage this year before yesterday comes to approx. AUD250 … and I am planning on buying Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere in December as my birthday present …
Oh, then you waited a good long time! Hope you’re enjoying it now
oooh, I love Eau Premiere! That’ll be a great birthday present!
Wearing Eau Premiere today. Lovely stuff.
LOVE the Eau Premiere–it’s in smaller bottles now, which is awesome.
I am so out of the loop. I’ve had major financial problems since July and haven’t bought even one bottle of perfume since Spring. However, I did get a few samples and have been longing for FB’s of a few, but can’t do anything for probably another month. Therefore, my perfume spending was niente/de nada/de rien/nothing from June until now.
Good for you then! What will be your first bottle purchase?
Robin,
I haven’t decided, but it’s between DelRae Mythique, Chanel Coromondel, TDC Oriental Lounge and L’Artisan Havana Vanille. Mythique is probably the most reasonably priced of the four (although it’s only 50 ml), so that may factor in my selection.
Wow, is the Mythique cheaper than the L’Artisan?? That’s surprising!
Mythique is definitely more pricey, but 50ml of that is less than 100ml of the Havana Vanille, is what I think she means.
Filomena, I’d be happy to take 10-15ml of Mythique off your hands if you end up buying it!
Oh, but HV will be in 50 ml too!
Filomena, as soon as it’s available I’m jumping on a bottle of HV and will split it up—so that lemming could be covered by a split….now let’s talk about that Mythique…….
I only bought one, Sarah Jessica Parker Covet.
Very restrained! And get it before it’s gone…
I’ve seen SJ Covet in Ross and TJ Maxx, for under 20 dollars. That’s a terrific deal…
Yeah, I keep thinking I may need a backup bottle of that one. I really like it.
So much fun to read about everyone’s finds! I weigh in at 15 (“blushes”) but plead special circumstances re. the first 5 (2 trips to London this quarter meant two trips to OJ, and one to PdN…)
PdN Le Temps d’un Fete 100 ml
PdN Odalisque 30 ml
OJ Ta’if edp
OJ Ta’if travel set
OJ Tolu edp
SL Douce Amere (back up bottle, on sale $60, plus a 15 ml A La Nuit GWP)
Lubin Neuve–loved this over the summer but time to break out the Idole
L’Air du Desert Marocain–love love love!
Le Labo Iris 39 50 ml (used a Barney’s gift card, so cost to me: $30)
TokyoMilk Honey and the Moon
Matthew Williamson Jasmine Sambac (TJ Maxx $20.00)
Ambre Narguile 15 ml $35 ebay
AG Songes edt 100 ml $30.00 ebay
Dior Eau Fraiche edt vintage
Dior Eau Fraiche edc vintage
Oh, heaven knows what I would have done on 2 trips to London. I think you did great! (And I’ll have to start haunting TJ Maxx, I want a bottle of that MW incense, and didn’t even get to try the jasmine, is it nice?)
Thanks! I did feel mildly virtuous when I stepped away from the Mandragore Pourpre and the Futur, consoling myself that they’ll be at the discounters soon enough… The MW Jasmine Sambac is nice and wearable, lighter and sweeter than A La Nuit , for those times when ALN is just too much. I’m curious about the MW Incense.
The Incense (and we’re talking about the one that came in the same quartet as the jasmine, not the original Miller Harris/Matthew Williamson one) is also light — a nice layering scent. I’m going to have to check my TJ Maxx! I think that whole quartet got discontinued.
Gilty, that’s a lovely list! And two trips to London – what fun.
I go for work but there’s always time to play
See we both got Songes and some ToykoMilk this quarter. I am loving the Songes beyond all reason and the TokyoMilk gets high marks in my book because the price is great, all the ones I’ve tried smell really good…and the longevity is fantastic. How is the Poe?
I like it! I was a little concerned about the apple, but I get mostly tea and tobacco from this.
Joining you in loving Songes. It’s like being on vacation somewhere wonderful.
Hey, love for my Top 3 Le Temps d’une Fete! And Ta’if, I love that one too.
Four for me:
1. Guerlain Mitsouko parfum
2. Berdoues Violettes de Toulouse – Fun candied violet
3. Parmfums de Nicolai Sacrebleu extrait – this is a new desert island scent for me
4. Roxana Illuminated Perfumes Vero – discovered this line this quarter and love it!
What a nice mix! Is Berdoues still doing those pretty opaque bottles?
i just won a gorgeous bottle almost 8inch store size bottle of vintage shalimar $77 that i will put on my already jumbled…but creative desk!!!!
uhum…need to remember all other purchases…or not?
nahema refillable 50ml edp (funny from a store in bermuda)
rue de cambon (full bottle full price eeks)
femininte de bois shisheido edp
jolie madame new stuff (full bottle) looove
amber gris (really for the forth quarter)
cuir lancome first try…meeeh
naked honey
africananimal
amazing grace
aa tiare mimosa
penhalogins violetta
l’erbelarion ambraliquidia (really for the 4th quater)
and i don’t know if it counts…hubby bought me attrape and a tiney bit of amouge (i guess vintage( form brueni)
Samples…mmm
lots but the sales people are my friends so all for free
VCAA set, two feerie…..wait for it epic, lyric man and women,jubilation man and woman, gold..ALL amazing, filles en aguillens, gentian,pampeloune rose, NR original mini,Estee aluder PC amber ylang and jasmin moss
Trully…i am sure there is more…putting this all down in front of my eyes is not helping my conscience…hope it helps my spending!!!
What I missed buying was l’arte de gucci sob sob!!!
femimnte de bois extrait SOb sob!
Oh how did I land in this wonderful world of now smell this and others!!
wow! that is some amazing list! so many wonderful fragrances—how in the world do you choose what to wear each day?
daisy…well mostly i just know….i have a faster brain than action…so perfume choice is so fun….
i do have my regulars that are “my me scents” and i have those that i enjoy and smell all day..and …all the others
i get a feeling in the am when i wake up and go from there….
it is all pure abstract indulgence. you have quite an amazing selection..how do u go aobut choosing?
I spend a lot of time standing in front of the open perfume cabinet just staring……
I’ve been late to work doing that! LOL!
Um yep. Guilty.
lol…that sounds great too!!!!!
Oh my…is it “real” Shalimar or a factice?
i do believe it is REAL (just over half full)….am awaiting excitedly as i don’t have any of my perfume out…so i don’t get the visual enjoyment fo my bottles as a whole too much …i do have grand design dreams for a low temperature, display that is alway dark except when i just want to enjoy from all senses!!!
Wow…something that big I would have assumed it was a factice!
The wonderful thing about dear Donatella is that I never have to ask Our Lady of Scented Abundance for forgiveness.
Good thing, because, although I was more restrained than last quarter, I again sinned.
However, this was my quarter of inexpensive purchases: full bottles of Songes, La Mome, (both under $25 each from online discounters, both soooo pretty), two Pacifica (Mediterranean Fig and Lotus Garden), two Tokyo Milk (Ex Libris and Poe’s Tobacco), one from CJ Scents (Amber Coffee, deep and rich) . Add to that a couple of perfume oils from Ava Luxe (Cafe Noir and Bois de Figue), the coffret of Ineke samples, a split of PdE Ambre Russe, and a whole bunch of 2.5 ml decants. Lots of happy sniffing!
Oh, and a bottle of Bvlgari The Rouge (under $20 at TJ Maxx) and a bottle of BBW White Citrus.
How do you like the Mediterranean Fig?
It’s a good straightforward fig; a fairly green fig with some indistinct floral and wood in the background. I wore it a lot in the August heat.
I think that Ex Libris will have to be on my list for next spring/summer. Even ignoring the bargain price, it’s some fantastic stuff!
A “cheap thrills” quarter, good for you!
Wow, it’s time for the quarterly face-the-music thread. I am NOT totalling my purchases, but must say that I’m very happy with all my choices. Here’s my list:
L’Artisan L’Eau de Jatamansi
Guerlain Terracotta Voile d’Ete
Annick Goutal Vetiver
Niki de Saint Phalle
Annayake Miyako
Neil Morris Hologram
Parfumerie Generale Bois Blond
Hey, that’s the 2nd mention of Niki de Saint Phalle. So glad to see it still being bought!
it something i have my eye on…especially as the bottle is pretty special..but i feel it is a blind buy….any ideas or description of the perfume from all you guys?
It is not something I’d order unsniffed:
http://www.nstperfume.com/2007/10/23/three-fierce-green-chypres-sisley-eau-du-soir-parfumerie-generale-corps-et-ames-and-niki-de-saint-phalle/
Niki scared the pants off me. (True, I am a wimp and so far have only found a few floral chypres I like – they have to be very, very floral for me.)
I’m trying to save up my meager shekels for my trip to Italy next month, so niente, cara Donatella! But I’m living vicariously through everyone else’s wild sprees…
Yay, where are you going?
Venice. No idea if there’s any perfume action there, but who cares!
One of my favorite places on earth! Much less perfume than elsewhere in Italy, but maybe you’ll find something, and yes, either way you won’t care!
Who needs perfume from Venice when you can buy GLASS!? One of my absolute favorite places as well.
oh yay for u..i just saw a programe on national geo cooking..on food and art….the venicians have an island nearby where they grow all their local produce and make a local wine….and those vegetables and fruits and herbs are the bBEST tasting in the world…thus the venetians only need really simple recipes as the produce is soooo flavourful…another dream…a studio in one of the amazing architecture (lots of stone and arches) and i am sure the fumes will keep cool there too.
Now Joes idea of glass….enjoy when u get there!!! and the build up to going
I did very well, I bought four bottles for $112.50. Fend (original), Roger & Gallet Bouquet Imperiale, Halston Couture (Vintage) and Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer. The CEO is very proud of me…. Let’s see if I can keep it up.
Not bad at all!
Not bad at all, except I totally blew Q4 in the first three days of October! So much for the law of averages huh??
I’ve been lusting after Hermes Pamplemousse Rose (love it) and I found a 1/2 ounce of Nina Ricci Farouche perfume in Lalique crystal. It’s a beautiful soft-powdery aldehyde floral. Lasted 12 hours on me.
So I’m done for Q4, and it’s only Oct 7th. I got the Nina Ricci for a pretty reasonable price on flea-bay considering….
LOL…will you really make it to the end of the year?
Honestly, probably not! But I’ll try. The good news is friends & family are getting fragrant holiday gifts, and they’re already purchased so that keeps me out of harm’s way, a little bit.
Unless, Daisy gets me started and then I’m in trouble….
Daisy, you stay away from SmokeyToes!
what? why are you looking at me?
it’s not like I would ever even DREAM of emailing anyone and saying “hey you want to split some……” heheheheh
u guys better stay away from me…and robin…u stay right there minding off the others…btw, what does ceo stand for?(husband)
yup, some of us refer to the hubby as the Chief Executive Officer…..I think Mals started that one. I think this blog is creating it’s own lexicon.
um, i always thought of us ladies as the CEOs…u know house managing, kids….
naaah, you’re right the hubbies r the CEOs , good one, better than DH
Mmmm, I’d like to revisit the Fendi AND the Aromatics Elixir. I’ts been a long time.
Oh, I just noticed that you said Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer, which I have never tried. I think I need to do so.
Hi RusticDove,
I got mine on fleabay for 15 dollars u.s., a great deal because I think they charged 38 at Clinique counters. On me, the velvet sheer is a bit warmer, less herbal/sharp than the spray. Because it’s dabbed, the sillage isn’t as huge but it stays for quite a long time on skin. I really like this version, and am thinking of getting a backup bottle.
I forgot to mention, I think Clinique discontinued Velvet Sheer, let me know if you’d like me to send a sample, I’d be happy to do so.
Thank you for the offer SmokeyToes! I should probably take you up on that. Are you on MUA?
If that’s Makeup Alley, yes I’m on there.
What is your name on Makeup Alley? I may contact you there for a swap if an ebay item doesn’t pan out.
It’s SFLizbeth.
OK – cool. Thanks.
I was not too bad this quarter. 4 bottles:
1 Chanel Exclusifs Coromandel
2 Parfum d’Empire Wazumba
3 Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois
4 Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles
OOPS! SIX!
5 Tom Ford Musk Collection Urban Musk
6. Tom Ford Private Blend Arabian Wood
I didn’t bother listing samples and decants.
All said and done 900 bucks!
I may have lost count, but I think you’re our top spender?
I think he’s the top spender as far as FBs go, that’s some spendy stuff – since he didn’t mention decants, I don’t know if he’s the top spender overall or not.
Hi Carlos,
Seems you really like Tom Ford. Have you heard some in the Private Blend line are d/c’d? I think it’s Moss Breches Velvet Gardenia and Boise Rouge so far. I love Moss Breches.
No I have not heard. Of the three you mentioned I like Bois Rouge the best. Oh…yeah I I do like TF alot.
hi carlos
what do u think about the original black orchard and then the voile
nice spending and nice bottles
here is a thought: id din’t fill in the pole
and i did notice some folks saying they spent 1000
Hola Hong Kong Mom. I prefer the original Black Orchid over the Voile hands down!
2 bottles – Rochas Man and Eau de Shalimar, both happy, carefree scents.
Lots and lots of samples, although I my order from Aus Liebe Zum Duft turned out to be a great disappointment – neither TDC Bois d’Iris, JHAG Citizen Queen, Eau d’ Italie Paestum Rose or PdN Vanille Tonka worked on me
. Think it’s the first time NST opinion and my skin chemistry have disagreed 
.
Luckily I also tried Lubin’s Idole, Etro Shaal Nur and Hermès Eau Verte d’Orange where NST and my skin agreed completely. Anyone know where to get your hands on Shaal Nur btw? Preferably in Europe.
All in all spending about $220…
Oh dear, not even Paestum Rose? Oh well, you’ve got 3 winners.
You can order Shaal Nur here:
http://www.senteursdailleurs.com
Thank you Robin! I am collecting mail order sites, just to read up on everything and d-r-o-o-l…
Rochas Man is amazing! I got the women’s version this summer (one of my 15+ bottles.. oopsie) and it, too, is wonderful in hot weather (of course now it is back to the heavier fumes). Too bad your new purchases did not work out. I have had similar experiences this last quarter and it is really disheartening… In fact I got my hands on cheap bottles of Etro’s Palais Jamais and Royal Pavillion and ehm, at least one has now been demoted to room spray.. should have bought the Shaal Nur instead but there were no testers and I could not remember all the reviews. Not sure if you want to buy the Shaal Nur on-line, or in a store, but I know that Mignonne in Maastricht (Netherlands) has Etro. Also, Celeste in The Hague (also NL) carries it; they have a webshop as well… hope this helps!
Thank you Wendy, I’ll look into that web shop or try to get help from my Dutch friends
!
my daughter wear vicoli fiori and i love that smell on her..light, soft and gentle..u can get them on strawberry net but some are listed under mens fragrance section including the vicolo (which is quite feminine)
All I bought were bottles of Eau Dynamisante and Theo Fennell Scent EDT! Not deliberately being frugal, just nothing I desparately have to have right now. A Scent by Issey Miyake, Creed Selection Verte and FDTRB are on the imminent list, but theycan wait a little bit longer.
I’ve got to try that Theo Fennell, everyone says it’s lovely! Very surprised it isn’t in the US yet.
i really scored on that one…asians don’t like anothing “heavy” so when Lane Crawford(kind of like hong kong harvey nix or bendels but nicer)discontinued it about 1 year ago i got a bottle for about 174 hong kong $…that is about 22 us….it is for me a real type of perfume, smells like it is made from real quality ingredients…its seems to me robin, that u like light…but this is well worth smelling for what it is!!!
I bought two FB: BK beyond Love (the travel set is gorgeous, much more than in pictures! I won’t rave about the scent: done that already
), and Tuberosa Neroli from kelemata/Perlier – a cheap thrill for 9 Euros, and very nicely done. It misses the chilly opening of Fracas (and it’s charming complexity), but the orange flower loaded heart and dry-down do remind me of the reference tubey or MPG tuberose, and fully compensate for the slightly synthetic smelling debut… and 9 euros: I couldn’t afford not to buy it!
Oh, I will have to look for the Perlier, thanks!
Two full bottles for me: not a lot compared to some of the others here but, as always, quite a lot of my student budget! I bought Bulgari Black for £15 and Bois des Iles for £160. I’d been hemming and hawing over the Chanel for months and plowing through decants but I have no regrets. It’s still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever smelled.
Oh, congrats on both! Bois des Iles is perfect
both are stunning..enjoy….bois de isle is like a second skin for me…luuuv it
Just one for me this quarter – Dyptique Philosykos. My new “can’t live without” scent that only cost me $56 (AUD) for a 100ml bottle from eBay.
And AnnS would be glad to know I’ve finally ordered a Tabac Aurea sample from TPC that should be arriving any day. Very excited about trying that one. I think AnnS might overtake Daisy in the enabling stakes!
Tabac Aurea knocked me head over tailbone. I hereby state categorically that All Men Should Smell Like That.
Unless they are wearing something with rose in it, like Shaal Nur, Czech & Speake No. 88, or Lyric… IMHO, of course.
Mals – A couple of nights ago I had a dream about Liev Schreiber (Kate & Leopold, Defiance, etc.) handing me a bottle of Nahema, and I told him it would smell good on him! LOL!
If only I could smell Nahema… just went and googled Mr. Schrieber, because I didn’t recognize the name, and he looks like my brother-in-law.
If I’m ordering up dreams, I’ll take No. 88 on Matthew MacFadyen. Or just about anything on a young Gene Kelly…
Mals, are you sitting there thinking about Matthew MacFadyen’s lips again? uh-huh, that’s what I thought.
LOL Mals, I’m hoping that I have the same reaction you did, it sounds right up my alley so the chances are good.
Have yet to try the C&S range – but I’ll get there!
mals have u smelled jubilation XV on “man” yet? u try and let me know…methinks they put something secret in there!!!
Isn’t Philosykos wonderful stuff?
It’s a beautiful scent – to me it’s like a work of art.
You’re right Daisy, you’re all as bad as each other in the enabling department, so bad i’ve decided I’m staging an intervention, well as soon as I can, I’m currently trawling Ebay for a some Lubin Idole…
I love Philosykos!!! yummy, simply yummy!
I am perfectly willing to share Super-Enabler status with Ann, Rapple, Cynthia, Haunani, Karin, Aparatchick, Joe, Carlos, RobinR, Smokey, Boo, Mals, Natalie, Absolute and oh, about 50 others in this room…..face it; we’re a room full of co-enablers!
(and we like it like that!)
AMEN to that!
Yeah, we like it like that!
oh no this bog doesn’t go in order..or that could be me….SO MANY enablers…heeeelp
It sounded to me like Ross was offering to host a split of Lubin Idole.
Yeah! I hope very much that you like the Tabac Aurea – it is just the most superb fragrance. So “classic” in structure, so rich, so gorgeous, so warm. It is amazing. And I only tested it for kicks and giggles, not expecting to like it. In like 10 minutes I was a goner. It is fantastic stuff. And if you like it, you will be happy to know that SSS is offering a 5 ml purse spray for the holidays. The perfect size and price to try on some of those gorgeous frags!
I take great pride in my enabling skills….
AnnS I’ve got a feeling I’m going to like this one (fingers crossed) and if so, no 5ml spray will do! There will be a FB with my name on it!
5ml sprays at SSS????? News indeed!
keep away form me anne and daisy…:-(
LOL we’re just “helpful”
well iguess i teach my kids…”helpful” is GOOD
I have bought two 8ml decants – Sienne L’Hiver and Le Labo Patchouli. LOVE the Patch, and enjoy the Sienne (though don’t think I will buy again once it’s finished, to be honest.)
I have mainly been doing sampling – Paestum Rose and Bois D’Orie, LOVE Paestum’s dry down although I find the opening flush a little too medicinal.
Discovered I cannot live without one or two Tauer Frags knocking around, and since I cannot afford FB’s right now I’ve been buying samples – Reverie, Lonestar, Maroc Pour Elle being three faves.
I staved off trying the L’Artisan line for the past two years since becoming a perfumista, as i knew they were expensive and would be absolutely my ‘cup of tea’! But I finally visited their store in Marylebone and walked away with samples of pretty much everything. Am wearing Bois farine now, which i adore – I love piment brulee, passage d’enfer, Dzing, Dzongkha, Timbuktu. And pretty much everything else I sniffed. God, did I want to buy about 5 or 6 bottles when I was there!!!! I must keep an eye out on Ebay for 15ml bottles………….
I would imagine that, by January ’10, my frugality will have completely disappeared starting with the release of Muscs Koublai Kahn into the Export Range!!
How nice that you finally got to L’Artisan! Let me know which you picked when you buy your first one.
No true full bottles, but still managed more than $350 in samples, minis (Magie Noire, Byblos, Nocturnes) and some good sized decants (Divine, AA Mandarine Basilique, Iris Nobile, DC Bergamote) and an Eau de Sud shower gel. My 10ml decant of Bois de Iles is draining at record speed – honestly, its like I can’t stop wearing it, 5 days in a row a counting – a record for me in the past year. So I’m thinking of indulging myself and getting a FB for my birthday. I’ve been using the EDT which I really truly adore and yearn for, but only after the first 15-20 minutes. Lasting power on me is OK, but I wish for more. However I want something I can wear at work, so I don’t want something too powerful, or I’ll be fired and then won’t be buying anything next quarter
Any suggestions on EDT vs pure parfum for Bois des Iles?
I don’t know how to answer because I don’t know the current price of the Parfum, or even where to get it at the moment outside of Paris, plus have not smelled the recent version. I do think the EdT is lovely. The Parfum was beyond lovely last I tried it, but mine was vintage.
Hope someone who knows more will chime in!
Luckily (or dangerously) the Chanel Boutique on Bloor St in Toronto carries both. The EDT is $240 for 200ml and the pure parfum is $190 for 15ml. Writing makes me think I’d really need to get good mileage out of the parfum to make it worth it.
I don’t suppose they let you try the extrait? Here’s what I wrote when I reviewed it:
The Eau de Toilette is simply lovely; the Parfum moves past lovely into stunning: the harsh opening smooths out faster, the woods are deeper and richer, and the floral notes in the heart, which are something of a blur in the Eau de Toilette, are more prominent and distinct. In this case, at least, you get what you pay for.
The Paris boutique sells all concentrations. But does not accept phone orders. I suppose some flagship stores, in some countries, might carry the pure perfume too. At the Paris boutique, they didn’t know.
hey there
i bought bois de isle eau de toilette last year and a few months later my dh bought me a bottle of parfum from ny. heres what i think
the eaudetoilette is my most used out of all..i spray uninhabitedly and with great abandon and really wear it often in cooler months. the perfum i haven’t opened yet..i feel it is to precious and for the amount of mileage and money…i’de rather it just sit in a dark cool place until it is “vintage” and i can make some money…or…i will open it on one grand occasions someday, like may daughters wedding….or just because my curiosity got the better of me.
so with less clutter…
edt…everyday and often… freely
parfume….veeeery precious
I wasn’t going to buy anything this past quarter, but in August I was at Mills in Halifax and I suddenly had this unbearable vision of running out of Safran Troublant (even though I still have some of a half-ounce spray left) so I bought a full bottle (along with a set of glorious Roger et Gallet Carnation soaps). And then on the way out I noticed that they had last Christmas’ Gaultier2 gift set (40 mL EDP, 100 mL body lotion) for a ludicrously low price, so I grabbed it and went back to the cash. And then I discovered that I had left my iPod touch on the counter after the first transaction. So I guess I spent $135, if you don’t count the soap, but since I saved about $400 not having to buy a new iPod, I figure I’m ahead of the game, right?
Ha! From a true master of rationalization! (I’m really glad you didn’t lose the iPod; they can disappear very quickly when set down, can’t they?)
LOL! My iPod just died. I’m going to be out $300 at least.
You can get an iPod touch with 64 GIGABYTES OF STORAGE for only $419 Cdn and if you did I would be very envious, since that’s what I paid for my 32-gig model just a year ago. And it’s always full, yes, really (music, movies, TV shows, music videos, 150 or so apps), and if I could possibly justify buying the bigger model I would have one in a heartbeat. But I can’t.
I am very, very lucky that I was in Mills early in the day and there weren’t many customers, since it would have been so easy for anyone to just pick it up and walk off with it–who would have any reason to stop them?
I am getting the 32 gig — that will be plenty for me. My old classic is a 30 gig, and is rarely full since I don’t sync it but just put on what I want to have with me.
Holy Cow!!! I’m glad your ipod was still there when you got back to the counter!!! whew!
I’m a long-time reader of NST, tho not a frequent post-er. But I thought I should participate in the poll/comments as a self-disciplinary measure: I should admit to the world what I did this quarter so I’ll be shamed into not doing it again. It’s not that I bought that many bottles. In fact, I was feeling rather smug in August realizing I hadn’t bought many this summer. Uh, so I went a bit wild. And the bad part is that all but one were bought either unsniffed or not sniffed in many years–with very poor results:
–Bottle each of Origins Ginger Essence & Spring Fever–after talking nostalgically about these with a friend from “back in the day,” I bought both scents unsniffed (since, what, 1998 or something), thinking I’d be revisiting some old fun-if-undistinguished friends. More like frenemies. HIDEOUS.
–Bottle of Laura Mercier Minuit Enchante, unsniffed–just seduced by various online reviews. I hate it. No surprise: I don’t like any LM scents (too sweet/foody). The only thing at all of this kind that I can tolerate is EL Sensuous–still sweet, but not bad (on me).
–Bottle of DelRae Mythique, unsniffed–Why? Because I just couldn’t wait for a sample. I love Iris and I typically appreciate the DelRaes, so I figured I was “safe” with this purchase. Bought it, opened it, tried it, and was utterly perplexed. Not at all what I expected from reviews/descriptions. I would never have bought it if I’d sampled first. That said, I do love the iris and “suede” note in it–they’re weirdly addictive together. But the rest…the fruity notes at the beginning, verging on Jolly Rancher…what have I done? But since it’s bought already I’m going to enjoy the occasional “visit” with it and see if it somehow, suddenly, turns to love. Hmmm.
The good news:
–Bottle of Guerlain Cologne du 68–have loved it for years, so glad I finally bought it.
For next quarter: NO UNSNIFFED PURCHASES! And stay away from the mass-market frags–I just don’t seem to be their audience.
Thanks for letting me get all that out of my system. (Now I’m awaiting 2 more bottles, but they weren’t bought unsniffed, one was long longed for, and they were bought after Oct 1!)
Hey, if you should want to unload some of that Laura Mercier? It’s on my list of things to try.
Sorry, I didn’t complete the thought on that one — it’s on my list of things to try and I’d totally snag a split.
Sure. Not sure how to do that–I’ve never done a split, but I’m happy to do so. Just let me know how you’d like to proceed. I’d be happy if at least some of this bottle went to someone who enjoyed it!
So so sorry! You should see if you can unload them at Scent Splits, maybe you’d find a taker.
Scent Splits–sounds like a great resource. And not just for the current crop of unwanted frags…sadly, there are a few (okay, more than a few) more in my life. Thanks for the info. (And thanks, always, for the blog! Are you–a die-hard iris lover, from the sound of things–going to review Mythique soon?)
Do try out Scent Splits, you can sell whole bottles as well:
http://scentsplits.wikidot.com/
Mythique was not love at first sniff for me, but it’s waiting for a second try. Who knows…I often change my mind!
You should definitely split up your unloved purchases. I for one, would like to get in on a Mythique split….BUT that sounds like the most loved of the bunch. That is a very nice iris, so I’d recommend giving it a bit of time to grow on you before splitting it away. You can also list things for sale at scent wiki.
Thanks for the info about scent wiki. As for the Mythique, I am strangely attracted to it, and will hang on to it for the time being, tho it’s not what I typically go for. So I won’t do a split at this point–but would be happy to pass along a sample to you, if you want one (tho it sounds like you may have tried it already?).
Yup, it’s some goooood stuff. I got a decant when it first was released but now that my decant is getting dangerously low, I’ll either be looking for another decant or biting the bullet and ordering a FB.
trying to wait until the credit card has had a bit of recovery time though…poor thing is exhausted!
One: Guerlain Cologne de 68 – I felt guilty and not so well after putting down 80 Euro.
And lucky me got Kelly Caleche EdP from my bff, she brought it from Paris duty-free. So it does not count.
Definitely this quarter there is Jardins de Bagatelle, but it is not available yet as EdP in the nice bottle. Holy creditcard.
But 1 bottle is not so bad!
Robin, you bought something for $185? I thought you wouldn’t ever spend that much on a fragrance? What made you breakdown? That good, eh?
Here’s my damage. (All of them plus tax)
Forever Mariah Carey $65 3.3 oz
Givenchy Play 3.3 $71
Givenchy Play Intense 3.3 $76
Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy 3.3 $55 (Returned it to the store)
Lola Marc Jacobs 3.4 $85
Queen by Queen Latifah 3.4
Sunkissed Glow by J.LO 3.4 $37 (came with the 6.7 oz lotion)
(Don’t know if these count, but I’ll post it anyways)
Queen by Queen Latifah Body Butter 5.0 oz $40
Lola Marc Jacobs Body Cream 4.9 oz $50
Forever Mariah Carey Body Lotion 6.7 oz $28
No, I’ve spent that much before, but rarely (only on Hermessences, I think — hope I’m not forgetting something). What I’d say is that the vast majority of things I smell that cost over $150 strike me as not worth the money. Actually most things at even $100 strike me as not worth the money!
I’m so surprised you bought Play AND Play Intense! You really liked both?
Yeah, I looove them both! I really loved Intense and not the original play, but I was in the cologne part of Macy’s and I spray Play and let it sit for a while and I loved it. Then, I sprayed it on my skin and I loooove them both. I bought them both on the same day! I was going to go back and get A*Men, but someone gave me a bottle last week! Money saved! However, it has no box and it’s a 1.7
. I always keep my boxes 
. Everything stays in the packaging when I get them
I liked the Intense, but not the regular so much. But I should try it again! Congrats on the A*Men — box or no box, that’s a nice gift.
The damage hasn’t been so bad this quarter:
Jo Malone’s Dark Amber and Ginger Lily,
JM Lotus Blossom and Water Lily, both in the small size
Bulgari The rouge, from a discounter
Beth Terry, Element of Surprise
SSS Champagne de Bois
I mean, it could have been much worse, right? And the dh loves the Jo Malones. I have also had the good fortune to meet several wonderful enablers at NST, who have helped me put a bunch more bottles on my wish list!
It could have been WAY worse!
Champagne de Bois is really, really pretty.
I’m a day late with this, but I had to run out and buy some dark shades and a false mustache before I felt safe participating in this discussion. Also, the voice you will hear is not my own – I have had myself dubbed over by an actor. Please burn after reading.
This quarter I…
…found true love with:
AG Chevrefeuille (elderflower champagne in perfume form)
Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger (swoon)
Hermes Jardin sur le Nil (say no more)
…formed a productive working relationship with:
Bulgari Green Tea
…realised that things just aren’t going to work out with:
AG Songes (I know everyone else loves it – just not for me)
Prada Fleur d’Oranger
(swaps anyone? ‘queenvicky’ at MUA)
Seems I have already got myself entangled in a spot of bother for the 4thQ. At least reassuring to read that I am not alone in this!
*giggling uncontrollably* Thanks, I needed that.
Oh & would you be interested swap Donna Karan Gold for either of your disappointments? I’m RusticDove over @ MUA…
Good luck getting rid of those disappoinments!
Ugh. DK Gold, Delrae Bois de Paradis, Amoureuse. The Gold was a crazy cheap price so I don’t mind that, but the Delraes…! I would have bought decants if they were available, but only TPC had any and it was crazy expensive. So of *course* I thought it was more economical to buy full bottles. Something about that brand lowers my resistance. I’m dreaming of Mythique and I don’t even have an iris thing.
(LOL does anyone want Bois de Paradis…?)
Ack, you bought the BdP unsniffed? And now you hate it?
I had tried it before but I bought it even though I didn’t ~love~ it. Which wouldn’t actually be a big problem in itself — like, I have Heeley Figuier even though I don’t love it, but it’s something I wear a lot, so it’s earning its keep. But I bought BdP mainly for the allure and now I have this thing that I admire yet don’t wear, and I get annoyed at myself every time I look at it.
I guess I can keep it, but all I can think of is that I should’ve bought Ormonde Woman instead (which I love *and* would wear a lot). For less! Well, or the same, at least.
Oh, what a shame! Maybe see if you can unload it on Scent Splits?
I’ll try!
ha..i can get delraes for 109US$ but i have absolutely no idea what they smell like…maybe on my next trip to us i will smell them(inabout one year)
Is that $109 in HKD or USD?
if only it were hongkong$ that owuld be aobut 15US$…
scuse the typing dislexia
LOL I was holding out hope that some shady vendor down some alley in Mong Kok or something had some discount Delraes! Another reason to return to HK.
ps keep them…u never know try them next season or year..i hated chypre rouge and arabie and this year i fell in love!!!!
just put them away somewhere darl and safe and then in a period of time open them up like they are new!!!
Well, if no one wants it, it’s not going anywhere.
I actually had to go home last night and paw through my collection to see what was new. And I still don’t know. So here’s what I think I bought last quarter:
Yvresse (I don’t care what everyone else says, I love it)
24 Faubourg (not great, not bad–liked it better in the store)
Aimez-Moi (another “liked it in the store”)
Le Dix
And I can’t remember if I bought the MAC honeys (and two others) last quarter or the quarter before. And I feel like surely I bought more than 4 bottles. (All through discounters, BTW, so at least it didn’t kill the bank account.) Well, then I guess I could buy SEVERAL things now and not feel so bad. I mean, I was SO GOOD last quarter… I deserve to be rewarded for being good…by being bad. Heh heh.
LOL…so *maybe* you were good last quarter? Good enough for me!
Good point–I guess I can’t reward myself for having a bad memory.
I *do* know I haven’t bought anything in the last two months, so that’s gotta count for something!
And… I just figured out that I read the end of the quarter wrong, and I most definitely did buy some other stuff. (Which would also make my “I didn’t buy anything the last two months” a lie.) Add on a bottle of Coromandel (split it with four other people) and a split of Une Rose Chypree.
Since I knew about the Coromandel, I was about to correct you. LOL
And I just remembered I bought Chocolovers (a $7 mistake) and Montale Chocolate Greedy (rectifying the mistake)! Aggghhh! Ok, so maybe I *can’t* splurge now.
Darn it.
Bvlgari Black mini
Kenzo Amour EDT (mistake, mistake…didn’t read the fine print. I wanted EDP!)
Tom Ford Black Orchid
Cartier Declaration mini
and many many decants (CdG Sequoia, Cumming, Le Labo Patch, some Andy Tauers)
Most of these, while I like them enough, bore me. I am more excited about my future full bottle purchases (OJ Woman! Le Labo! Cumming!) and the perfume gifts I’ve received, which were:
Guerlain Mitsouko
Creed Love in Black
Chanel Beige
Love the Creed but the other two still have me on the fence. My skin sucks up any perfume and I am lucky to get an hour out of these.
Nice trio of gifts though! You can send me the Guerlain & Chanel
Gifts: Anais Anais for the romantic niece (14) and Daisy for the sporty one (13)
For myself:
Safran Troublant 15ml (thanks to Eric for the Les Epices split)
Perfumers’ Workshop Tea Rose ($10 at Marshalls. Big rose soliflore.)
Grès Ambre de Cabochard (also $10 at Marshalls. OK by itself, but better layered with another $10 closeout, Laurence Dumont Crème Brulée)
More this quarter now that the car has passed its 200,000 mile Major Maintenance Crisis.
Congrats on finding a 15 ml of ST, I need one of those! And wow, your car has staying power!
Holy Moses! I don’t think I have bought myself a single bottle this quarter! Gracious- I should run out and BUY SOMETHING TONIGHT! (kidding) I did buy a friend a bottle of Marc Jacobs Lemon Cologne Splash for $19.99 at Marshalls (doesn’t count, right?) And I received a sweet gift from my sweetheart (Natori). HA!
Perfect — you gave one, you got one, nothing that you have to tell Donatella about!
Oh! this has been a great read. I was feeling guilty over my many, many MANY samples and decants. Now I understand –thank you so very much everyone– that they don’t count!
Just 4 minis then; including AG Eau de Charlotte which I now LOVE dearly.
However, with everyone ‘fessing up to so much more — I’m afraid for my NYC trip next week! I need to keep up with the NST Jones! (I’ve got a big must-sniff list & SL’s Bois de Violette keeps calling my name.)
Oh, have a great time in NY! At least you were good last quarter
heh heh heh…
Let”s see:
Kenzo Amour edp
YSL Nu edt
CK Truth
L’Occitane Ambre
L’Occitane Eau d’Iparie
Yves Rocher Néonatura
Guerlain Eau de Shalimar
Laura Biagiotti Roma
MAC Africanimal
So, 9 bottles, most of them the smallest bottle available.
You’ve got a couple bargains in there too…I bet you didn’t spend much more than I did!
Well, only MAC was full price, YSL a bargain for 15 $ (not so if I think that what I really wanted was the edp and the edt was the whynot category), the two L’Occitane were on sale, Guerlain discounted to 50%. I suppose bargain isn’t always the same thing for you than for me, in Hungary, where some brands are highly overpriced and return policy doesn’t exist at all. However, my best bargain of all was a Shalimar perfume (not edp), for about 30$.
4th quarter has begun for me today, with Encre Noir pour lui….
I lovelove your blog, that’s fantastic and I can say, you are guilty in some of my buyings of the last 2-3 years (ledit Encre Noir, for ex.).
Thanks, that’s very kind of you!
No bottles of perfume, but did buy Bond No. 9 Chinatown creme and loving it.
Nice! And you were very restrained