You’ve all been keeping track, right? Because it’s that time again. Donatella Versace, Our Lady of Scented Extravagance,1 wants to know what you bought in the 4th quarter (October, November and December) of 2009.
Update: the poll is now closed, thanks to everyone who voted!
My purchases? Drum roll please…
Nary a one. Early in the quarter I had some plans, but then I got busy, and by the time the 1st of December rolled around I kind of liked the feeling of having bought nothing. So I stuck with it. My total for the year is still what it was at the end of the 3rd quarter: 7 bottles, $465. It’s less than I spent in 2008 (when I bought 11 bottles for $787), but more than I spent in 2007 (7 bottles, $255).
And you?
1. Why does Donatella host (against her will, mind you) the damage polls? There is no real reason other than the picture of her perfume collection, which shows that she indulges regularly at the perfume counter. The image, by the way, is originally from Allure magazine and appears here courtesy of Blogdorf Goodman.
I’d kind of like to find another visual for the 2010 damage polls. If anyone has a fabulous picture of their out-of-control perfume collection over at flickr, please let me know!
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It was a busy, costly 4th quarter.
What can I say…. I discovered Discounters and went fragrance happy!
Plus somebody has to help out the economy.
(plus my birthday is in October, my/our anniversary is in November and Christmas in December! I just had to treat myself!)
Somebody does have to keep the economy going!
After not buying anything most of 2009 due to my financial difficulties, I made up for it in the last quarter. I bought Chanel Coromandel, VCA Bois d’Iris, DelRae Mythique, CdG Red Carnation and Kyoto, Ineke Field Notes from Paris, and SL MKK–so I still ended up spending as much as I would (or more) than in an entire year. However, I hadn’t buy anything else for myself (clothing, shoes, bags, cosmetics) since last Spring and two of the fragrances were Christmas presents to me from me!
Oops, I almost forgot my Havana Vanille, which I waited for months and months and then wore it almost every day through the Holidays.
I bought Escentric 01 and Chanel Eau Premiere. Here’s a great still from The Women (1939 version with Joan Crawford)
http://www.joancrawfordbest.com/39women5.htm
I love that picture (and it’s one of my favorite movies). I used it for some post here once, can’t remember which.
Oh, I love that photo! The old movies really had the glamour didn’t they?
I didn’t count the fragrances I bought for other people when I voted . . . also, I bought a lot of decants from TPC which would accumulate to about the cost of a FB. The only full-priced perfume I bought myself was Kelly Caleche at Sephora. I got a Lolita Lempicka and My Insolence for almost nothing at Marshall’s.
I have been very bad about visiting TJ Maxx & Marshalls lately…must get over there to see what they have!
It doesn’t help my case that there is a Marshall’s two blocks from my apt. About 4 weeks before Christmas the Marshall’s just exploded with fragrances and gift-sets. I also bought my sis the Gucci by Gucci there for a great price. On the other hand the TJ Maxx in Germantown that I can drive to has a pitiful stock of fragrances lately.
There is a Marshall’s very close to me that I pass almost every day. If they had testers I would not have so many regrets. I also tend to push perfumes like Tocade and Bvulgari au The Rouge on people. Two excellent choices from the “red” section.
I only purchased two items this past quarter: Prada L’Eau Ambree (wearing it today) and Chanel Cuir de Russie parfum.
I’m thinking about purchasing VCA Gardenia Petale with an NM gift card I received for Christmas, but I have not made a final decision…yet!
I think I purchased less this year than last, too, definitely in the last half of the year when I purchased only four bottles, including Eau de Gentiane Blanche, AG Des Lys and the two mentioned above.
What were you thinking about buying this past quarter, R?
Hugs!
I have three from this collection. Ask the VC&A person for the little coffret with all the fragrances before making your decision, if you can. Unless you have already sniffed and know that is the one you want. I’m seriously considering a back-up bottle of Bois d’Iris with the rest of my gift card.
I have two sample coffrets. Bois d’Iris did not strike my fancy the first time I tested it, but I am thinking about sampling it again.
Thanks!
Two? Lucky! They are so cute.
Julia, I have the coffret and can’t make up my mind. I already have Bois d’Iris, but there are a few others I think I like. To me, you can get an idea from dabbing fragrance, but spraying is the deal breaker.
I have Bois d’Iris, Orchidee Vanille, and Muguet Blanc. Spraying does make a huge difference! Initially I chose Lys Carmen over the muguet, but a full spray of the cinnamon/pink peppercorn combo with the lily gave me a headache. They were nice enough to switch it out for me at N-M. The Orchidee Vanille reminds me of living in Malaysia and the rich smell of wild orchids, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and frangipani, but it doesn’t smell like a perfume that is trying to be “tropical” if that makes any sense. It also does not smell like any of the other vanillas I have. I think Bd’I is my favourite and it is my first “iris” perfume as Muguet Blanc is my first good muguet. It is, of course, very clean and probably something I can wear to work without comment from my shop owner and her strange nose. I get something in the dry down that unites them as a family, though I have no idea if that is the case. Each is supposed to be a meditation of sorts on a single flower, and I am just starting to explore florals other than carnation and tuberose. The whole collection is lovely and it is really hard to choose. I don’t know how limited these are and I’m considering a second bottle of Bois d’Iris just in case.
ooooo, a back up of Bois d’Iris is a very very tempting idea—love that stuff….I’m still waffling between Lys Carmen and Muguet Blanc…..now I’m worried they’ll disappear mid-waffle! arrg!!
I’m with you, Daisy. I wish there was a way to know just how limited a limited edition perfume is. I keep telling myself that I don’t have to have two (or three) bottles of something I like because there will always be new (and old) perfumes for me to fall in love with. Bois d’Iris is my first iris fragrance – I haven’t even tried Infusion d’Iris yet – but what if it becomes my HGP and go to N-M in a few months and it is all gone? The muguet doesn’t have any pink peppercorn if that helps. Or cinnamon. I’m starting to suspect a certain cinnamon note as a headache trigger.
I like cinnamon so I need to sniff that one again…..must get my set of samples back out and resniff…..now I’m concerned about that “limited” thang.
Julia,
Thanks for all the good info. I love the Bois d’Iris and really like most of the others except for Cologne Noir. I was thinking of the Orchidee Vanille or Lys Carmine for now because it is winter and will wait until spring for the Muguet Blanc. It’s a hard decision. I didn not know they were limited. I thought it was just their exclusive line like the Chanels.
I didn’t think they were limited edition.
Which three do you have from the VCA collection and what is your favorite?
R, I’m tempted by Terre d’Hermes extrait, but haven’t smelled it. Also want the Prada Ambree, and the Prada Homme which I’ve been meaning to buy forever. And Havana Vanille, and Penhaligons Elixir, and keep thinking I should buy Gucci Homme (original) before it gets axed and/or reformulated, although perhaps it’s already been reformulated. And want some Black Cashmere lotion. The list goes on and on…
The Gucci Homme is different than Gucci by Gucci for men, correct? I feel like I saw the former somewhere recently . . . like Nordstrom’s Rack maybe.
Yes, a different scent. And I’ve seen it in TJ Maxx, but not yet at my “must buy” threshold (around $19.99).
Yep, that Gucci Homme is pretty dern good. So is the Havana Vanille. I need to use up the rest of my sample of the latter. I think it’s lovely, but reminds me a bit of some of the other vanillas I have in my collection, so it may or may not be worth a purchase.
I don’t have that much vanilla, so far. Would like some of the Guerlain SDV but not going to pay for that.
I think there’s still some left in a split over on Google…
Has anyone heard there’s a new Guerlain/tonka frag release on the horizon…. ?
Yes, Tonka Imperiale.
I’m looking forward to the new Guerlain tonka with some apprehension. Are they going to trick me again? Another LE that costs more for the EdP than a FB of VdN extrait? Look at me with my perfume lingo! Anyway, I had a small sample of SDV (.5ml) and thought it was pretty good. I purchased a larger (5ml) sample only to discover that it has an unpleasant “pickled” scent on me that doesn’t fade for a couple of hours.
Oh, yes, you are making me want to run over to the mall and buy the l’eau ambree right now.
Chanel Cuir de Russie parfum was my Christmas present to myself! Isn’t it wonderful?!?
I think Cuir de Russie is beautiful–that and Bois des Iles are among my favorites. Enjoy the aura!
I don’t have the BdI yet, but I can definitely feel a lemming coming on!
Maybe I can kill it by telling you I love BdI? And CdR leaves me cold, at least so far. Evil scent twin…. avert lemming!
Ah Boo, I and my wallet thank you.
I need an evil scent twin. If you smell great in SL Santal de Mysore, Timbuktu, and Maharanih but can’t do Shalimar, Jicky, or beastly muscs, call me.
Well, they’re not *entirely* reliable…Rapple and I both love SDV, for example. But it does help to narrow things down, and to have a person to whom you can send your rejects with a high likelihood of them finding a happy home.
Inside my fridge would make quite a compelling photo, I think. It would definitely have a deterrent effect on many a budding perfumista — kind of like showing impressionable young teens a picture of passed-out older woman surrounded by empty vodka bottles. This could be YOU, kids, so take it easy.
R, didn’t you buy a bottle of VC&A Bois d’Iris in this last quarter? It’s okay. We understand. It happens to the best of us.
I am absolutely thrilled that my bottle count has decreased this quarter. However, the money spent has increased. Is this good or bad?
I know we’re all quite snoopy, so snoop away: here’s my list of FB purchases. (I’ve done some fab splits, like 1/4 of an 8 ounce bottle of Diorling, 30mls of Epic Woman, and heaps of large decants like 15mls of vintage Tabac Blond and Weil Antilope extrait. Those don’t count, right? Sheesh, they better not, or I’m in worse trouble than I thought. My goal is to be like blogmistress Robin and spend nothing, nada, zilch. Soon, soon.)
Guerlain l’Art et la Matiere series Bois d’Armenie
Guerlain Attrape-Coeur
Amouage Tribute
Vintage Arpege extrait
Balenciaga Quadrille, Prelude and Le Dix edt
Vintage Guerlain l’Heure Bleu extrait
Vintage Le Galion Jasmin pdt
Lancome Cuir de Lancome edp
Rochas Femme edt
Hermes Kelly Caleche edp
Vintage Guerlain Vol de Nuit extrait
Vintage Guerlain Mitsouko extrait
Vintage Patou Joy extrait
10 Corso Como
Oopsy. I see they add up to more than the 5-9 bottles I ticked. Darn. I was afraid of that. I don’t know if I like putting all this down in black and white. That’s a lot of reality for one girl to handle.
The VCA was purchased in the 3rd quarter, and makes up a huge portion of my yearly spending this year. You got some lovely vintage things — and jealous of your Bois d’Armenie, I’d like one too. How is that Le Galion Jasmin??
Unctuous, like jasmine syrup. Really yellow, interestingly. Some evaporation, definitely. Remarkably fresh, for all its time in the bottle. Super heady. Indolic like serious jasmin grandiflorum can be, but not over the top. Fascinating. Not the jasmine you like, I shouldn’t think. Not green enough, too blowsy.
Sounds wonderful!
‘Tis. But you know, the bummer about getting into vintage is that there’s so little of it, and getting littler, and what’s around is quite elderly and losing quality with each passing year. Every drop that goes on my skin is another drop gone forever. And so when I stumble across beautiful old bottles it’s a poignant reminder of their finiteness. Those compositions made from many now-verboten ingredients will never be experienced again.
I guess that’s a large part of why I’m so strongly drawn to them.
Then again, maybe that quality
I feel the same way about my vintage Bellodgia extrait. It is wonderful and bears almost no resemblance to current Bellodgia. I have a nice amount, maybe a little more than half an ounce, but don’t want to use it up because then it will be gone and I really can’t get it again. I haven’t smelled the current extrait, but I’m not hopeful. I’m much more liberal with my vintage Shalimar because I have several bottles and I like the current version. Plus, there is a lot of vintage Shalimar out there because it has been a big seller since 1925. I imagine my vintage bottles were given to mom/grandma/wife who thought it was “too fancy” to wear and stashed it away somewhere, only to be sold at an estate sale forty years later.
I got the edp of Kelly, too. I am awaiting the fine spring day when I can wear it (actually I am wearing it right now but I’m not going to wear it out until the weather warms up in March).
Minnie,
I’ve had the Kelly Caleche EdP since it came out, but hadn’t worn it for a while. However, I did wear it today and wondered to myself why I don’t wear it more often. It’s a terrific scent!
OOoooh, Attrape-Coeur! I am going to get that next year! I have a swap sample and it’s beautiful. Where did you find it, Robin?
But, ahem, back to our topic: i only bought 1 FB last qtr: SL Gris Clair (discounter) so that should hold me for a while. I guessed Santa would bring 31 Rue Cambon for Xmas (hee hee!).
I love the pic of Donatella. She is so de trop, ne c’est pas??
I’d heard something somewhere about A-C being discontinued, Suzanne, but the Guerlain rep I talked to hadn’t heard that. Maybe it’d be just in the US? I had mine transferred to Vancouver from the Holt Renfew in Calgary aka Cow Town (of all strange places to have a bunch of high-end Guerlains). As far as I know, they’ve still got stock, so good luck and hope you can find a bottle to call your own.
Robin R: Don’t kid yourself… there are a lot of rich oil ladies in Alberta who need something to spend their money on! HA! Yes, we’ve heard the rumours of the AC being discontinued, and much gnashing of teeth has ensued. I need to start a savings fund for a bottle.
Ha! Forgot about those ladies. Quite so!
Well, Joe, at least when you scrape together the funds you’ll know where the world’s last bottle of Attrape Coeur is. Unless those well-fed oil baronesses have been unusually light on their feet.
More likely I’ll have to worry about perfumistas rushing out to buy up everything. I have to laugh because a commenter on another blog was indelicately ranting on and on about “acquisitive greedy hags” snapping up bottles even if they already owned four bottles of the original Guet Apens still in cello wrap. I found it funny, though the concept is a bit sad. Then again, I’m sure I have friends with basements full of Theorema and such.
hahaahaha “acquisitive greedy hags” sounds like the words of an acquisitive greedy hag that was a leetle too slow in the “snapping up” department! (excuse me while I laughing maniacally…and haggishly….for a moment…)
maybe they should make that “acquisitive, greedy Perfume Dragon hags” —since I plan to roll around in all my stashed bottles like a dragon on a pile of jewels!
Haha, Daisy, I had exactly the same thought! (Well…minus the dragon bit.) Sour grapes!
we should establish the “AGH Society” —perfumistas who are smart enough and quick enough to get stuff while the gettin’s good.
ps. I’ve been working on my evil, haggish, laughter all morning!
bhwa hahahahaa!
By George, I think she’s got it!
So when do they start stocking it for the rich oil ladies in Denver?
Alas, while I am smart enough and quick enough, I’m not rich enough. No stockpiling for me!
I’d never put it that way myself, but I don’t feel it’s totally just sour grapes either…. it’s sad if you scrimp to save $300 for a bottle of something exquisite but can find nary a one for sale for less than $599 because some trust-fund hoarder has 8 bottles of Apres L’Ondee parfum under the floorboards. Spread the wealth, I say, and don’t ever hoard more than… oh, three bottles!
I just reflexively checked the 5-9 button too Robin, but I’m afraid that if I list mine the way you just did, I might find more too!
Some of mine were splits that I hosted, so I think I’m justified in checking that category. Right?
Oh, and about that Diorling….swoon.
Right, right and right, Melissa. And we don’t regret any of it, do we?
Not for one second!
Robin R. – that list is amazingly similar to my collection with only a couple of exceptions! Of course I have to say you have great taste.
The one I don’t have, and am very curious about, is the Bois d’Armenie.
Rappleyea, a lot of us seem to have good taste, don’t we? Now if only our wallets could keep up.
Wnat a wonderful list! Robin, I am looking for an opinion on vintage L’heure bleue extrait. Do you think there is a big difference and will it be worth the effort/ebay money?
The last bottle I was follwing just went for almost $300…
A, I’d love to say that the new stuff was just the same, but I’d be fibbing. I’m probably old enough to be your mother (probably old enough to be ANYBODY’s mother) and I’ve been kicking around the Guerlain counters since the early seventies, when you could buy a half ounce of extrait for under $50. (Yes!)
It has changed, and I myself prefer the older formulations, but a lot of them are getting pretty tired in their old age and it’s a crapshoot as to whether what you pay an arm, a leg and part of a nostril for online is still reasonably undamaged. My own is in great shape, but I think the topnotes aren’t what they used to be.
My suggestion: have a sniff of the current version, and if you like it, buy it. And enjoy the heck out of it.
Antje & R: I totally agree with Robin. Although I don’t have the amount of experience with LHB, I love it, and won a vintage auction bottle. It’s beautiful, but I confess there’s something a bit brighter in the top notes of my relatively recent edp decant. I’d recommend getting sample vials of both new and vintage to see how you like them, and keep in mind that you never know the quality of vintage product in online auctions.
Before you all start throwing rotten tomatoes at me, remember that I am a huge Guerlain fan and have been since…. cough…. the 60′s. But LHB was the one Guerlain that I just didn’t love – it was that anise note. I finally bought a bottle of the extrait last spring – new from BG – and I actually really enjoy it, mainly because it *doesn’t* smell like a medicine cabinet.
So I’d highly recommend the newer versions to others like myself who have had trouble with this one.
@ Joe – I have still have some vintage Shalimar extrait for you, and I can add some current LHB extrait for comparison if you like.
julia941@mua or yahoo
I bought myself a bottle of 31 Rue Cambon as an early Christmas present.
Which means that this year I got one full bottle, the OJ sample set and only a couple of other samples. Not bad!
Not bad at all!
Well, hm. I voted 2-4, because mostly I did splits…total spent, which could shift down as I sell off more splits: $302.
2007 Harvest Edition Givenchy Amarige Mimosa (FB)
MH Fleurs de Bois (gift, so didn’t count)
Bois des Iles (split)
Idole de Lubin (large split)
Tam Dao (travel spray)
MPG Bois de Turquie (large split)
Guerlain SDV (split)
Bois de Paradis (split)
Havana Vanille (split)
It’s hard to know how to count splits. Sounds reasonable to me. You reminded me that I’ve been meaning to buy Idole forever too!
A few of my FB purchases were intended for splits, but in the end didn’t sell off as many as I had anticipated. Therefore I consider mine FB purchases.
Full bottle purchases this year:
Chanel’s Eau de Cologne (ouch!)
Annick Goutal’s Eau d’Hadrien (a staple I repurchase frequently)
Dyptique’s Philosykos
Versace’s L’Homme
Guerlain’s Eau de Fleurs de Cedrat
Gendarme (used as linen spray)
Le Labo’s Rose 31 (ouch again!)
Azzaro Pour Homme
I didn’t think I’d spent a lot…until I sat down and started typing! But there are far worse things I could have spent that money on, right?
Yes! Heroin, for one
See! Glass half full!
I wish we had little glass half full icons that worked like smileys!
I voted ’5′, but really it’s only four, as one of them (Havana Vanille) was given to me. And two of them were discounted (Bvlgari Black, Nuit de Noel). So really I’ve been very, very good…
Except I’ve already ordered two bottles this year, and it’s only the 5th January!
Oh my! Hope you ordered something wonderful.
Two bottles and a decant, total $135, not including samples.
*Rochas Tocade, because it was dirt cheap ($10) and you lot kept going on about it! I just had to experience That Slut for myself.
*a decant of Amaranthine, which really isn’t doing much for me — lovely for 30 seconds, then dries down to smell like 10 other scents I’ve tried.
*Tauer Incense Rose, which I’ve been lusting after for a year and a half and finally decided to treat myself to, along with a slew of fun samples from Luckyscent. Hey, I bought it in 2009 but it’s not getting here until Friday — does it count?
I’m feeling especially virtuous for NOT buying Kilian Pure Oud and Cartier XIIIeme Heure — whew, dodged that $650 bullet!
So what did you think of That Slut? (I wore some to bed last night.
I have to be careful where I wear it – certainly not to work.)
My SOTD is That Slut. I’m working from home & can wear whatever I want!
It’s not entirely me — I’ve always secretly wished I were a slut, but alas, I’m just too moody and introverted for true whoring! — but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. Definitely a good counterbalance to all my dark, moody scents, and absolutely worth $10. I also like the kooky bottle.
I like to wear it to bed, too. It smells good and it’s not too demanding. I got it really cheap, too, and I have to say it really grew on me. Give it a chance.
I also just snagged a bottle of Tocade yesterday from TJ Maxx for $12. I had never tried it before, but it was love at first sniff for me. Woohoo!
Oops, forgot a mini of Theorema… why didn’t you all TELL me about this stuff? Oh right, you did, and that’s why I bought it — thank you!
Let’s see… FBs purchased were MH Figue Amere, Azuree, Youth Dew and Yves Rocher Tendre Jasmine. I did three splits [can't remember if they count] – Bois des Iles and 2 Lubin Idole [one was to acquire the groovy bottle]. I DO remember that samples don’t count, so we won’t go there [though of course they probably account for half of my spending! LOL].
Ooops – forgot a vintage bottle of Replique [which I still haven't been able to get open & I don't want to ask my husband to do it.]. Those vintage, sealed, never been opened bottles can really be stubborn. Anyway, I have no idea what it smells like, but the bottle is so cute and Perfume Posse had a review that said it was the fragrance equivalent of King Kong & Godzilla having a lovechild, so I couldn’t pass it up. LOL
Here are two ways that have worked for me Rustic Dove:
1) Wet a towel or paper towel and microwave to heat it. Then, wrap around the stopper, wait a moment to allow heat and hot water to loosen crud, the try to wiggle it out.
2) Pop the whole bottle in the freezer for a few minutes. Should shrink the glass sufficiently to unstick it.
I’d try them in that order. Good luck!
Thanks Sweetlife – will do!
mmmm, I’m so glad you got the Figue Amere! I know how you were lemming it!
Aww – thanks Daisy! I’m enjoying it very much. It’s a very green and salty fig.
I didn’t buy any FBs during the fourth quarter, though I did receive a bottle of Douce Amere for Christmas. Gifts don’t count, do they?
Nope!
Douce Amere, what a great gift!
I was very broke all year, and haven’t really bought much at all. BUT I received a nice bonus right at year end and decided to treat myself to two perfumes that I’ve wanted since last year: Chinatown and Sur Le Nil. I got them on New Years Eve, so that counts! It would have been three, as I wanted to get Havana Vanille, but when I went to my local perfume shop (the only one who carries l’artisan as far as I know), they were closed for the week!
I also splurged big time on a Cire Trudon Ernesto candle on New Years Eve. Don’t know if that counts, but for the price it does in my book!
Aug: I love Chinatown & Sur le Nil! Good for you!
How do you like the Cire candle? I’ve been looking at those but haven’t jumped yet.
The candle is lovely, very masculine, leathery tobacco. It really fills the house with fragrance. Not really sure if it’s worth the money yet or not. Still deciding if I can get the same effect from some of the less “pumpkin pie-y” Yankee Candles, if only they weren’t so ugly!
Oops, forgot the $$ damage. $150 for the 2 bottles (from a discounter), and $70 for the candle.
I’ve been seriously considering a Cire Trudon, but having a hard time with the price. Then again, got two $35-ish candles for my B-day, and both turned out to be poor quality (and both were things I’d asked for). So…maybe I’ll splurge this year too.
Ohhhhhh, let Donatella go on hosting the Damage Poll… looking at her collection makes me feel all virtuous. (As long as you don’t mind including the reason why she’s hosting, Robin. I suppose that could get really old.)
I was just as bad during the 4th quarter as I was the rest of the year. Again, I bought just a few full bottles, and a few decants of things I really wanted. My downfall was, of course, vintage miniatures on ebay… I’ll come back and post details after I get home.
I like that picture, but got some weird comments on it & was wondering if people found it odd. Then again, don’t think I’ve ever explained it before!
Nooo, I love Donatella! Actually I think she’s rather vile, but in a fascinating way, and she — and that photo — are perfect for the poll.
She looks most unfortunately horrid in most recent pics…these were her happier days!
Bought five full bottles, five 3-10ml decants, and eight miniatures, for the ugly total of $317 (down about a hundred bucks from 3rd qtr, but way over my goal of $100!):
Teo Cabanel Alahine 100ml (my Christmas gift from The CEO, but it all comes out of the same bank account, so I included it)
Tom Ford Black Orchid Voile de Fleur 30ml
Mariella Burani 100ml
SSS Tabac Aurea 30ml
Vintage Je Reviens edt 25ml (vintage enough that the juice is straw-colored, not blue)
Decants of Amaranthine, Bois des Iles, Havana Vanille*, Lumiere Noire pour femme, and a teeny but expensive one of La Myrrhe. Vintage minis – RL Lauren, Balenciaga Michelle parfum, Jolie Madame extrait, Ivoire de Balmain parfum, Rumba edt, Chamade parfum. Other minis: Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille and Dolce Vita parfum.
Love all of them except Lauren (which was really research for the novel!) and Tobacco Vanille, which I stupidly bought before testing Tabac Aurea. TV’s already swapped away.
* Oh, Daisy…. Daisy! I’m not anxious for that Havana Vanille, but…
Okay, I’m anxious for that Havana Vanille. Bless your heart – thanks for hosting the most monster split EVER.
POOT! Forgot my backup Shalimar Light. Add $60. CanNOT believe I forgot that.
I did very badly this quarter. This will not happen again. I purchased ten(!) bottles and many, many decants.
Full bottles are:
Tea for Two – L’A
Tabacco Toscano – SMN
Cannabis Rose – Fresh
Odalisque – PdN
Jubilation 25 – Amouage
Nectarine Blossom and Honey – JM
Padparadscha – Satellite
Anice – Etro
Gold Flowers – Montale
Green, Green, Green and Green – Miller et Bertaux
I still really want a bottle of Penhaligons Elixir. I think (hope) that will be all I’ll purchase this quarter.
Just recently sniffed MB Green Green Green…liked it! I’ll trade ya my Elixir. HA!
I don’t want to swap away the whole bottle cause I think it’s delightful. I think I’ll will be getting a lot of use out of it come summertime. But I would be willing to swap away 30-50 ml. If you’re interested, email me at sharviss at hotmail dot com.
Some lovely choices.
Nice list though!
Poot. What with that list including some frags I’m very fond of (T42, Anice) and some definite sample lemmings (Padparadscha, Lentisque), I’m now officially curious about the ones that weren’t previously on my radar. Sometimes I really do hate people who share my taste.
(All in good fun though – I’m sure you know that)
Okay – keep in mind that most of these are splits, swaps, or discount purchases… (at least that’s what I kept telling myself)
Amouage Gold
Coty Sand & Sable
Coty Lady Stetson
Coty Vanilla Fields
Estee Lauder Bali Dream
Estee Lauder Emerald Dream
Mac Naked Honey
Nanette Lepore Shanghai Butterfly
Rochas Tocade
Etat Libre d’Orange Jasmine et Cigarette
L’Occitane Labdanum de Seville
Guerlain No. 68 Guet Apens
Prada Infusion d’Iris
Lolita Lempicka Forbidden Flower
Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs
Nanette Lepore Nanette Lepore
Amouage Jubilation 25
Chanel Cuir de Russie
Guerlain Jicky edt
Guerlain Chamade edt
Guerlain Attrape Couer
Guerlain Liu
Guerlain Philtre D’ Amour
Guerlain Derby
Guerlain Iris Ganache
L’Artisan Havana Vanille
Le Labo Patchouli 24
Le Labo Rose 31
Le Labo Iris 39
Le Labo Fleur d’Oranger 27
Lubin Nuit de Longchamps – Vintage c. 1944
Lubin Idole
Natori Natori
Parfums Del Rae Debut
Guerlain Mitsouko
Kilian Back to Black
Guerlain Rue de la Paix
Blerg .. grand total is $620. I actually had it (kind of) under control until the few FB purchases that I made (Debut, Back 2 Black).
Great list there Cynthia!
Klunk…. that’s my jaw hitting the floor. What a list! Cynthia, aren’t those Le Labos fabulous?!
I think that my jaw hit the floor, too – I didn’t think this quarter had been as bad, but I started keeping track of dates, ml, and money this quarter to make it easier. I love the Le Labos – well, the Patch 24 is a little scary, needs a light hand, and can only be worn in the cold – but when has that stopped any of us?
I both bless and curse the day that I discovered fragrance splits.
C: I had a fool’s revelation recently that — even with the unit price being high — it still probably makes more sense to order $3 sample vials instead of decants sometimes. Uh… hmm. Except I like spraying with abandon much more than dabbing.
Yes! Spraying is much better than dabbing! Plus, if you love something, then you just have to buy a decant anyway. Swapping is probably the best – of course, you have to have something to swap first. Doh!
That’s the thing, Joe. Judicious dabbing is SO unsatisfying.
I’ve decided to spreadsheet my 2010 purchases. I don’t know if I expect it to actually discourage me from spending or just horrify me more when it comes to poll time, but whatever
Oh, splits. Definitely a blessing and a curse, I agree!
Keeping track *definitely* helps to keep my spending down.
Well, keeping track by Excel file hasn’t stopped ME from spending yet… but at least I know how much my madness costs. And what exactly I’ve tested/bought.
Hey Cynthia – great list! But I want to decree that no bottles of Coty good & cheaps that you can buy at a drugstore should NOT count in the damage poll, lol. What kind of damage is that? Spare change in from between your car seats when you are jonesing for a new purchase? Now the Guerlains? Good job!
I know right – I was going to leave the Cotys off, but I think they added up to $9.99 for the three of them (way less than any of my splits). Plus, I wouldn’t have even bought one of them if I wasn’t curious about the other two and it was buy 1, get 2 free or something ridiculous like that.
Cynthia, beautiful stuff!
Look at all those Guerlains! Good work.
Splits are a wondrous thing–think what your total would have been had those all been FB’s —scary!
lol – I would have had to go without, sadly. Or just do samples – which, by NST accounting, wouldn’t have counted at all.
Splits are fantastic though!
I racked up my count for this year from one to three bottles in the last quarter – that is, if a mini even counts as one bottle, otherwise from one to two. They were all bought in vintage and consignment stores, too, so none of them are new, and especially one of them is a bit of a find – a half-full, vintage bottle of Chanel No 5 in Eau de Parfum. The other two are a newish Rochas Femme mini, and Youth Dew. This has been an extremely frugal year, but I’m pleased, nonetheless.
I tend to count minis as 1/2 a bottle. Huge congrats on your vintage finds!
Thank you! All in all, I think I spent about 40 bucks – I will definitely keep looking for more used and vintage bottles in the coming year.
Wow, not bad at all.
Congratulations on your bottleless quarter!
I didn’t do too badly, except for one huge splurge:
(except there’s really no shame…I love wearing it too much to have any)
Millot Crepe de Chine — technically, I bought three bottles of the vintage perfume this quarter, but one was a bust and they were all small, so I’m only counting the two good ones
Robert Piguet Bandit
Amouage Epic Woman — Christmas present to self, for shame
Not counting various splits/samples/decants (and maybe a mini or two). I’m currently “auditioning” scents for my next full bottle purchase. I have actually sat down and budgeted for it, so I feel I’m being very methodical (ha) and practical (HA!!!!!) about the whole thing…but after that, it’s just samples and splits for a while.
I think I have selective spending memory. Forgot to tally two Jubiliation 25 travel bottles (c’mon, it’s such a good price!!!).
Oh, those should count as SAVING money – I wish that I would have bought two.
Nice list. Really pissed I didn’t buy a travel Jubilation when I could have.
I lucked out in that Daisy accidentally bought too many (thinking that they were out-of-stock) and she sold one to me.
Ooh – crepe de chine is so pretty!
Isn’t it? Comforting and always elegant (I think of Angela’s review where she called it a “surefire remedy for mediocrity and bad manners”…perfect description). I got kind of obsessed with building up a decent stash for a while there…it’s like each vintage bottle on eBay could be the last! The LLP version is decent, though, so I guess I can console myself with that if the time comes when I can’t get the vintage anymore.
Oy Vey! I’m not even gonna count the monetary damage, but my total was at 17…(I THINK) ! I’ve moved and returned some of my purchases.
L’Artisan Parfumeur Havana Vanille, Al Oudh, and Tea for Two
D&G La Roue de la Fortune (STUPID STUPID STUPID)
Prada Amber Pour Home 14.99 WooHoO!!
PdN Patchouli Homme and Nicolai pour Homme
Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles and Feminite du Bois
VC&A Bois D’Iris
TF Private Blend Oud Wood and Purple Patchouly
Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanille
Montale Soleil de Capri
By Kilian Prelude to Love and Back to Black (TRAVEL)
YSL La Nuit de L’Homme
Question if I may…is that new Prada Ambree everyone’s been talking about very Fem?
I only sniffed it once, about a month ago, but it didn’t strike me as being overly feminine.
Thanks Boo!
It didn’t strike me as particularly feminine either but I found it very, very sheer and fleeting. I sprayed my wrists fairly generously when I tried it and it smelled as if I’d washed my hands with amber-y soap.
Sheer and Fleeting? Well there’s the deal breaker. TY for your input. Carlos doesn’t do sheer and fleeting well. HA!
I didn’t think that it was especially feminine myself, but I am a girl – so I might not be the best judge of that. I would say that if you would wear Bois des Iles or Cuir de Russie, you wouldn’t find Ambree too femme.
Thanks Cynthia.
I don’t find it fem, and it luckily isn’t fleeting on me either. It is sheer though. Layers nicely with your (bargain) Prada Homme.
Okay, I’m moving in with Carlos, Cynthia and Joe.
And Daisy!
We’ve got to lay plans for our Retirement Home/Flophouse for Indigent Perfumistas.
I’ll come visit if you lend me the key to the “wine” cellar. Come to think of it, every perfumista should have a “wine” cellar!
Yes, didn’t we have this conversation already? A castle, I thought…
Imagine how nice the place would smell!
lol at “flophouse” – thats exactly what I do when I come in, flop down on the nearest comfy chair.
I could never forget our beloved Daisy. I assume she is involved in any and all perfume escapades.
Ohhh may I come if I promise to bring good books and cook? I even do windows!
6 total, and 3 were gifts:
Boucheron EDP
Terre de Hermes
Parisienne
For myself:
Nahema
Cristalle EDP
Chanel No. 19
I got four from discounters, so price wasn’t too bad …
Plus a paperback copy of “The Guide”
A new Marshall’s opened up nearby, so I have to check out their stock. Plus, I never realized this but they sell fragrances at our local Costco. Unfortunately not supersized versions like the 62 oz box of Cheerios.
LOL –still trying to wrap my brain around the visual of a 62oz box of Cheerios…….
I suppose no one picked up a giant 900 ml bottle of Chanel No 5 parfum? I saw this in a 2008 July Vogue (with Nicole Kidman on the cover, p. 74). 900 ml Chanel No 5, parfum for $2,700 for sale at Saks – same as 30.4 regular bottles according to the magazine. How about that for Costo, er, I mean Saks volume shopping! (Dear Santa…. )
TPC has a 4oz. bottle of vintage Apres L’Ondee PARFUM for $3,000. I have a tiny sample of ALO extrait and it is what heaven must smell like.
Watch the prices at Costco, often they’re not as good as what you can do online.
no samples, right? so, splurged on 31 rue Cambon, had to buy Manoumalia for next summer, Bulgari Black (slightly discounted), and Dipytique’s luscious hand cream, wow I was good
No samples! How is the Diptyque hand cream??
deliciously apricot-ish (not overwhelming, though). I also had samples of the rich butter and precious oils, lovely , but need good layering-know-how if you want to use a scent on top.. I’m not good at that, unfortunately. I’m not a fan of the fresh lotion, but it’s due to a personal aversion to orange blossoms.
Comment to the oil: beautifully blended, and not at all in the aromatherapy type of stuff (luckily!)
Thanks. Not sure I’ll buy it unless I see it somewhere on sale, but good to know!
I’ve bought less than 3 full bottles for sure. I did my fair share of sampling and a couple splits, but this last quarter was pretty light on the spending on myself given the holidays.
However, January’s off with a bang as I’m waiting on a backup bottle of L’Arte di Gucci, a split of HV, will be adding some Shalimar Light, have some samples en route and bought a bottle of LE Cherry edt when I swung by L’Occitane’s site to pick up their frangipani line.
Because I was really good on the full bottle/perfume budget score for the last quarter, I’ve been told I can splurge a bit when taxes come in. I plan on finally picking up some Natori, Narciso Rodriguez and maybe a Lutens and seeing where I go from there. I’m so excited.
I finally got around to trying the NR, and that’s made my upcoming list too…though I’ll probably look around for a swap, split or mini rather than a FB. There’s just not much I’ll need in a FB anymore.
I have some NR for her edt to share with you both—if that’s what you’re looking for (the edt)
Uh. Pardon me… I would have commented sooner, but I was peeling myself off the floor after totalling my damage. This exercise/poll helps though, because it makes me confront my insanity. This really does have to stop, because I need to save for a trip to Japan in the fall.
So… I spent almost $900, but I’d say I made up about $200 of that because I was hosting FB splits. Still… oy vay! And this doesn’t count samples, gifts, and swaps! [FBs marked with *]
Amouage Lyric Man (10ml decant)
*Ava Luxe KRETEK (15ml oil)
B#9 Brooklyn (10ml decant)
B#9 Little Italy (10ml decant)
Borneo 1834 (10ml decant)
Caron Farnesiana (5ml decant)
CdG Vettiveru (10ml decant)
*CdG x Artek Standard (100ml – split)
d’Orio Jabu (10ml decant)
ELdO Eloge du Traitre (10ml decant)
ELdO Fat Electrician (10ml decant)
ELdO Rossy de Palma (10ml decant)
ELdO Vierges et Toreros (10ml decant)
*Etro Heliotrope (100ml partial)
FM Une Fleur de Cassie (10ml travel size)
Guerlain Chamade (10ml decant)
Guerlain Jicky (20ml decant)
Guerlain No 68/Guet-Apens (30ml decant)
*He Wood (50ml – split)
*L’A Piment Brulant (50ml)
Lubin Idole (10ml decant)
PdN New York (10ml decant)
*Penhaligons Amaranthine (100ml – split)
PG Cuir d’Iris (10ml decant)
PG Fleur de Comores (10ml decant)
SMN Nostalgia (10ml decant)
TF Tobacco Vanille (10ml decant)
So far – I think Joe & Cynthia are the ones to beat.
Only because Carlos & Daisy are askeered to fully ‘fess up!
lol – Daisy’s total might exceed the GDP of a small country. Of course, she split off a bunch of hers, so I don’t know how you’d calculate the final total – it probably involves fuzzy math though.
dahlink–fuzzy math is the only kind of math I do!!
There’s Ms. Daisy! We’re waiting for that list…
You hush man! HA!
Maybe Daisy’s not askeered, but just delayed because she got writer’s cramp while trying to tally hers up? Heh.
*snicker*
Youch. Your quarter total almost equals my full year total.
I refuse to do a full year accounting – not that it would be that hard to do, I’m just afraid that I’ll either throw up or pass out.
I can relate. I once had a phone bill that resembles your ‘fume tally.
Oh yeah….. remember when they used to charge by the minute? *shudders*
My 2nd Q in 2009 was my worst, er, I mean “best” quarter for picking up all kinds of goodies. But I think I spent almost $1200. Since then, things have cooled off quite a bit, and now I am living and dying by swaps!
Gracious. Still, when you add up the mls it isn’t as much as it seems.
Thanks for minimizing for me. Very sweet.
I’m just a girl that can’t say no– when it comes to a split. FBs? No, of course not, I’ve been good…until we start to tally the decants.
I got 3 FBs:
1. TokyoMilk Honey and the Moon
2. Balmain Jolie Madame
3. PdN Vanille Intense
Was really really tempted to get a FB of Ormonde Jayne Woman but got a decant instead. It will probably be either a purchase in my next quarter or a birthday present
What about minis, do they count? I did get Fendi Theorema mini bottles from a fragrance discounter.
I count minis as 1/2 a bottle. Bet the Fendi Theorema mini is cute!
Well, all in all this year has been terribly expensive perfume-wise. I must admit that IFRA has influenced my spending a bit. I have been hoarding things I fear will be irrevocably lost. 2010 will prove if IFRA alone is responsible for all these bottles.
I have bought:
Patricia de Nicolaï: Eau du Lude, Eclipse and Maharadjah.
Clinique: Aromatics Elixir ( might prove to be my favourite fragrance ever!)
The Different Company: Bois d’Iris, Bergamote ( Got the estagnons directly from TDC’s website. They sent me two 10 ml. samples of Balkiss and Oriental Lounge. Very good service.
My best buy: Annick Goutal: Des Lys. Won this in an auction on ebay for only 25$. It’s a 100 ml. bottle, and I love it.
Another Goutal I got was Eau de Lavande, this was a gift so it doesn’t count.
Got sample sets from Histoires de Parfums and Parfums d’Empire.
I’ll have plenty to sniff next year!
Forgot another special find:
Diptyque L’Eau Trois. 3/4 of a bottle, for very little money.
Oh, congrats on the L’Eau Trois and the very nicely priced AG!
Ooh, love your two TDC choices!
They are lovely. Esp. Bois d’Iris. Their customer service is brilliant. My parcel arrived very quickly, was very well packaged, and had the two large testers as well. The estagnons are really quite cheap per ml. They now have smaller refill bottles as well, for all their scents. The large estagnons only come in their first 4 fragrances.
Whew! Thank goodness 2009 is over. I tallied up my purchases and it’s not too bad, I spent $749 for the quarter, $1,352 for the year. I really spent time this 4th quarter revisiting leather notes, I’m glad I did.
My purchases are:
Fendi- 1/4 oz perfume $120 (absolute heaven)
Nina Ricci Farouche in lalique crystal bottle $245 (I’d been coveting the bottle forever and the juice is a lovely aldehyde floral, gorgeous stuff)
Hermes Pamplemouse Rose $125
3 bottles of Fendi edp $35
Azuree $35
Aliage $35
3 bottles of Sikkim $45 (they were $15 each)
ST: Now you’re making me feel like I should stock up on my Sikkim at fragrancenet… if there’s any left! LOL
I just ordered a set of La Collection – if the Sikkim is not my thing, I’ll save it for you.
My fav of La Collection is the Magie – it is such a pretty aldehyde jasmine -amber. Really simple,classy stuff. Then I like the Climat – a pretty white flowers-civet fragrance. Elegant and casual.
Those are the two that were calling my name, as well. (Aldehydic floral with amber? and green floral? I’m THERE, baby.) I watched that set on ebay for months, and then March’s reviews pushed me over it. First purchase of 2010. I found a set with the Mille et une Rose instead of Sagamore – it was in the UK! Even with the shipping, it was $40. Of course I’ll have to wait a while, who knows how long it will take to get here.
Mals, it might not be long at all. I got my Amarige from the UK, and it took less than a week to get here.
Sagamore is the only one I haven’t smelled. Cool. You can let me know when they show up…
And, hollar if you need a sample of Mille – I have some of that too.
Hi AnnS
I have Magie-let me know if you want to do a swap? It’s nice but not *me*.
Most of your bottles were reasonably priced! The NR sounds lovely, I’ll have to google that bottle.
Oh Farouche! I am SO jealous!!! And the bottle too!
This quarter, I purchased five bottles for a total of $254. Most expensive was Kilian’s Liaisons Dangereuses travel spray for $143 at Saks. I used gift certs (from my credit card points) to supplement the rest:
3 Fleurs – $15
Havana Vanille – $65
1 oz bottles of Ma Dame and Parisienne – $31 total
Looking through the past year’s posts, though, I see I missed two bottles! Chamade EDP in July for $92, and Rive Gauche in May for $57.
Grand total for the year – 22 bottles for $1117.
Yikes! Of those 22 bottles, there are four that I purchased that I wouldn’t mind trading away (Belle en Rykiel, Yvresse, Eau de Star, and Tocade). The rest I’m very happy with (though I haven’t received the Havana Vanille yet!).
My collection now consists of 61 bottles, about 10 or so minis, and probably about 50 samples/decants. Of those, there are about 10 in addition to the above that I would like to get rid of – sell or trade. I think I’m getting better at avoiding spending $ on unsniffed purchases. Not worth the misses.
First bottle on my purchase list for 2010, 31 Rue Cambon, which BTW, I’m splitting. If you’re interested, let me know!
Your total collection is not outrageous, at least! Quite sure I bought more than 22 bottles in 2004, which was the last year I really let myself go in terms of purchasing.
Hi Karin! I’m new to the site but a longtime lover of NST. Yvresse has really caught my eye from all the MUA reviews on it, and I would be very interested in swapping/buying it from you.
I bought many perfumes this year but almost all were with “Sephora Dollars” (aka, me taking advantage of their very generous return policy). The only one that wasn’t was some Arpege edp, $35 from Filene’s Basement
Hi Ari! Email me at krnszn@gmail.com if you’re interested in the Yvresse…
Finally emailed you! Very sorry, just noticed that you responded today!
Damage was $230 total – 8 Full bottles and 1 gift, but only 2 at full price (and those were the MAC’s which are only $25 each!) – all the rest were ebay or Marshall’s. Also a few minis and travel sizes (Mitsouko mini, Yves Roches travel spray of Voile D’Ambre) and my first splits (10 ml of Havana Vanlle and 5ml of Bond No. 9 Fire Island is on it’s way!)
Full bottles:
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Body Oil (didn’t list that it was body oil in the title and I didn’t read well. Oops.)
MAC Naked Honey x 2 –
Hermes Eau de Merveilles (Constellation bottle!)
Missoni Acqua
Marc Jacobs Amber (unsniffed from Marshall’s – that was a mistake)
Jennifer Lopez Deseo
GAP The Lover and The Individual (Indiviual was a gift for my BF. Not crazy about the Lover now – monstrous sillage. At least they were onlhy $6.99 each on sale!)
You were smart to get 2 of the NH, those went fast!
And jealous of your constellation bottle, those were gorgeous.
I was lucky to get the Naked Honey – I was very late to that party and called every MAC counter within 50 miles to find those 2 bottles!
Lucky on the Merveilles too – the seller on ebay didn’t put “Hermes” in the title so I don’t think people could find it and I was the only bidder!
Yeah, if you have time to regularly watch for mistakes & omissions on eBay, you can find some really great stuff.
Joe and Cynthia – way to go! I’m coming to your houses with my nostrils flaring!
lol – it will be much nicer than the looks of sheer horror that I usually get.
Five full bottles:
Vintage Diorella EDT
Contemporary Diorella EDT
Vintage Rive Gauche EDT
Vintage Bal a Versailles PDT
Vintage Cabochard EDT
And in my mind roughly equivalent to one full bottle: a set of half-full minis of Rose Jacqueminot, Chypre, and Les Muses (Coty’s circa-1990 reissues).
Also, I got the Perfumes: The Guide paperback with a B&N gift card, plus a small old leather suitcase to hold my most recent fragrance acquisitions.
Oh, and another full bottle of vintage Emeraude PDT. NOT a good sign for my memory.
What’s the Coty Chypre reissue like? I almost bought a box of vintage Emeraude and Chypre (*serious* vintage, like early 1900′s) on ebay, but couldn’t cough up the cash. Now I’m kicking myself for not doing it.
I’ve recently smelled that Chypre reissue, and it’s really nice. “Does what it says on the can,” as LT/TS would say. I wouldn’t scour the ends of the earth for more
I wonder how it compares to the original.
Oh — how are the Cotys? And what a neat thing to have. I’ve smelled 1 version of Chypre, older than that I think though.
Rose Jacqueminot: As ravishingly beautiful as when I smelled it in 1990 or so. Coty is doing itself a serious disservice by not making this generally available.
Chypre: Interesting, rather vegetal, but a little underwhelming (probably because I smelled this after smelling the subsequent chypre hybrids).
Les Muses: An initial impression of bubblegum, I kid you not. There’s a reason circa-1990 bottles are readily available on teh bay.
That was my reaction to Chypre too — underwhelming once you’ve smelled all the wonderful ways people built on the concept.
I thought i was tame compared to some of you, but maybe im wrong. I mean, ive spent probably over $200 on samples alone from luckyscent, and i recall making at least the following purchases for myself.
Paco Rabanne PH 30 ml – $15
Burberry Brit 30 ml – $15
Mont Blanc Excenptionnel – 50 ml – $40
JML Pomegranate Noir – 30 ml – $55
Diptyque TamDao – 50ml – $85
DKNY Men – 50ml – $50
Crabtree West Indian Lime – 100ml -$40
Givenchy PH – 50ml – $35
Cartier Roadster – 50ml -$45
Dior Fahrenheit – 50ml – $45
Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir – 100ml – $40
Varvatos – 125ml – $35
Curve Wave – 30ml – $15
Ive also gone through at least 4 bottles that i received as gifts.
Acqua di Gio
Gucci PH II
Varvatos Vintage
YSL M7 Fresh
But almost everything you bought was very reasonably priced, good for you!
For the end of the year, probably worse than I should have been, this is not counting Christmas fragrance gifts. Sometime around early December I went on a Caron kick and had to stop myself before I ended up buying up their entire line.
Bvlgari Omnia Crystallinne – gift for friend
Bvlgari Femme
Bvlgari Rose Essentielle
Caron Narcisse Noir
Caron Nuit de Noel
Caron Sacre’
Guerlain Shalimar
Hanae Mori Magical Moon
Kat von D Sinner – Sephora Beauty Insider Perk
Kenzo Flower
I need to get a few vintage Carons myself!
I bought nary a single bottle, BUT I picked up the Fresh Hesperides Hostess gift set of scented lotion and soap, and received the Pacifica Avalon Juniper gift set with a solid fragrance and small body butter. So I am well scented these days.
I had planned to pick up a bottle (perhaps Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere) to replace two that changed drastically in the fall – a Daisy purse spray refill vial, and and a half full L de Lolita Lempicka. I figured it was oxygen exposure, since I had to funnel Daisy into the bottle and L’s pretty heart shape gives the juice a lot of surface area. But both seem to have rebounded and are mostly back to their former selves. Is it unusual for perfumes to turn and turn back? Or did my nose just throw me for a loop?
Aleta, in my experience that happens sometimes when you haven’t sprayed the perfume in awhile, it’s the stuff stuck in the sprayer/nozzle that has fizzled. Once that’s cleared out the perfume itself is usually fine.
No idea, never heard of that!
FB of DelRae Eau Illuminee edp in October, also a big (15ml) decant of Plus que Jamais edp. THREE little bottles of Fidji parfum on *bay; also Fidji and Aliage bath powders, same source. (I love perfumed bath powder, and nobody offers it any more, even for currently-available scents!)
In late summer I bought Parfums Delrae and Ormonde Jayne sample coffrets and a couple 1-ml vials from TPC. Since then I’ve decided not to buy a FB or big decant of any scent until I’ve finished my sample of it and can make a wise decision, so didn’t buy Bois de Paradis in December even though it would have been a nice Christmas present.
What a relief to read all your lists– I know I’ll always be a piker in this crowd!
There are some *amazing* lists here.
GG, that’s my rule, too: must finish entire sample vial. I’ve saved myself a lot of money that way. I start out very excited about a sample and then, often, I change my mind on repeated exposure. My goal is to have a collection of FB that I absolutely love.
Damn. I forgot about the FM Une Fleur de Cassie I gave myself for Christmas. (Jeez, but I love that stuff.) Total fourth quarter count: nope, I refuse to add them up. Why feel worse? And I’m not even going to THINK about the dollar value.
Far too many bottles.
2010 WILL BE DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Signed,
A Glass Overflowing and Wrecking the Coffee Table (R will understand)
me too….in fact the carpet under the coffee table will never be the same……
That Fleur de Cassie is something else, isn’t it? I had to get a travel size atomizer. I find it a bit “difficult”… not straight-up lovely, but the kind of scent that you catch wafts of now and then and realize it’s something amazing and complicated.
Totally, Joe! UFdC was love, then hate, then love, then hate, for about three years. On the hate days at the FM counter, I smelled old vase water and something so disturbing it didn’t have a name. On the love days i smelled the most glorious, complex, original, fascinating and unquestionably GORGEOUS floral Ropion’s ever put in a bottle.
Then one day I realized I hadn’t hated it for ages. Then I missed it. Then I craved it. Then I HAD to have it.
Now I love it all the time. Hope you love yours just as consistently.
LOL! A bit of cynicism does help to keep the spending down
I’m definitely beginning to appreciate its advantages.
Hi everybody and Happy New Year!!!!!
I’ve only bought one :Timbuktu (100 mls.) in October while holidaying in France.I can’t remember the actual price but my guess is around 85 pounds aprox.
Samples on the other hand cost me more pennies,but those don’t count ,right?
My new year’s resolution is to find a wonderful floral to add to my beautiful chinese lacquered perfume cabinet….
Lorena.
Nice choice for your one bottle!
Just one for me this time: Si Lolita.
Which I haven’t even smelled yet! Hear it’s nice.
Eep. Twelve?!
I thought that I’d been purchasing modestly. Turns out I was using “discount blindness” and only remembering the full-price monsters from LuckyScent.
Theorema
Vent Vert (modern)
Ivoire (modern)
Bal a Versailles parfum
Tubereuse Couture
Villoresi Musk
Tokyo Milk Song in D Minor
vintage Dana mini
vintage Replique mini
Paestum Rose.
Rochas Tocade
k.hall designs Cypress & Cassis solid.
And I’ve probably forgotten a couple.
The only good news is that I drastically cut down on decants – only _one_ decant order this quarter. That’s unheard-of.
That Tubereuse Couture is a score! Congrats. Very enjoyable… let me know if you ever want to unload a small decant.
Vintage minis though, what fun!
I really did not do too badly. My total is 4:
Bvlgari Black (under $30)
YSL Parisienne ($39)
Crazylibellule Vanille Macarons and Encens Mystic (I think they were $18 each?)
Of course this does not include my obscene amount of samples — that’s where I really went nuts this quarter.
Oh, you did VERY well! Samples don’t count, although of course your credit cards count them
LOL, you’re right Robin. It was the samples that did me in this quarter.
Oh, I was so proud of myself! I didn’t think I had bought anything! And then I thought back to October… and it would seem I did make some purchases. Just a few…ahem… But only three of them were full price, and one was the already affordable Youth Dew (bought it for the bottle) and the other two I did splits of. So I think this shows progress for me in my journey to The Land of Restraint. Here’s the final list:
Vintage Shalimar (got it at Goodwill for $10)
pre-reformulation Ysatis (also at Goodwill, $6)
Bandit (split it)
Gris Clair (split it)
Youth Dew (a whopping $28)
2 vintage bottles of Emeraude perfume (total of $15 on ebay)
Parfum Sacre (online discounter)
Violette Precieuse (ditto)
Antilope (ditto)
Un Jardin Sur le Nil (again–ditto)
I didn’t count decants that I bought. Because they don’t count, right? It’s like how broken cookies don’t have any calories. Decants ADD money to your bank account!
The re-issue of the blue Yough Dew bottle? Isn’t it cute?!
I love the blue bottle too!
HAD to have it! I just wish Youth Dew would continue to smell as good on me as it did first spritz out of the bottle. I don’t know what happened. Was it me? Was it Youth Dew? We may never know.
You get credits for thrifty purchasing! I mean, seriously…Antilope for under $10!! After you replied yesterday, I almost felt *obligated* to buy it (even though I haven’t used up the sample and have very sternly told myself I’m not considering purchase at this point in time, such logic becomes less relevant as the purchase price approaches the price of a McDonald’s value meal).
so, um, was that any more sternly than the admonishment to not buy Epic woman until January??? lol I figure you just placed the order in “anticipation” of January…… funny that….I’m beginning to “anticipate” February……
Where’s Mals…? Isn’t there some sort of accounting trick that can be used to not count “future encumbrances” or something like that?
We’re strictly on a cash accounting basis here, Joe.
Unless, say, you bought an extra bottle of Shalimar Light which turned out to be the wrong one for you, and you’re passing it on to a friend at a slight discount, but her budget won’t allow that until next quarter. Then that bottle just, um, disappears.
I need to work on my stern face. I LEARNED IT BY WATCHING YOU
well, see? there’s your problem! this isn’t my “stern face” this is my “I’m-lemming-it-so-bad-and-am-about-to-place-the-order face” …..silly girl! (I embarrassed to say I don’t have a stern face!)
Oh, Miss Kitty, I wish my local Goodwill stores were as well-stocked as yours. And TWO bottles of Emeraude for $15 total? That’s the best *bay deal I’ve heard of. Good work!
Goodwill is hit or miss. You have to be there at the right time, and there’s no telling when that is. That said, I think Portland is better stocked than most. I tried to hit up a couple of small town Goodwills in Washington state, thinking that they would be well-stocked since the Portland perfumistas hadn’t hit them. I was wrong. Nothing but current bottles of Emeraude and some very alarming offerings from Avon.
Portland is sounding more and more like a thriving center of perfumedom– and closer to me than New York or Paris. A pilgimage may be in order.
I’m still all in favor of having a perfumista retreat here. I’m a closet event organizer, so if there are enough people interested, I think we could totally make it happen. (And really, all anyone needs to do is fly out here at the same time, stay in the same hotel, and shop.)
If you organize it, they will come. . . maybe a Portland Sniffathon?
While there are fewer perfumistas in small towns to snatch up the bargains…there are also fewer to donate their unloved orphans in the first place.
Yep. And I’ve noticed that with ebay and the increasing popularity of vintage (I mean clothes, not perfume, although that could be true, too) it’s hard to find anything good anywhere anymore. I used to make out like a bandit at the Goodwill in Centralia, Washington, because no one else appreciated wacky sixties and seventies fashions in that town apparently. But that hasn’t been true for almost ten years now.
Miss Kitty – I’d say you are well on your way to the land of restraint! Good job!
I’ll get back to you after tax return season.
I’m afraid I’ll be spending that money before I even have it. Again.
I’m very afraid of tax season this year, as it was the first time we were a two-income family. My husband’s employers didn’t seem to withhold much, either, so I’m very afraid.
See, that’s why I liked being a government accountant!
A Portland Perfumista Retreat? I’m in. And I’d bring my sister along too since she lives in the area. You know, convert her.
Well, if we’re not counting decants, then I spent under $200 this quarter.
I either swapped for mine, or bought them for my partner, so I feel justified in not counting them.
*You* may have to count yours, though! Hee hee.
Hmmm. Well I know I bought a ginormous bottle of vintage No. 19 (8 oz.) for $150, a big helping of which will be going to my SIL, who was the inspiration for the purchase in the first place. So, technically, it was a gift/swap. But all the rest were samps, decants and swaps. Most of my damage happened immediately post-IFRA announcement, when I decided I needed full bottles and/or back-ups of my most beloved jasmine and citrus frags. I’ve slowed way down since then. In fact, I’m in the process of gathering things to sell, swap, and give away. And unless someone waves a sealed bottle of vintage Bois des Iles in front of me and asks me to make an offer, I’m pretty safe for the forseeable future. Um, maybe. (Knocks on wood.) Except for that Aedes gift certificate. And the fact that I’m suddenly beginning to understand Iris…
And here’s another vote for Donatella! I will miss her if she goes away…
Um, if someone waves that vintage BdI in your face, do just send them my way
Glad to hear people like Donatella. I find her kind of comforting every 3 months.
She’s part of the NST family in a weird sort of way.
Yes, I guess she is.
Oh my sweet lord… 8oz of No 19! SOMEONE just got me hooked on that and I’m in the danger zone. Your bottle sounds terrific.
[and no, the someone isn't Daisy!]
And I too, love Donatella, though that still from The Women is pretty great too.
It’s ridiculous, right? But I got my SIL hooked on it, and then felt like a drug pusher who couldn’t come through when she went through her decant and wanted more! Believe it or not, that huge bottle was the only reliable vintage I could find, after getting burned twice on evilbay. I used to just get my No. 19 from the discounters, but I think enough time has gone by that I’ll be buying that awful neon green stuff.
And really, the price seemed like a bargain when I thought about how much I’d pay for a regular 100 ml bottle!
And: I like the still from The Women too, but Donatella is infinitely more comforting than Joan C., much as I adore her. I agree, Rapp, she’s family!
Hee, hee, hee…..
I’ll only count what I have in hand, not what’s floating in mail purgatory…
Si Lolita 80 ml for full price at the Bay (Hudson’s Bay, not the bay of E)
vintage Evening in Paris 30ml for $10
Score on the Evening in Paris — great price!
I didn’t buy any FBs at all! But I did indulge in samples and decants. The decants are:
Muscs Koublai Khan
Passage D’Enfer
Ambre Sultan
Le Labo Patchouli
Sienne L’Hiver (this was lemminged, and turned out to be the sleeper hit. It is icy cold yet turns into something rich and complex on my skin as it develops. Love, love, love it. Unexpectedly!)
OH NO! I lie! I bought the travel set of Ta’if!!! It just doesn’t SEEM like an FB because it’s split into 4 separate vials!
Favourite samplers of the last quarter:
Bois Farine
Timbuktu
SL’s La Myrrhe
Reminds me I’d really like a bottle of Bois Farine. Ack.
Yes, Ack. Exactly. There’s quite a few l’artisans I’d love to own.
Isn’t Sienne l’Hiver amazing?! Oh — and Ta’if — maybe I’ll host a split of some travel bottles…
Sienne L’Hiver really was such a random, unsniffed purchase. I saw TPC was doing a discount price on decants, so I just went for it. After reading the list of notes, I assumed it would be warmer and more comforting, so was quite shocked at how ‘cold’ it was. It really is ‘Hiver’!!!!! So amazingly evocative of a walk through the countryside in winter, a chill in the air, leaves, wet earth, smoking chimneys. Now it is winter in London, and icy and snowy, I find myself reaching for the ice-cold perfume to match!
That’s funny — I actually find it to be a warming fragrance, or at least neutral in that way. Love the funny little pickle note (the olives?).
Oh! So I’m NOT “smelling things” when I get pickle! It put me off at first, in favor of the Bois d’Ombrie, but then it grew on me enough that I should get a decant at some point. Of both, really.
I spent a whopping $5 dollars on Aquolina Chocolovers. Perhaps that was too much? I might pass it along to a friend who loves gourmand. I gave my nieces Viva la Juicy and Crazylibellule Shanghaijava Ananas Imperial, but I didn’t count them in my total.
Ha! I also felt the $5 bottle of Chocolovers was wasted money. They should have paid *us* to take it!
Hey, where did you find Chocolovers for $5? I want some for $5.
I got mine at our local TJ Maxx…and yes, I quite agree with the above – only wore it once!!! But at that price, how can ya pass it up? Ha!
Oh, then I really must get over there & look. Thanks!
Or I can send you mine.
I found it in the Bath and Body section…not the perfumes…
Thanks guys! Miss Kitty, you’re kind but I think it would cost more than $5 to ship it!
Ok–true, I am askeered to tally it up —so I won’t even attempt the “fuzzy” math….keep in mind that I split off portions of many of these ….and to echo Cynthia: I’m in danger of the pass out , throw up or possibly even the combo-pack…..here goes….
1. Narciso Rodriguez for her edt
2. Bvlgari Black (finally! I get it!!)
3. Ineke After My Own Heart
3. Ineke Field Notes from Paris
3. VC&A Bois d’Iris —I blame Robin
3. Divine L’Ame Soeur
3. Guerlain SDV —I blame Rapple
3. Cruel Gardenia
3.Amouage Jubilation 25 —I blame JOE–because I didn’t like it at first and then he MADE me try it again and I loved it!! new HG
3. Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte–I blame Cynthia
3. Havana Vanille –egad don’t even start! what a pain!
3. Ginestet Botrytis
3. Frapin 1270 –I know, the last 2 are similar but I love them both
3. Tocca Cleopatra
3. Tocca Brigitte
3. Attrape Coeur —another one to blame on Rapple!
3. Chanel Cuir de Russie–mostly split
3. Chanel Bois des Iles–mostly split
3. Bond no 9 Chinatown
3. Jean Patou Colony —Rapple : please take a bow!
3. Mariella Burani —I blame this one on Mals
3. Iris Ganache —mostly split
3. Lubin Idole–mostly split
3. Etro Messe de Minuit—mostly split
Oh look! I only bought 3 bottles, now I don’t feel so bad!
ooops….
3. Tokyo Milk Waltz
3. Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy
and two Guerlains that I’m going to split up (hopefully).
OMG! I just noticed the dozen or so #3′s!! ROFL!
fuzzy math, fuzzy counting….no difference, all the same concept: denial.
You bought Attrape-Coeur?? I’m emailin’ you, sister.
re: Havana Vanille split. If I ever catch you offering to do a split that big I’m intervening. Or at least not adding to the chaos. I feel so bad that it’s been that big of a pain for you!
I told her last night that her index finger must now be as muscular as Popeye’s forearm. Either that, or she’ll need a joint replacement in a couple months. Eek!
my spritzing finger has been renamed Arnold Schwarenfinger….
anyone want to finger-wrestle???
Or is that Spritzenegger…??
Ha!
Ha!!!
aw Kitty, sorry I grumbled so much—none of my splitters were ever a problem in the least! It’s L’artisan and shipping that made it so stressful. Of course, I’m over it now and rubbing my hands together considering the next split…..clearly I need therapy….
I’ve heard that aromatherapy is great. *rimshot*
hmmm…I was thinking electro-shock …..
I’m licensed.
But obviously I don’t have any more restraint than anyone else, so who’s to say how much help I’d be.
I don’t know whether to take a bow (as instructed) or to be wounded to be shouldering so much blame! But…. ahem….. I didn’t notice Guerlain Vetiver on the list. LOL!
But I’m quite aware that paybacks are tough, oh Empress of Enabling.
And didn’t you also do a Philtre d’Amour split? Or is that one of the Guerlains that you’re waiting for?
gah! darn your memory! I was sort of “ignoring” those since the Vetiver is at least half yours….and the other two I’m splitting! sheesh, I hope you know that you’ll never make it as an international spy—you give up ALL the secrets without the slightest struggle!
so…um….yeah—if anyone is interested in a split of Guerlain Philtre d’Amour or Derby…or Cruel Gardenia…..let me know!
LOL! I’m not trying to be a spy! I’m being a stool pigeon! I think we need to think about a Bois d’Armenie split…. just sayin’……
Rapp: I’m just happy I only got blamed for one bottle. Oops, I better be quiet because she lets me get in on all her good splits. Then again, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.
Kind of good news/bad news isn’t it? But Joe, be glad that she didn’t notice your comment above regarding “friends” with bottles in the basement. LOL!
WHAT???? now I’m going to look…….
LOL — love the “blame” game.
all that reckless spending couldn’t possibly be MY fault. people send me samples….or ahem, write. tantalizing. reviews….ROBIN ! my nostrils flare, my lemming glands engage….my wrist has carpal tunnel from whipping out my credit cards…..sigh, I’m the victim here…..
And the “I’m the victim here,” game! Such fun. Theres also the maximising and minimising games.
You should be thanking me, not blaming me for the Cristalle Eau Verte – didn’t you get your bottle half price off the ‘Bay? At least you didn’t pony up full price like I did. Plus, I can lay at least half my list squarely at your feet (at least the fabulous stuff).
hahaha , credit where credit is due, my dear! Eau Verte was flying under my radar until you (very kindly) sent me that spritzy full of the stuff. But yeah, that was an excellent ebay score—brand new, $40 shipped. I did rather drag you down the rabbit hole after me, didn’t I? and all that kicking and screaming and resisting you did…it was fearsome indeed! ***wink,wink***
I know – it’s terrible how much badgering you had to do.
how do you like ineke field notes from paris? been eyeing it myself for a while, have to get a sample (love the bottle too).
attrape coeur! wow! it’s been on my list for a while.
all in all, impressive list
I don’t know if I should count my purchase as 1 since it is the Ormonde Jayne’s Tiare Travel Purse Sprays, but I handed two out to my girlfriends as gifts…..
Then strictly speaking you bought less than 1!
My 4th quarter was the most “responsible” for me as both my birthday and Xmas are included, so I just had to hold my breath and let others do some of the spending. Since I spent a lot overall in 2009 buying backups, I did decide to do some backups of my beloved Coco. And I really worked it for some amazing swaps – so thanks to all my swap pals for keeping me in all kinds of goodies!
FB purchased:
Mitsouko extrait (pre-reform)
Shalimar extrait (don’t you just love those cute little 25 oz bottles!)
Coco parfum (2), Coco edp (2)
Annick Goutal Heure Exquise edp
Chanel Mini parfum wardrobe
~~~~~~~
No 5 parfum (swap)
Asja Fendi (swap)
Kenzo Flower Essentielle (ebay bargain!)
Amaranthine (split)
Tom Ford BO Voile de Fleur (swap)
AT Une Rose Chypree (swap)
L’A Timbuktu (swap)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Gifts:
SSS Opal
SSS Femme Jolie shea cream
Tocade
Vintage No 5 parfum
Chanel No 5 body cream
Wow, you made some lovely swaps! Nice list.
AnnS – you are reminding me that I should stock up on my favorite citruses … I smell an order coming on. Plus it’s so cold here in Boston, need something to warm me up!
Yes! Citruses – freezing here in PA too! I got a FB of eau d’Hadrien just because it will be reformulated. There are so many sneaky reformulations going on now… I try not to go crazy about it, but when you love a fragrance it does make a difference not to get it anymore!
Four for me:
1. Lanvin Arpege extrait
2. Soivohle Tobacco and Tulle
3. Soivohle Oudh Lacquer
4. Vero Perfumo Kiki
Out of 16 bottles in 2009, not a single one was a spray. Also, in 2009 I spent almost as much on perfume as I did on clothes, shoes and accessories combined!
Never thought about it, but I’m sure there have been years when all my clothing $ went to perfume. Interesting!
Robin,
I spent nothing on clothing or accessories this year. When I finally had some money to spend, it all went on perfume!
Have spent way more than usual.
Splurged on FBs of OJ Osmanthus and Tiare. £170 GBP – Gulp! Osmanthus has been a long time favourite – tried Tiare unsniffed – thank goodness I love it.
Sonoma Scent Studio Femme Jolie small bottle and body silk say $40 inc postage. Love these lots and will buy more SSS in future – want Winter Woods.
Also tried some Arab rose and musk oils £40 GBP after reading one of the NST threads – these are great in the winter weather.
So glad to meet another fan of OJ Osmanthus….it seems to be low on most people’s list of favorite OJs.
Traditionalist on a tight budget, splurged on 2.5 oz. EDP sprays of Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleu and Mitsouko for myself, purchased at discount on line. Bemoan the fact that Vol de Nuit is so difficult to come by except at retail prices on visits to NYC, and my ounce of parfum extrait purchased some years ago is nearly gone. Gleeful, though, that these scents hold on my dry skin, but I’m careful with the miserly application. Must wash my hands before offering my young sun conure a raisin, for example, otherwise it will not smell “right” to that little parrot, and he craves raisins. Otherwise, he seems not to mind my fragrances.
Wonderful purchases. I can save you some money – the Vol de Nuit extrait has been reformulated beyond all recognition! I bought some from BG back in May and sent it back. The Mitsouko reform was brilliant in comparison!
Did not know that. What a shame.
I honestly wouldn’t have even recognized the scent if it hadn’t been labeled, Robin.
Wow. I guess they blew their reformulating budget on Mitsouko.
Would your bird accept a raisin from a long-handled spoon? It seems a shame to have to wash off the scent that you’re conserving so carefully.
Another vote to KEEP DONATELLA!!! But I would love to see someone’s out of control collection for kix. I ALMOST got to vote “nary a one”! But, alas- March’s post on Lancome’s La Collection inspired me to get on the Bay and find a boxed set a few days before the year ran out. I only counted it as one (even though it has 4 beautiful 15ml glass stoppered bottles. (Magie, Sikkim, Climat, Sagamore). All for $45- shipping included (blows fingernails). Overall I was SO much more restrained this year. (Hehe- but I did place an order for 2 Cire Trudon Candles so far in 2010- which Robin doesn’t make us count…)
That was a hard deal to pass up!
If you think of it, do please report back on your new candles, I’d love to know.
No FBs for me this quarter… after a couple of regrettable purchases earlier in the year (thankfully, not expensive ones), I decided to slow down and really decide what I want. I’m sniffing my way through sample sets from Ormonde Jayne, DelRae, and Ineke, plus some random samples from L’AP. So far, OJ Woman grabs me the most, and I’m also liking Havana Vanille despite a general aversion to vanilla scents. In the meantime, I’m living vicariously through some of the fabulous lists on here!
BTW, the Donatella picture always cracks me up because I’m reminded of the SNL “Versace Pockets” skit with Matt Damon. Anyone remember that?
No, and drat, can’t find it on YouTube!
I remember several of those SNL skits with Maya Rudolph as Donatella, though I haven’t seen the one with Matt Damon. Ms. Rudolph had me shouting with laughter every time.
“Versace Pockets” were Donatella’s ridiculously overpriced, designer version of Hot Pockets. Matt Damon was dressed as Axl Rose, shrieking to his Versace Pocket, “You know where you are? You’re in the microwave, baby!” (a la “Welcome to the Jungle”). Funny stuff — it’s a shame I can’t find it on YouTube or NBC’s SNL site.
LOL! That sounds hysterical.
Seriously, folks, if I knew someone who spent as much on clothing or shoes as I spend on perfume, I’d laugh at them. Ah well, we all have our vices…
Hey, you KNOW people spend ALOT more on the Emperor`s New Clothes than we perfumistas do on our potions!! To each their own, but many of them lack personal wits, and just go w/ the crowd for acceptance…We scent fans have SOUL!!
Hey. What I spent in 2009 wouldn’t buy a real clotheshound a single handbag. Ha.
Many years ago I worked in a shop and saw lots of men come in who collected very expensive fountain pens. My dad collects wine and scotch…. and antique clocks!! To each his or her own. My younger sister teases me as finally at this point in my life I found something to collect. I’ve never actually ever collected anything before. I finally found something so intriguing that manages to hold my attention & senses. There is no end to learn and experience with fragrances!!
Agree! I never collected something, I started the last years with perfume. I need weeks and months until I buy something.
But before collecting perfume bottles I would rather say I collect “smells”. (Because I lack the money for my rather expensive taste…).
I never collected much of anything before, either, until starting my (still small) perfume collection. I was on a brief tangent with vintage watches — which I still love to look at — but many don’t work or are prohibitively expensive. I want to be able to USE on a daily basis what I collect. Plus, I’ve found that I really enjoy learning about the history of perfume, bottle design, etc.
Continuing the blame game, I’m blaming the IFRA for most of my purchases (see Daisy, you’re off the hook! lol!). I too stocked up on vintage bottles from eBay before these great scents are all gone.
But I DO blame Daisy for my Christmas present to myself purchase of Cuir de Russie. Great stuff!
The most damage was caused in the first week of the qtr. by a decant of Guerlain’s 180 Ans – very expensive but beautiful.
IFRA is taking a hit here, you’re not the only one.
Well, 2009 was much less expensive, perfume-wise, for my wallet. This last quarter had 5 full bottles for me: Lipstick rose, Lys méditerranée, Iris silver mist, Sarrasins and Felanilla. The new year has started with a bottle of TF Tobacco vanille, but I can see very few fb for me in the next months, probably Vanille galante and, maybe but I’m still not sure, Ambre narguilé and 31 rue Cambon. I’m getting wiser and wiser and, after 2 years of full blown perfumania, I’m more and more appreciating what I already have, which is a nice surprise. I hope it lasts…
You got lovely things — jealous of your ISM!
And I’m jealous of Lys and Felanilla (only because I’ve never smelled ISM). Oh la la!
Some of my purchases were the AG Holiday Mandragore trio in the marron bottles w/gold scroll/leafwork.HATS OFF!!! to Premiere Ave in Grenoble, France, for even though they flawlessly packed my order, the butterfly bottle leaked 1/3 it`s contents, smearing 2/3 of the gold-leaf-scroll decoration ( this w/ stopper and gold cording intact!) I shot and e-mailed pics w/ letters, and they sent a 2nd butterfly bottle, mummified in bubblewrap!
It did NOT leak, AND I get to keep the first one N/C!!! WOW!!! I bought an antique gold, chainlink knit tassel w/ a skinny braid of it`s own wrapped around it`s topknot, then hung it from the butterfly stopper`s center – the lady has her `pizazz` back! 
If you can`t your scent heartthrob here, please contact Kevin & Celine at Premeire Ave; they can`t be beat!!! 
Great customer service, good to know!
OK, how bad could it be after last quarter’s Quarter of Shame? Let’s see …
FBs:
Ralph Lauren Safari
Balmain La Mome
PdE, Osmanthus Interdite (at last!!!)
FBs, but they’re small …
SSS Tabac Aurea (come to mama)
SSS Champagne de Bois
SSS Femme Jolie (in the tiny purse spray size, so reallly doesn’t count)
CJ Scents Nag Champa
CJ Scents Orange Patchouli
Ava Luxe Bois de Figue
Ava Luxe Incense
Ave Luxe Neroli Blossom
And some solids,
Tokyo Milk I Made You A Mix Tape
Crazy Libellule Musc and Patchouli
Pacifica Tunisian Jasmine
Pretty restrained, I must say.
I love Tabac Aurea.
(Are you old enough to remember actual mix TAPES? I am. My college boyfriend worked at the university radio station, and made me tapes for every holiday/occasion he could think of. I still have them, though I never listen to them.)
Oh, yeah! My husband, who managed his college radio station, made one for our wedding reception.
Notes for IMYAMT are rosewood, osmanthus, and sandalwood – nice!
I didn’t know Tokyo Milk made solids. And I didn’t know Mals liked Tabac Aurea.
God, I remember spending hours & hours making mixed tapes for friends and infatuations. I still have so many tapes in my attic. I can’t bear to get rid of them. What a walk down memory lane to listen to just one tape! Remember when having “cue” and high speed dub feature was like a technical marvel?
Oh, I love that there’s a fragrance called “I Made You A Mix Tape”. Awesome.
Ooo, I was really really tempted to buy TokyoMilk’s Mix Tape online, unsniffed. I might just hit up my local Anthropologie today I hope they have it. What do you think of the scent?
LIke most solids, there’s no sillage. I’m crazy about osmanthus, so anything with osmanthus I’m predisposed to like. This is a very soft osmanthus/sandalwood combo. I don’t really smell any rosewood. Very nice.
OK, now that I see it in black and white, it’s worse than I thought…yikes. If Donatella is supposed to be some kind of deterrent force she is falling down on the job big time…
Actual retail-ish FBs (including discounters):
Voleur de Roses (Christmas gift)
SL Bois de Violette (Christmas gift)
Comme des Garcons x Daphne Guinness
L’Arte di Gucci edp (this stuff is insane…love love love it)
Agent Provocateur Strip
Les Nez Turtle Vetiver
Mugler A Travers le Miroir
FM Une Rose
Life Threads Silver
Jubilation 25 — 30 ml travel size
Ebay bargains:
Shalimar Light x 2 (blue bottle)
Shalimar Light x 2 (straw colored juice)
Y vintage edp and Y vintage extrait
Balenciaga Quadrille extrait
Le Dix edt vintage
Lanvin Scandal extrait (fantastic leather…)
Chanel no 19 edt vintage
Epic Woman (partial bottle/20 ml)
Lucian Lelong Sirocco extrait
OOOOH, you got good stuff! Shalimar Light and L’Arte di Gucci edp are favorites of mine (I have two backup bottles of each now, blush). And vintage No. 19, too.
As soon as I sprayed the L’Arte, my first crazed thought was “I need a backup bottle!!” Do you know the edt? Is is good too?
I haven’t tested the edt! Bought one of the edp minis, unsniffed, on the ‘bay, and never looked back. It’s so outside my usual preferences, I’m still shocked by how much I love it. (Actually, though, I much prefer it dabbed or rolled on – when I spray, there’s a plasticky thing in the topnotes that bothers me. Also, it’s really BIG, and dabbing ameliorates the radiation issue.)
Of course, there’s a good slug of narcissus in there…
That note is turning out to be pretty much a guarantee that I’ll like something. Who’da thunk? I mean, I started on the “I like floofy girly roses” end of this thing, and look where I wound up!
That’s exactly the word for it…BIG….with a capital BIG.
Only listing full bottles, I bought:
Amaranthine
DSH Kohl Gris (split with friend)
Mythique
Gres Cabaret
IPDF Terra di Siena
Insolence parfum
Tubereuse 1 La Capricieuse by Histoires de Parfums
Okay, under $1,000. Whew! But I did participate in a split or two. Or ten….
I did not even know they were doing Insolence in Parfum, although heard great things about the Eau de Parfum.
I didn’t buy anything for most of the quarter, and thought I was being so virtuous, and then I went to New York in November, and less than 24 hours after arriving there I had a bottle of Chypre Rouge, and within a few more days I had the Hermes Discovery Set (Ambre Narguile, Rose Ikebana, Poivre Samarcande, and Vetiver Tonka) and Clinique Wrappings. And then I decided a couple of weeks before Christmas that 1) I couldn’t live without Miel de Bois and Un Bois Vanille (which I was going to buy before Chypre Rouge insisted), so I ordered them from The Perfume Shoppe, but Naz was out of UBV so I settled for just the MdB. So that’s four bottles, if you count the Discovery Set as one bottle, which I might as well.
And I’ve gotten the year off to a terrible start, since I just discovered this woman here in Canada who’s selling off her collection of perfume bottles, many of which still have perfume in them; I’ve just ordered a half ounce of the original Parfum D’Hermes extrait from the mid eighties, which I am telling you is PHENOMENAL stuff–it was the first extrait I ever owned and I have been pining for it ever since. And when Naz gets UBV back in stock I will have to buy that, and so obviously I’m doomed. Doomed!
New York is a dangerous city for us, isn’t it?
I just noticed that I wrote a 1) without a 2), and the 2) was meant to explain that since I was going to buy two Lutens just weeks after spending hundreds in New York, I would promise myself to be extremely virtuous in the new year and not buy ANYTHING. (But since I couldn’t get both MdB and UBV at the same time, I decided that I WOULD buy the UBV in January, but I would count it as a December purchase and still be virtuous for the year. And my virtue is already besmirched because of that Parfum D’Hermes which I COULD NOT PASS UP, so the hell with it–I’m not even going to try. I’ll just cut back on other things.)
And yes, New York is a very, very dangerous city for the scent addict.
Oh, how nice that you found your Parfum d’Hermes…absolutely, you could not pass up such a thing. Just stay out of NY for awhile!
Hi all! I’m late to this ‘fessing up. I was pretty conservative. Bought two new bottles — Havana Vanille and Frapin 1270; two “gently used” bottles — Timbuktu and Mauboussin; and one decant — Amaranthine. So that’s only four real bottles for the quarter.
For my October birthday and for Christmas, someone else bought me Caron Poivre and Note Ambree. Never mind that the someone else and I share the same credit card account.
LOL…my husband buys me presents, but I’m the one who does the bills and he never thinks of that — I always know what he paid.
I SO relate to this!
That’s why my wishlist entry contained a note about the appropriate coupon code…..
Donatella got me thinking: If you take how much money she has and how many perfumes she has, and look at how much, say, one of us has and how much money we have… I think she comes out with more restraint. (I stole this formula from my dad, who calculated my “Imelda Marcos factor” when I was a teenager, and he insisted I had more shoes than her. Based on income, he was right.)
Right, Miss Kitty! Vindication for Donatella. (And let’s not look into my shoe closet. . .)
Oh, no doubt about it!
I thought I had reformed & bought very little or nothing except a child-sized handful of samples…
FBs:
L’Artisan Figue Premier Extreme – SOTD. Really enjoy this with the almonds & fig & earthy goodness
Missoni Acqua – eBay deal; need to wait until summer to enjoy the watery green floral
SSS Opal – so comforting
Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose – a 100 ml jug for $11 at TJ Maxx; could not walk by.
Splits/Decants: (just need to say Mmmmm for all of these)
Diorissimo EDT vintage
Serge Lutens Bois de Violette
Spiritueuse Double Vanille
Bond No. 9 Fire Island
It is Now a New Year (speaking sternly to self). I am a seasoned perfumista veteran. Clearly, this year I will resist any new purchasing urges and spend quality time enjoying my current frags. (need to turn this into an affirmation)
Great to read everyone else’s lists!! Happy New Year to Donna and all!
Yes, clearly you will!! (best of luck)
Well, I went to town this quarter, so to speak. Definitely spending beyond my means but these perfume blogs are such great enablers it’s hard to resist. So I blame Robin, Angela, Marina, Denyse, etc, etc, etc…. LoL!
Here’s my list for the 4th qtr:
FB
PDN – Odalisque (2 1oz bottles)
PDN – Number One (1 oz bottle)
Dior – J’Adore L’Absolu ($33 on EvilBay – probably one of my best buys for the year)
Montale – Taif Roses (Christmas gift to myself)
Christiane Celle – Chevrefeuille (after Christmas sale – thanks for the tip, Robin. Bought unsniffed partly thanks to your review)
Nahema – PdT Refill
Aromatherapy – Renew purse roll-on
Isabell – Ceylon
Minis & Lg Decants (counts as 1):
Fendi – Theorema
Montale Chypre Fruit
SSS Vintage Rose 5ml purse spray
Misc:
Host of samples and decants from Lucky Scent and TPC
Bath Gels and Lotions from various houses: AG, AG, and more AG
Oops – That would be – Aromatherapy Associates.
Then there was a host of perfumed bath/shower gels and lotions from AG & Calypso St Barth. I’m seriously into bath time pampering…
oooooo Montale Taif Roses…..what’s that like? Is it a big velvety red rose???? I’m drooling a little here…..
Hi Daisy,
It’s a gorgeous rose that’s somewhat similar to AG’s Rose Absolute and SSS’s Rose Musc. Closer to the latter but drier. I tried a sample from The Perfume Shoppe last summer and eventually bought a bottle. Nazarin noted that it’s less of an “old lady” rose, and I heartily agree. Not a hint of fruit or sour note in it at all as far as I’m concerned. I’ve also read in places that it’s discontinued, but Naz still has them in her shop.
Glad only 1 of those (and the one under $20) can be blamed on me
Hi Robin-
If I “blame’ you, I also thank you! Just received the Chev. in the mail and haven’t opened the box. Waiting for it to get closer to spring. I expect I’ll like it, and if not – I shall have a bottle of very nice honeysuckle room spray!
Even for a room spray that would not be a bad price
I should keep a tally but I’m scared.
I only paid full price for a couple of things:
Crazy Libellule l’Olfactive 129 ($70)
Smell Bent Felix Navidad ($20)
Tokyo Milk Poe’s Tobacco ($30?)
Otherwise everything was either on sale or deep discount:
MPG Secrete Datura ($80?)
MPG Rose Muskissime ($80)
Mugler Angel un Lys ($30)
Britney Midnight Fantasy ($20)
Lily Pulitzer Beachy ($25)
That Slut Tocade ($15)
There were some samples and decants and such. but they don’t count!
Q1, I think, could be dangerous, as I have already bought a half-bottle of TF Oud Wood and am girding my loins for more from the TF line (hello, Bois Marocain). Ugh. And wasn’t I badmouthing him not so long ago? lol
Oops, forgot Yves Rocher Fleur de Noel ($11)
that’s ok, he’ll forgive you in the light of your current and future purchases.
HA — he certainly will.
Ha, wouldn’t it be awful if someone went into a store and asked for “that slut Tocade”
NO BOTTLES ROBIN? thats why ur such a successful blog mistress, you are the only level headed one to keep all of us in place…
Well Daisy only bought three, and me, well seriously, my short term memory is rather off lately ..but I have bought Vintage Shalimar in perfume and eau de toilette, two vintage coty emeraude at 9.99 each….jubilation xxv for the CEO (:-))
GONE BLANK
I haven’t bought ANYTHING this quarter yet!!!
Heres a thought
How much do you think all of us have together?
Oh boy
Oh, I’m not level-headed at all. I just overbought for so long that now I can calm down
I am not listing all the perfume that I bought the last quarter as most were small decants from TPC-how are they classed? 10 at 5mls must surely only equal a 50ml bottle or, even better, 20 at 5mls for a 100ml bottle!!! In which case i only bought, at the most, 2 large bottles!
I have already ordered 6, 5ml decants, for this quarter……so sad!
You can count them however seems fair to you! 2 full bottles works for me.
Hi,
I just registred and would like to share my damage for the fourth quarter of 2009. Let’s start with the bottles I was tempted to buy but didn’t: Serge Lutens MKK, Chergui and Filles en Aiguilles of which MKK was the ultimate test in willpower. I also didn’t buy Piver: Cuir de Russie, several Il Profumo’s and a new bottle of Avignon. I also did not buy A*men Pure Coffee (discount), Creed Royal Delight or Terre des Hermes.
In October I (re)discovered the perfumes of Yves Rocher and bought Iris Noir and Neonatura Cocoon (chocolaty patchouly), cheap and good. I also bought a bottle of Paul Smith Story, an easy going vetiver. All in all a lot that I didn’t buy and a damage which you can hardly call damage.
Love the list of what you didn’t buy. Great idea! Is the Natura Cocoon similar to Serge Lutens’s Borneo?
I don’t know, I never smelled Borneo (or any non export SL’s for that matter
), but I guess the Cocoon would be less spicy.
Sometimes I layer the Cocoon with a dillution of 10% patchouly oil and this has a nice effect (it gets a bit earthier).
I too love the idea of listing what you didn’t buy! My list is a mile long.
I’ll fess up first before reading the rest… or I might chicken out.
Actually, it’s not *that* bad:
Ava Luxe No 23 EdP (from the bay, at a very reasonable price given its discontinuation)
Mona di Orio Jabu (for a split, but still.. shelling out 90 round ones still makes it feel like a big purchase)
Laura Biagotti Roma Uomo (present for my dad, but I’ve nicked a few mls – very nice)
Correcting for the split, altogether some €70.
And I’m proud to say I’ve managed to swap for all my decants for this quarter rather than buying them. Aomassai 10, Tea for Two, Sensuous… all very nice.
Hm, I guess I should do the yearly tally too, now that I’m at it.
FB’s:
Ava Luxe Moroccan Mint Tea
Ava Luxe No 23
Bulgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Rouge
Hermès Ambre Narguilé (travel size)
Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily
Mona di Orio Jabu
L’Occitane Ambre (travel size)
Decants, minus the swapped ones
Ava Luxe Opoponax Intense
Carthusia Ligea La Sirena
Diptyque Oyédo
L’Artisan Safran Troublant
Totalling around €200 – just under actually. That’s better than I had thought!
Oh, it isn’t bad at all!
One tiny (25 ml) bottle of Mandragore was all I got, but that’s got nothing to do with restraint and all to do with a very very strained budget. I did give perfume as a gift, and found it almost as nice as buying it for myself. I love reading about what all of you got!! Helps my planning for when I get out of the personal recession…
Hmm, my restraint is due to a tight budget as well, but I STILL take credit for it. After all, I *could* just charge up my credit cards like most of the country, and I don’t. So I think it counts.
That’s good thinking Boojum! I’ll start taking credit, while my dark soul is making plans to empty the shelves, down to the last bottle of L’Artisan, of the one niche store in my town (make that country). It will hopefully hit them sometime in July…:)
Well restraint and tight budget aside Boo, I’d say your quarterly list looks pretty darn good – you have some seriously beautiful perfumes listed there! I’d venture to say you don’t fell deprived or anything!
Ahh, because they’re nearly all splits.
Last year was all samples, and so 2009 was my first active buying year. Given that, and all the active enabling around here, I think I can feel proud. 
well I was more than well behaved until the discovery of ebay’s vintage. Turned out I can spend recklessly.
I got:
Caron Nuit de Noel edp vintage
Caron Nuit de Noel pure perfume; current
Dioressence edt vintage
Diorissimo perfume vintage
Diorissimo edt vintage
FM Carnal Flower
Pigeot Bandit vintage, mini, expensive but no regrets
Bois des Iles edt current
Lanvin My Sin perfume
Jean Patou Joy perfume vintage
Miss Dior vintage edt
Miss Dior perfume vintage
Most of the money went… down the ebay ohh, really too much for just three months, but since i wanted to get them for years, it feels less crazy, at least in my imagination.
What wonderful vintage finds! How does the new Nuit de Noel compare to the original?
well, I find them slightly different, but I cannot identify the reason, since I have them in different concentrations one is edp and another is perfume, maybe they are different because of that. But I like edp a bit more. Though perfume version is still very lovable. I guess I cannot judge, I am too in love with it, it is my favorite from Carons
Nice list! Ever since the new edition of the Guide came out, I’ve been feeling the need for some vintage Diors…
they can be pricy, but they are worth every penny spent. Not even comparable to what dior counters sell now. They make me think that some houses like Patou and Caron, they take much better care of vintage, and even reformulations are still full of that old glory. While Dior, and Guerlain are loosing the point, hence my money go straight to ebay, though I would prefer to spend it in a nice shop rather than bidding and loosing and waiting for deliveries. I find these reformulations immoral, since the original formula should have stayed untouched.
I know what you mean…the waiting can be torture…
Oh, but you did get wonderful things!
Only a few samples: from L’Artisan Havana Vanille, Piment Brulant, Ananas Fizz, and from Montale Powder Flowers, Mukhalet, AG Eau de Charlotte.
And this month, ist that also counting? For my birthday I have become a bottle Havana Vanille and Joop le Bain
No, this month will be 1st quarter 2010…that poll will be in April.
Then only the few samples. I forgot a sample of Montale Vanilla absolu.
And samples don’t count either! Look how good you were this quarter!
Team Donatella! Woot! That picture makes me smile.
But it would be cute to post pictures of the collections of the folks here – that would make a great weekly topic.
It would! Maybe we should make it a weekly feature.
That would be fun! Of course, for some of us, you’d have to do one portion of the collection at a time… still fun, though.
Well if gifts don’t count, I’m feeling quite virtuous weighing in with only 1 FB, here goes:
* Theorema
* Chaos (Xmas gift)
* Chanel Bois des Iles (BDay gift)
However I have spent a couple of FB equivalents in samples. But if we’re not counting them, then I’ve been down right frugal
Maybe I can squeeze in that Fem de Bois after all…
Nice — you got great gifts!
None.
I know now also why I was not so impressed with perfumes this year – I did not smell a lot of the high-priced novelties and I did not order samples, because I did not have the time to “sniff”.
The only think I would have bought straight away is Amaranthine.
So if the “wanting” counts as much, it would be still only one.
Ack, no time to sniff!
I couldn’t bring myself to participate in the poll last quarter, and possibly even the one before that, because I have been unemployed most of the last nine months and to be confronted with my ongoing perfume expenditure would have been too painful! This quarter it is slowing down though, and may even be grinding to a complete or near stop with any luck.
I bought FBs of Amaranthine, Hugo Boss Deep Red (£11 on Ebay), Armani White for Her (£17 in a drugstore) and I think in that timeframe also a purse spray of DSH Nourouz (pricier!)
I also scored a FB of B by Boucheron in a swap in return for a bunch of samples, which was a Jolly Good Deal indeed.
And I got some lovely perfume given to me at Christmas – thanks, Lovethescents and my bro – but I know that isn’t included.
I would love a purse spray of Nourouz, lucky you! And congrats on slowing down.
Eeek! I shudder to think…OK, here goes:
- a decant of HdeP’s 1740 Marquis de Sade
- Dune EDT
- 1/4 oz vintage Shalimar parfum (a lucky eBay win!)
- Shalimar EDP (reformulation)
- Tabac Aurea EDP
- Clinique Wrappings perfume
…plus a few sample vials, but those don’t count, right? And a couple of the above were Christmas presents (I’ll use any excuse I can find). I’m loving ‘em all.
That doesn’t sound so bad!
In last year I got 7 bottles of fragrance ( two Opium bottles-edt and edp, two Chanel 19 – edt -already drained and edp, Zen, Cinema and Tuscan soul) and, total damage was $470 It’s good to see that I spent even more in 2008 – $750 on 13 bottles. On the other hand, in 2007 I maybe bought 2 fragrances. Until 2008 year rarely did I buy a fragrance for myseIf since I got lots of them as a present. But then I discovered internet , Luca Turin and Tania Schwartz book and a magical world of fragrances.
I did far worse my first full year — and looks like you’ve already slowed down.
Getting away with good stuff for less money is part of the game for me and this quarter I hunted down
Rochas Absolu
Alexander McQueen Kingdom
Guerlain Habit Rouge
Hermès Caléche
JC Brosseau The Brun
Eau de Rochas
for a total of roughly 140 dollars (1000 SEK). Then I flipped and made one of my Dutch friends import a bottle of Etro Shaal Nur for me, which almost doubled the sum… But it’s such adorable scent so it was well worth it.
Wow, still, you are very good at the game!
I haven’t bought anything and I feel good! (gosh, it starts to look like an account of a therapy
. seriously, I need a new camera, which will be quite costly, so I decided to give perfume purchases a rest for a little while.
in fact, my perfume collection is now smaller as my almost full prada bottle fell down on the concrete floor and broke into thousand pieces. but at least the hallway now smells nice
Oh dear. Moment of silence for your poor Prada.
Hello!
Delurking to come to terms with what I’ve bought since October…
Chanel – Coco EDP
Serge Lutens – Chergui
Kenzo – Unidentified Fragrant Object (Thank You Harrods!)
Bulgari – Black
Hermessence Travel sets – Vetiver Tonka and Osmanthe Yunnan
Prada – Infusion d’Iris
Diptyque – Philosykos (solid)
Ouch – that hurt !
Nice choices, Kizzers!
Great choices! Jealous of your Kenzo UFO. And how is Philosykos in the solid form??
Thanks Laken & Robin,
The Kenzo was incredibly hard to find in the UK and almost twice as expensive than the US! Grrr but worth it….
The solid Philosykos is dreamy – sillage is excellent for a cream and the compact is just stunning! So heavy…
Oh, want one! Thanks.
I seem to recall that Insolence perfume (available in 7.5 ml) is softer than the EDT and has orange blossom added to it.
I suppose I should list the damage for the last year. (It’s hard to remember what month was the cutoff for each quarter and when I made each of my purchases.)
ELPWLLB
Nautica My Voyage
CSP Aqua Motu
Escada Moon Sparkle (for the bottle for my collection)
Escada Moon Sparkle for Men (again for the bottle but I like the juice too)
Lolita Lempicka Eau de Minuit
L de Lolita Lempicka Eau Fraiche
Michael Kors Island
Guerlain Insolence Eau Glacee
Now I know that you perfumistas out there are not going to be very impressed by these choices but I like marine fragrances.
I do love Aqua Motu!
Celestia – all that matters is that you love them
This is my first year of reading NST, and I wanted to thank all the writers and commenters as it has been very informative and a lot of fun to read!
Purchases this quarter (1 full bottle, 4 mini’s):
1 FB: John Varvatos Rock Volume One (I know it’s for guys, but I love it, so I’m wearing it…uh….at home.
4 mini’s: Obsession, CK One, Secret Obsession, Euphoria (I know Obsession is loud and older but I’ve always been in love (ok…a little obsessed) with the scent, so I finally got it in a package of Calvin Klein mini’s). I would never wear it, I just love smelling the bottle… beautiful.
(Purchases earlier this year: 3 FB)
Prada Infusion de fleur d’oranger – Not a lot of fans for this one out there but I love something about it.
MAC Creations Hue Turquatic – Very enjoyable, fresh scent.
Halle by Halle Berry – Right from the first sniff something really drew me to the scent. Quite original smelling compared to a lot of celebrity fragrances.
(This year)
No purchases yet but I am really enjoying my sample of Lola by Marc Jacobs so far.
Thanks again everyone!
I don’t think that you’ll find any condemnation for loving Obsession, even it you choose to wear it. I have an FB of it and still wear it sometimes and I don’t think that I’m the only one. The trick is to not to spritz with abandon – if you spray it lightly, it won’t be as overwhelming.
I have a friend who still wears Opium as well – in the summer, she just switches to the body lotion and she smells wonderful.
Agree with Cynthia, if you love it, wear it!
Thanks Cynthia and Robin!
I will apply very lightly!! 
This reminds me of a time when I was going to the Doctors with my son, and I so happened to put on Opium, and accidentally put on a bit too much, then my Mother turned up and before I knew it she sprayed me rather excessively with her Obsession! So I went to the Doctors >reeking< and I felt so embarrassed! Luckily the waiting room was just about empty and I could sit away from everyone, and it was my son seeing the Doc, not me/
Oh my!!!! That’s quite the powerful combination!
I’m sorry that happened…but it was humorous to read about now that it is in the past! 
I’ve been quite restrained (if you ignore the many samples that arrived over the last month or so but they don’t count because if it wasn’t for them I might spend more on full bottles rather than weeding out the ones I don’t really love)
a large decant of rahat loukoum (large enough that the price makes it count as a full bottle on the credit card) and a 15ml bottle of rose ikebana.
love them both!
Nice picks! I love those 15 ml Hermessences, although I did drain & replace my Rose Ikebana pretty quickly.
I just wish I had access to them…. or maybe I don’t.
I’ve bravely ventured into the exciting world of splits & swaps this quarter so i’m anticipating less expenditure for the next…..NOT!!! Bottle wise i THINK i’m in the 10-15 range but then i remembered that my SO gave me wonderful vintage scents for Chrissie including the absolutely INCREDIBLE cuir de russie, so that definitely put me over the 20 mark. Having just received a sample of Indult tihota, i know this will be my next FB purchase. Is it just me or does anyone else think it smells like the original body shop vanilla oil?
I don’t remember the TBS scent well enough to say, sorry!
Ohhhhh, Robin! I feel like I’ve joined the elite! I got a CHANEL! MWAHAHAHA!
My damage? 5 bottles, two body creams and a lotion
Apple Bottoms 3.4 for $59 (Ended up giving it to my cousin. She loves it. I miss it
.) 6.0 apple bottols lotion for $22 (I kept the lotion)
Viva La Juicy Body Cream $45
CHANEL COCO CAMDEMOISELLE EDP 3.4 $115
Couture, Couture Juicy Couture 3.4 $85
Couture Couture Body cream $55
Dior Hypnotic Poison 3.4 $86
Oh, and my friend gave me a 3.4 ecko cologne tester!
LOL — good for you!
Oh lucky you! I have NO Chanel right now, though I’ve had a couple in the past, namely no.5 and no.19. Anyway I almost bought a new no.19 the other day, but here in NZ the retail prices are really high for most perfumes, so I didn’t get it. Oh well, maybe on trademe.
Relative newbie here. Living in NY. Just starting my collection. Have fabulous samples from Lucky Scent. Just purchased some decants from The Perfumed Court. Got small Bulgari Black, Cruel Intentions and Theorema on E-bay. Just purchased bottles of Femme Jolie and Opal from SSS. Where are the places you look on-line (or in NYC shops) for reasonably priced (read deeply discounted) partial/full bottles of perfume (be they niche or vintage or made by the big perfume houses popular)? Trying to compile a list of sources so as I find things I want (like Lancome Climat at the moment) I can do some comparison shopping and get the best price possible, leaving me with more money for additional perfume purchases! Thanks, Carolyn (who’s wearing Nicolai’s New York at the moment).
There are lots of good discounters: 99perfume, fragrancex, beautyencounter, scentiments, perfume.com, fragrancenet.com, parfum1…and many more.
Late to the conversation…as usual. Wow some of you made some terrific purchases last quarter. My budget has been rather restrained since June, but I did manage to pick up a couple of bottles as Christmas presents to myself: Vintage Cristalle & Clinique Wrappings. And since I’m always plotting my next purchases, I did shell out some cash for about 30 new samples during the TPC sale after Christmas. Right now my full bottle list is growing, but I find the priority of my next purchase keeps changing. Still I’m looking to pick up some cheap thrills and discounted classics (like YSL Paris) during this next quarter! My birthday is Valentine’s day, so I and my partner (a perfumisto himself) always tend to go a little crazy around this time of year!
Oh I forgot to add that I bought my partner a bottle of Sienne L’Hiver for Christmas and he gave me CDG Kyoto. And since we share our perfume collections, we both get to enjoy!
That’s so nice — you got perfect Xmas presents to share!
I think the last quarter was quite modest:
AP Maitresse 30 ml
Encre Noire pour homme 50 ml
Les Nereides Imperial Opoponax 100 ml
YR So Elixir 30 ml
Cuir Ottoman 50 ml
Set of 4×15 ml Dyptique: Phylosikos, Tam Dao, Do Son, L’Ombre dans l’Eau