Ack, it's another Monday! This week is special for me because I'm celebrating two anniversaries: ten years ago this week, Angela and Kevin joined Now Smell This, with Searching for the Holy Grail (Angie) and Nile Lily candle by Pacifica ~ home fragrance report (Kevin). Since I could not possibly keep Now Smell This going without them, I hope you'll join me in thanking them for sticking around all these years! And do tell us what fragrance you're wearing.
I'm in Lush Kerbside Violet, which I (finally) purchased at the local meetup we had at King of Prussia mall on Saturday. There were ten of us, and yes, we did a little damage at Hermès as well. We'll have another meetup poll in September, by the way.
Reminder: on 5/6, wear a fragrance from Tom Ford, if you have one.
And for those of you who like to plan ahead, see Scent of the day ~ Friday community projects 2016, where I'll try to always have the next five or six weeks mapped out in advance.
Note: image via Lush USA.
I’m in Berlin for two weeks, and on Sundays one goes to the flea markets, where yesterday I found very vintage Fidji in a four-ounce (!) bottle (late sixties to early seventies, I would judge) and two ounces of Eau de Courréges (launched in 1977 and definitely that old), both EDT pour bottles in boxes, the two for €15 total. I’ve only tried a dab of it so far but the Courréges is completely intact, a bright-green citrus scent, so charming, with a dark chypre undertow.
At another flea market a guy had a ton of bottles out on the table, almost nothing in boxes and all exposed to bright sunlight (presumably not for the first time). He had a one-ounce purse spray of vintage Paris EDT in the box but he wanted €25 for it. I also saw a 100-mL bottle of Poison EDP, unknown vintage but not new: he wanted €25 for that too and wouldn’t bargain, so I regretfully handed them both back.
Great finds! I love vintage Fidji – was lucky with a bottle on ebay.
Very cool that there were so many vintage frags at a flea market! (But sad some were in the sun.) I sometimes imagine the hosts of vintage fragrances tucked away in drawers and closets where I live (b/c there are so many older people here in PA), and think that likely most of the time when they clean out, a lot of them end in the trash b/c people will assume old frags are turned over.
SOTD Timbuktu. It’s a public holiday here so we took the children bowling. I always swear never again…
You smell great though!
Mrs Dalloway said she would take the children bowling herself….and regretted it! Great perfume though!
Heh – I totally should have stuck to buying flowers!
That cracked me up, thank you.
Thanks again for putting the Saturday outing together, Robin- it was great to put faces with names, and to spend some time with people who love perfume!
I’m in Encre Noire today, which is helping me power through this dark and drizzly Monday morning.
Vetivers are lovely on rainy days!
So glad we had such a great turnout, thanks for coming! (And you smell great)
Thanks again, Robin, for the great meet-up. So much fun to have lunch and shop with other perfume lovers! SOTD is PdN Ambre Cashmere which provides some coziness on this dreary day.
We will do it again!
Bottega Veneta Pour Homme.
Sorry, was in a rush to post SOTD and didn’t read the significance of today’s anniversary. Congrats to everyone!!! 🙂
Thank you!
Wearing L’Impacte de pour un homme, as I was desperate for some lavender today! Congrats on the 10 years of Angela and Kevin, NST would not be the same without them.
You smell lovely 🙂
Really, it would not be at all 🙂
10 years, wow!!!
I’m in vtg Balmain Jolie Madame today
Jolie Madame!
Yum!
Ahhhh.
Guerlain Muguet 2016
I am sure you smell great, I am dying to try that.
Congrats Angela and Kevin!
Trying again with Songes today. I REALLY want to like this but I keep getting pencil shavings, overwhelming the florals. ????
that’s a shame. Songes was one I used to love but over the years there’s something that bothers me about it. I think too much jasmine – I’m a tuberose-lover, but jasmine isn’t my thing. For AGs white florals I love Gardenia Passion the most (would be Tubereuse, but that’s been dc’ed).
Funny, I feel the same way about tuberose and jasmine – can’t get enough tubey, sometimes find jasmine grating.
if jasmine is blended with orange blossom, i generally like it. otherwise i don’t like jasmine at all. so grating.
I don’t like orange blossom in general either – it can seem so lathery. (If it doesn’t run soapy, I like it, and I seem to do okay with it in a WF blend.)
Are you trying the Songes edt or edp? It may make a difference for your nose…. I find that there is usually a pretty big difference for AG’s between the formulas for edt and edp.
yes the edp is very heavy on vanilla
I think the edt of Songes is a bit skankier too…
Congratulations Angela and Kevin! Now Smell This benefits greatly from both of you!
I’m going to a wine tasting today since my sommelier doesn’t want to go dateless. He told me very explicitly not to wear perfume so I touched the smallest splash of vintage Eau de Cologne Imperiale to my wrist. Already gone, and made me very happy on this rainy Monday.
Should add I put on my cologbe pre shower. I will be as scentless as one can be.
Cologne. Ugh Monday.
My sentiments about Monday exactly.
Tom Ford Lys Fume. The lys is there alright, but not much fume. I find it almost fruity in the beginning. It’s not that special, but I like it and wear it to work when I’m in the mood for something elegant and feminine.
And I’m definitely joining in the thanking, long may they continue!
How does it compare to Shanghai Lily?
I like it better than Shanghai Lily, but I’m pretty alone in that. Possibly with good reason, as Shanghai Lily is a bit more complex. But the clove note annoys me, it’s just so…persistent. Lys Fume is rounder and lusher, if my memory serves – I haven’t tried Shanghai Lily in a while.
But I think it’s safe to say that SL is spicier and more woody.
Thanks! I really enjoyed Shanghai Lily, and tried it a couple of times at shops. Because of it’s price and because if felt so similar to DK Gold I was never seriously tempted. I’ll have to give this one a sniff though.
I like it too. It has a huge dollop of ylang-ylang and is a more gentle lily centric fragrance. I enjoy it on really hot days and find it quite refreshing.
I liked my sample of Lys Fumé and went on to get a small decant. In my mind it sits with the Hermessences as a well-crafted light scent.
Just wanted to say thanks for the Jaan Kross suggestions. Really enjoyed both Treading Air and The Czar’s Madman. Fascinating. And now, of course, I am itching to travel to Estonia. Have a happy week.
Oh, I’m so glad you liked the books! There’s nothing like having your culture appreciated when you’re from a tiny country… If you decide to come to Estonia one day, let me know, I’ll tell you all the secrets 🙂
Thank you Angela and Kevin. I always enjoy reading your articles and appreciate your hard work on our behalf.
I’m wearing Rhymes Clary Sage and Tea today. It was a Christmas present from my boss.
That is Thymes… ugh, spell check
Congratulations to you both, and thank you for sticking around long enough for me to be able to read your reviews!
Today I’m in Tauer Zeta, which started out like something I wasn’t sad had been discontinued (super-bright citrus + Tauerade) and then mellowed into this gorgeous, delicate rose-vanilla-sandalwood cloud of sweet joy. Bring it back!!!
Happy NST-versary to Angela and Kevin! Thank you both for your contributions!
SOTD is AP L’Eau d’Ambree (or maybe the extreme version, I get confused, but whichever of the two was in the sampler boite). Good on a yucky day.
A big thanks to Angela and Kevin for their work over the past ten years! I appreciate all the folks who write for NST; you are part of my day, every day.
So, today is my 50th birthday….I’m trying to figure out how that happened!
No perfume yet, but pretty sure that will be rectified. 🙂
Happy birthday! Wear something special!
Happy Birthday!
Best wishes for a lovely 50th birthday!
Happy Birthday! At first the years sneak up on little cat feet, but eventually they spring like a mountain lion.
Happy Birthday! Hope you’re going to celebrate this milestone today 🙂
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! I think 50 is the new 35.
Many happy returns of the day 🙂
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! 50 is a beautiful number ????
Wow! Happy Birthday! That’s worthy of Champagne- the real stuff from France!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!!!
Happy birthday! Welcome to the 50s. They’re not so bad… ????
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! Hope you celebrate such a milestone appropriately – with lots of perfume shopping 🙂
Happy Birthday, may the next 50 years be fantastic!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! I just turned 50 myself. It’s not bad.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! A round one as we call it is always special and needs a bit of celebrating 🙂
Happy 10th anniversary and thanks Angela and kevin!
SOTD is Chanel No 19 edt
SOTD is Gris Montaigne for a Monday that’s supposed to reach 85 degrees and feels rather humid already. Ahhh, springtime in Oregon. 🙂 Wore vintage 19 EDT yesterday (LOTV doesn’t work for me) for gardening and general pottering around, and it was wonderful.
Cool, crisp spring day in Oregon…NOT.
And vintage 19 would have smelled wonderful yesterday!
I’m wearing something called La Danza delle Libellule by Nobile 1942. I wanted sweet and this a fruity gourmand, so mission accomplished.
You smell great. It’seems starts out fruity on me but ends all vanilla on me.
I found that if you spray it in the air, it smells a lot like Indult Tihota.
I love the name.
Happy anniversary Angela and Kevin!
SOTD is Tihota, which is just perfection.
It is “The” vanilla scent. You smell great.
Yes, perfect. It’s under consideration for tomorrow’s SOTD.
Happy 10th anniversary and many thanks to Kevin and Angela for your contributions, for our reading pleasure!
I’m wearing Un Jardin en Med today, trying to decide if I should keep or give away. Like too many, I like it when I wear it but don’t seem to love it enough to wear it very often…
That’s probably my favorite of the Jardins, though I haven’t tried Monsieur Li on skin. I love that figgy, leafy cool feel. It reminds me of sitting in the shade of an umbrella.
Good Monday morning to you all! Kevin and Angela, you guys are truly amazing! Thanks for all that you do for NST and for all of the amazing posts about fragrance you produce. Because of you guys, Robin, and the rest of the crew, this site is a huge part of my day. I love, love, love coming to NST. Not sure what things would be like without you guys. Thanks for everything you do!
SOTD is Tom Ford’s Santal Blush. This is my favorite TF fragrance. I have started the week with this one and will probably end the week with it as well. Hope everyone has a great day! 🙂
I left this message for you last week, but I don’t think you saw it. Anyway, here are some of the scents I wear that you may like.
Kai and JM Vintage Gardenia for gardenia, La Chasse Aux Papillons and Do Son for tuberose, Chanel Bois des Isles and 31 Rue Cambon for beautiful, Ostara and BV Knot for spring, Love, Chloe for powder and rice, and Viva la Juicy and now Pulp for fun. I have about a dozen more, but can’t think of them right off hand. That is a start.
I will have to try Kai…it gets a lot of love here. Never tried Vintage Gardenia before. That one was discontinued, right? I wear Knot and I used to wear Viva LA Juicy. I love Chloe, but never tried Chloe, Love.
Did you ever try Leiber by Judith Leiber?
Vintage Gardenia was discontinued. Kai is at Nordies and it strictly a gardenia. If you don’t like that then I wouldn’t try. Love, Chloe was just discontinued, but you can still get it. It is very much like Misia to me. I know you didn’t care for that one too much.
No, I have not tried Lieber. Will have to do so.
Twins today ????
We smell great!????
Indult Reve en Cuir today, which I’ve been completely head over heels in love with for the last…2 weeks? Tried Slumberhouse Ore yesterday, it’s delicious. First blast is just like Bailey’s (which i rather like), then gets more and more going. This one does not only change with time, but smells differently up close and from a smell distance. Very smoky up close, chocolatey from a distance. Like like like.
Love Ore, got a bottle last year!
Ooh, I am envious…I feel like I need a bottle too! If you’re ever interested in exchanging decants, let me know the genre you’re into 🙂
Congrats Angela and Kevin! Love your reviews, keep up the great work. 🙂
SOTD = Tom Ford Violet Blond in my heart, since I actually left the house fragranceless. Been a while since I did this last, and it’s no doubt because I left super early in an effort to try and leave work at a reasonable time. Did a 16 hour day last week, and never want to do so again.
I’ve got a lot of reading to do (all of last week). Hope everyone’s been well!
I hope you had a chance to recover a bit! They need to rework the staffing or everyone will crash and burn. Please take care of yourself.
I wanted to wear Violet Blonde as well, but turns out I no longer have a sample (or probably do have it, but in Tallinn…).
VB is one of my favorites- such a beautiful scent, but to me it’s very seductive, very date night!
SOTD is Knize Ten, which I’ve been wearing all weekend and liked more than in winter, when it seemed much stronger/rougher
A big thank you to Angela and Kevin!
After reading Victoria’s article on orientals over at BdJ, I was inspired to wear my favorite of that genre, Coco. It’s cool and rainy here, so I can just about get away with this one in May.
You smell wonderful! I’ve loved Coco for as long as I can remember sniffing perfumes. I had a spray sample waaay back when I was in 6th or 7th grade!
SOTD Beloved. Congrats on the 10 years Angela and Kevin. I enjoy everyone’s reviews and the diverse personalities and views. You guys are awesome!
You smell wonderful & amazing!
Ditto!
Thanks Ann & austenfan!
You smell lovely!
Firstly well done Angela and Kevin! One of the things I like about NST is the range of reviewers with individual tastes and foibles (and writing styles).
Secondly a minor PSA: Scent Samples in the UK – a decants site, with which I have no affiliation – has been running a 20% off promotion on Tom Ford scents and today is the last day. Where possible I (now) follow the advice of wiser NST commenters to try a sample first and then a decant before springing for a FB.
Thirdly, today is a public holiday in the UK and I have a day off (and so inevitably the weather is unspeakably foul). Tomorrow I start my new Paris-based role, but as it’s with a UK-based company the first week will be in London. This suits me quite well as I have to be in London for a post-programme party on Thursday for my last engagement anyway.
I am doing a Tom Ford week to align with this Friday’s Community Project. SOTD is TF “Bois Marocain”. This is very lovely on my skin, somehow more fruity/spicy than the notes would indicate and maybe a bit like a more restrained Lutens, with a wood/incense underpinning. Unfortunately it is not just discontinued but also no longer available from where I got a 1ml decant earlier in the year. Otherwise I would try a larger decant – it has mediocre lasting power on me, but I would normally spray closer to 2ml than 1ml so I would not judge longevity by today’s experience.
I’ve wanted to try this one for a long time, but thinking now that I probably shouldn’t frustrate myself. I’m pretty sure I would like it.
I’m certainly not going to let myself get attached to it! :^)
A cosy inside day surrounded by thousands of perfume samples sounds just the thing for you today. Enjoy your holiday.
Thank you! In fact I did manage to spend a bit of time to find a place I can keep my FBs and miniatures out of the light, and also free up a storage drawer for the samples. But I won’t pretend it was the highlight of my day.
(Actually the highlight was to complete my April expenses analysis and get my final invoice off for the contract I finished before I went on holiday. Sad but true.)
Happy 10th, Angela & Kevin, and thanks for all your terrific insights on scent over the years.
Wearing L’Origan, but only on my wrists today. Nerve pain around my right side nape/hairline makes even the lightest touch feel like fire, so no spritzing until I know what’s going on. (Please universe, no shingles…)
Oh dear. (“No shingles, no shingles, no shingles!” Fingers crossed and doing the keep-away dance for you.)
Many, many thanks and I’ll chant along with you! Mercy!!
I will chant along with the others, but…
If you develop a rash on just that one side, it could easily be shingles. In which case get thee to a doctor immediately, because there is a two or three day window after the rash starts that Valcyclovir cream will be effective in controlling just how bad it gets, and more importantly, reduces greatly the likelihood of post-herpetic pain.
I was lucky enough to when I saw the rash to realize that the odd pain sensation I’d been having for days prior meant that it was shingles. Sadly I was right, but immediate Valcyclovir means no post-herpetic pain.
Many thanks for this excellent advice, Lindaloo!I’m watching anxiously for red spots and have recruited my spouse to be my second set of eyes for that purpose. At the first sign, off we go to the doctor, tout de suite.
Oh Olenska, hope the universe listens. I chant along.
Thank you, thank you. And your user name reminds me– I should make a cooling hamamelis compress for my neck! Ooh, that will feel good.
I really hope that’s not the case!!
God, me too. I had it once before, on my back– it was excruciating, and even 12 years later I can feel twinges there. I thought shingles was a one-time thing, but apparently you can have it more than once. *perishes at the thought*
I wonder if the vaccine would lessen the likelihood?
Oh no! I’m channeling no-shingle energy to you!
Keep it coming! Ayeeee!
Sending positive prayers your way …
So sweet, and much needed, thank you.
Hope it goes away quickly!
I hope so too. It’s been two days so far….
Shingles, STAY AWAY!
…and don’t come back some other day! 🙂
I’m late to reply but I hope you see this olenska. If you have one, I highly recommend you contact your primary health care provider or go to an Urgent Care Clinic. Even if it’s not shingles, you should get a medical assessment without delay to find out what’s going on. Good luck and I hope you are feeling better!
SOTD is SMN Melograno. I finally had a chance to test the line and was surprised at how many I liked. At first the aldehyde blast made me concerned about the ” old lady” smell. It would be retro chic on a “20 something” woman. But then it became a soft, clean, powdery, musky floral that is ageless.
Happy Anniversary and Thank You Angela and Kevin! I really appreciate the knowledge and voice that you contribute to NST.
I haven’t really explored SMN eventhoigh I’ve been to that downtown boutique.
Thank you Angela and Kevin for making NST a lovely place to spend some time. SOTD is Origins Ginger Essence. I’m finally coming to the end of my collection. Soon I’ll be able to buy more…
Speaking of buying more, Smell Bent is having a mother’s day sale, 20% off.
Thanks! I enjoy reading both your posts, glad you stuck with it! Wearing Cristalle today. Had to use up a sample from Nordstrom as it was still in the plastic vial, and perfumes go sour quickly in those. I normally try to transfer them over into a glass vial.
Do they really?! Why is that? Is plastic more permeable than glass, or does something leach out of the plastic because of the alcohol? I’m most disappointed because I just ordered a BUNCH of plastic 2-mL spray vials 🙁
It may depend on the plastic. I’ve not had an issue with the decants I get; some of them have been 4 or 5 months in a plastic container and haven’t gone sour. (“YMMV” as they say here). :^)
I’ve had the same experience with different plastic atomizers. Some keep well, and others go funky quickly.
The alcohol in perfumes acts as a chemical solvent that dissolves plastic over a period of time. Plastic is fine for shorter periods. In general, some plastic is better than other plastic. But–if you plan on storing for any time I’d recommend glass, and then you don’t have to worry about anything. The vials that Nordstrom uses are particularly bad I’ve found. I try to swap those out ASAP.
I’d like to add that natural perfume oils present in any composition have been know to decompose plastic, and therefore may alter the fragrance. In general, I guess that’s not an issue, but if you end up with a lot of samples in plastic, the scent may alter over time.
Happy Anniversary Angela & Kevin! I always enjoy your reviews and articles very much! I can hardly believe I’ve been reading NST for about 8 years! Where does the time go?
SOTD is vintage Sublime by Jean Patou.
You smell wonderful! It truly is sublime!
Jeans, cashmere, Fracas.
And happy anniversary to Kevin and Angela! Both of your contributions to NST are invaluable and wonderful!
Perfect.
Can I be in the jeans and perfume club? 🙂
Perfect.
Yep, perfect.
Happy Anniversary to Now Smell This! There’s a lot of love for this blog and I know I’m not alone in saying that this is wonderful place to visit, read, and chat. All contributions much appreciated over here at Chéz Deva❤️❤️❤️
SOTD was Philosophy Fresh Cream for spin class and now post-shower, I’m in the creamy wonderfulness that is En Voyage Zelda.
The only good Monday is a Monday that’s also a No Work Monday. Lucky for me, this is the case today. For everyone working the dreadful Monday Work Day, hope it flies quickly and fragrantly into Friday ????
😀
Happy anniversary, guys! Thank you all for maintaining this site and adding new content all the time. It’s a pleasure to read, and so informative.
Huzzahs! All around for a fabulous anniversary.
I am wearing Youth Dew Amber Nude. I wasn’t quite up for M7 or Rush this morning. This is on the edge of what I can take on a humid 90-degree day.
My tea of the day is Coke Zero. I rarely drink soda, but I had a craving this morning for pretzels and Coke.
I’m glad that you occasionally do some ‘slumming’ tea wise 😉
🙂
Mmmmmm…I still have a soft spot for diet coke.
Trying Jasmin et Cigarette today…
I’m liking it quite well and wonder how much better it might be sprayed…as I just used a dabber. I wish all samples were sprays.
Speaking of sample sprays 😉 , just bought the Ormonde Jayne discovery set and am looking forward to that…haven’t tried any of their line yet.
And speaking of jasmine also, I find myself enjoying it more and more…I loved last year’s Diptyque’s Essences Insensées.
Any other recommendations for your favorite jasmine scents to seek out and try please?
JeC is great, but I wish it had more heft-even sprayed it doesn’t last long on me. I also love that Diptyque jasmine and haven’t found a soliflor that I like more than that one, so far. Have you tried Lush Lust? They’re similar in that they’re both on the sweeter, fruitier side.
I also really like the Godiva shampoo bar fromLush for jasmine scented hair.
I haven’t tried Lush’s Lust. I’m in CA and for whatever reason they don’t sell the spray perfumes here. It’s barbaric. 😉 I will check Ebay or can deliver it to my sister in CT.
I shall check out the Godiva bar. I like Flying Fox and am sad they discontinued it.
My favorite jasmines are SL A la Nuit and Joy EDT.
Thanks…I haven’t tried A la Nuit and Joy I haven’t sniffed in a long, long time.
I second the A la Nuit. It is my favorite Jasmine. I’ll add Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge, Serge Lutens Sarrasins, by Kilian Love and Tears, and Atelier Jasmin Angelique.
Thanks for all the recommendations! I have a sample of Jasmin Angelique and will break it out this week.
I love Sarrasins and Al La Nuit but I will add a couple more; Montale Jasmin Full is straight up slightly sweet jasmine and Bruno Acampora Jasmin is all of the jasmine crammed into a tiny little vial with some ylang-ylang squeezed in between the crushed jasmine molecules. Sometimes just looking at the tin that the Acampora vial comes in is enough of a jasmine rush for me. The only one that beats tha Acampora is sadly discontinued–Norma Kamali Jazmin. I don’t remember if the Acampora and Kamali were in production at the same time, but they are both so atomically powerful, so ur-jasmine, that I am not sure the world’s jasmine fields could bear the responsibility of sustaining them both.
I agree on the Acampora Jasmin. A generous NSTer included a sample in a splitmeet package and I sampled it just the other day. It’s very nice creamy jasmine that doesn’t go all irritatingly scratchy.
Thanks…I have heard of all these, barring the Norma Kamali, and shall hunt down some samples.
Migraine so commando, but I still can smell yesterday’s Rue Cambon. Spring has sprung here, saw the first (European) Peacock butterfly. I don’t think it is endemic to the US, it has the most beautiful eyespots on its rusty red wings.
Forgot thank you Angela and Kevin and ofcourse Robin and the rest of the NST crew!
Hope you feel better soon!
Rainy, foggy, chilly and just sprayed on Tocadilly which is a dewy Spring fragrance filled with Spring flowers. When I first spray it, the smell seems almost generic and then it begins to develop into a deeper picture. Pretty lilac and mimosa.
Happy anniversary guys! Everyone in my house decided to take a shower right at this very moment. Spent the morning cleaning up the house getting ready to get the kitchen gutted. So after my shower, I will put on some Epic. Remodeling is really stressful. But the guy we have is really good. When he says he will be here at 8, he is here at 7:45 am. When he says it will probably take a week, it’s about a week and a day.
Ooof! I am looking at homes to buy. They ALL require a remodel ( not a desire, a need- one, for example, is missing part of the roof) and I am as scared as the dickens at work and cost involved!
Wore Scherrer on Sunday. It’s a perfect spring scent when the weather’s nice.
Not so however on this PubHol (except we were working) so I wore Shalimar . . . smoke and resins all the way.
Continuing with my samples from Olivine Atelier, I am wearing Full Regalia, a sweet musky vanilla. Nice enough, but not really me
Happy Anniversary NST and much thanks to Angela and Kevin for joining and keeping a great community going.
Also, many thanks again to Robin for arrange the KOP/Philly meet up. It was a lot of fun – and I do very much enjoy my artisinal bottled air, aka Cuir d’Ange (I wore it yesterday).
Today is ridiculously busy for me at work (reports and completely behind schedule due to a mishap with a client’s corporate account – grr), so just popping in during my lunch break to say hi and report SOTD: Nuit Rouge by Antonio Alessandria
Happy Monday! It’s gonna be a scorcha today- 85F!
1) Happy Anniversary to Angela and Kevin! Thanks to youse guys, I have been able to try scents that I would have never even know existed.
2) SOTD: A layer of Florida water straight from the shower and then Jour Hermes absolu, which is perfect, perfect perfect.
3) OOTD: Vintage short sleeve pink blouse with fancy people on it along with a light Tencel chambray skirt. Swedish looking clogs.
What happened to tencel? it was so good and now it has vanished. Nice perfume!
Keep cool till after skool!
Tencel, which was meant to be a more affordable alternative to cotton, is now more expensive to produce than cotton or other forms of rayon. It has not gone anywhere it is now used in more expensive or boutique clothing. This skirt I have on, for example, I bought on final sale at banana republic a few years back.
I see it when I am thrift shopping but will check out the real stores!
I did not know that!
It was meant to be an affordable eco fabric BUT as it turns out cotton is dead cheap, and Tencel, with it’s sheen and drape, is started to be regarded as a mid price point fabric- more expensive than cotton and ramie, less expensive than silk.
If I’m not mistaken, Tencel is more durable and does not wrinkle much.
It stands up to washing and drying, and you are correct- it does not wrinkle. It can crinkle a bit but you just shake it out. And the drape of the cloth is very smooth and fresh. Plus it can hold a subtle sheen, like silk or wool.
What do you mean, your blouse has fancy people on it?
There were fancy people on it!
But Seriously, The top has embroidery of people in very posh 18th centruy dress, complete with pannier’d robes ala polonaise, powder wigs and stockings on the little gentlemen!
This is fascinating. Would you be willing to send me a picture or link?
Wearing En Passant, which was utterly lovely at 6:00, and 7:00 and 8:00 this morning, but now at noon, it has passed me by, so to speak.
Does anyone know if it lasts longer if one gets the body lotion to go with it? It smells so good, 4 hours is just not very long for me…
Congratulations on the anniversary of such a great collaboration, you guys.
I’d be curious too. It is fleeting on me also.
Thank you Kevin, Angela and of course Robin. I am grateful for all of you at NST. My SOTD is Prada’s Infusion d’Iris EDP, which I have not worn for ages.
I’m considering a Tom Ford week (depends on the weather and my mood, and if I can find enough of my TF samples/decants) and started out in Fleur de Chine. I’ll also add my thanks and congratulations to Angela and Kevin.
I’m doing a TF week! I’m starting with Santal Blush. Fleur de
Chine and Noir de Noir are in a heated battle for Friday’s first place spot ????
Very good morning to all, and very grateful thanks to Angela and Kevin, and you too, Robin. All of you write reviews that are warm, wise and witty: a highlight of the breakfast table, always. Thank you,
I’m wearing 31 Rue Cambon again, because I simply did not do it justice yesterday. I can’t think where my head was, to spray that beauty, then scramble around all day in a huff and a puff,ignoring it. What a wasted opportunity! Today I’ve dressed down but perfumed up, as it were,and I’m taking the time to appreciate 31’s perfectly composed elegance.
Be well and safe, everyone.
Have a lovely day in your 31RC! You smell fantastic.
Congrats to Angela and Kevin on 10 NST years! And Happy Monday, all.
Today I’m wearing Victoria’s Secret Rose Violet, which I got as an in-store freebie over the weekend. It smells nearly identical to another (department store?) perfume, but I can’t place it for the life of me. It’s going to drive me nuts!
Theorema. Needed something I love without complication after an exhausting weekend. Just a little splash, so in a few hours I might add something very refreshing or sunny, since it’s going to be pretend summer today.
I probably have sampled or sought out more based on Angela and Kevin’s opinions than anyone besides The Guide. So: thank you for expanding what I try, and pushing perfume writing.
Congrats, Kevin and Angela! Angela, I loved reading your HG article and related to it immensely, down to the grandmother who smells of cigarettes.
I’m in SL La Fille de Berlin for the second day in a row. There’s a metallic note that I wasn’t sure right away I understood/could pull off, but I’m liking it more and more.
Also, Kevin, I tried Rocobar over the weekend and enjoyed it…despite the Nordstrom SA who looked shocked that I would be picking up and wanting to try a “men’s fragrance.”
May 2 is interntaional naked gardening day! (Thank goodness I found that out on 3 May). But Marjorie Rose might want to keep it in mind, being a gardener.
I have been thinking more about violet layering options and I see oud is sometimes used with violet. That doesn’t help me much as I don’t have any oud to hand. Will wear Kerbside Violet today, with Robin. Then i might go and try Wonderwood and Wonderoud in the posh shop in town…the scowly boutique run by ‘black widows’ ( as in spiders…long limbs, black on black on black outfits, septum rings etc.) The music is always so loud I can’t smell the perfume I test . Weird that.
Happy anniversary Angela and Kevin. Yabba dabba dooo! Thank you.
You describe Plume exactly! I was very nervous about going in there when it opened back when I lived in Dunedin, it hasn’t changed at all in over 30 years.
I think they would like to have a dress code – for customers.
Huh. I guess I’ll have to wait until next year to celebrate. Today is one of the few days between March 1 and October 30 where naked gardening would be extremely chilly. Also, there are tons of test flights very, very low over the house today (V-22s, which are much more interesting than the usual jets) and I know how easily pilots are distracted by a little skin. There are days in the summer where I do quite push the limits of decency.
I’m sure there’s an ‘International Standing Naked and Waving at Test Pilots Day’ coming up – in fact, I think it comes right after Janet Jackson Superbowl Remembrance day
SOTD: Santal Blush. Yesterday I realized how many Tom Ford fragrances I really like/adore. So in honor of the handsome gentleman, I will be wearing “Tom” all week! ????
I should really do Tom Ford week too. I will start tomorrow! It’s gonna be a fun week!
I considered a Tom Ford week but I am not feeling it so it will be an anything goes week!
In Atelier Mimosa Indigo in keeping with my desire to go through samples more often… I can’t really detect it much… May have to check with Coach (my husband) to see if it just me…
We stopped in the Hermes fragrance store on Friday and chatted with the lovely Gustave. He remembered our little group’s visit from a while back. I like the new Miguet Porcelaine. And I reconfirmed that Kelly Caleche may be in my future…not right now though. Downside is Coach fell for the new rhubarb scent. Had to remind him we are not in buying mode right now….
They will be doing bottle engraving this coming weekend if anyone is interested in a FB with initials or name or something….
Oh! Forgot the important part. Thank you and congratulations to Kevin and Angela and, of course, Jessica. I so appreciate this site!
Jessica’s 10 year anniversary is coming up in December 🙂
Many thanks to you Robin…NST is really wonderful.
ihadanidea and I stopped by the Madison Ave boutique and boo hiss they do not yet have the Muguet. We got a sample of Bel Ami Vetiver so as not to waste the trip!
I am liking the Rhubarb as well and I am just waiting for the right deal or a split.
Gustave said he was going to email you. They were doing official launch next day, and they had a ton of bottles. I didn’t ask for a sample but should have. It had more lasting power than I expected.
SOTD is VC&A First EDT. It’s been kind of shoved to the back of the shelf and neglected a bit. I don’t do aldehydic stuff often, but it was kind of speaking to me this morning.
I had a great time on Saturday meeting up with Coumarin and doing our reverse swap in person. Next meetup poll, Houston folks.. we need to make this happen!
Ah can’t believe I almost forgot: Congrats to Angela and Kevin on 10 years with NST! May you have many more.
I’m wearing Kyoto today, for calm. I had my bathroom renovated last year, and a few months after it was finished the medicine cabinet fell off the wall. I was standing in front of it so I caught it, and the contractor came back and reinstalled it. Yesterday it fell off again and smashed to bits. Grrrrrrr.
Sorry, I forgot to say Happy Anniversary to Angela and Kevin! I do so like reading you each week. Thanks for all you do.
My bathroom looked nice when I bought the house, but the walls are, apparently, made of low-grade cardboard, so all the fixtures have been pulled out by my toddler, in case when they did not just drop down on their own.
What a great anniversary to celebrate and it’s a two-fer! It’s also Donatella’s birthday today and she whispered in my ear that any purchases made from last Saturday until this Friday have her blanket forgiveness, no confession necessary 😉
SOTD =’Puredistance White
I don’t usually get comments on my perfume but my previous wearing of this one had two colleagues following me around wanting to know what smells so good. Now one of them has a complimentary sample set from an event Puredistance held last Saturday evening at Le Colonial (this happened to be where thegoddessrena and I had dinner the first time we met).
Thank goodness there is a moratorium on confessing!
You smell fantastic!
Hee, I should have said starting from last Friday 😉
It was great meeting you at Sniffapaloza, WendySue!
Donatella’s birthday, and I missed it!!! So glad you mentioned.
I heard it all n the radio (!) this morning 🙂
How funny!
Quick question: did anybody try DSH essence pulse rollers? What are they? How are they different from her “voile de perfume” preparations in terms of concentration, longevity and smell?
Pretty sure she’d answer you if you sent her a message via the contact tab on her website.
Her website isn’t easy to navigate. I wish some web-savvy perfumista/DSH fan would do some work for her in trade for perfume.
Or at least create a simple pull down menu where all her scents are listed alphabetically.
Congratulations to Angela and Kevin, and to everyone who makes NST such a wonderful place.
In the mood for orange today, so goong with SL’s Fleur d’oranger,
Thank you, Angela and Kevin, for 10 wonderful NST years. My, how time flies!
After too many cold, rainy days in a row and a weekend spent mostly in the basement of my local library with other volunteers sorting books and other library materials for next weekend’s book sale, I was beyond longing for sunshine this morning and had already chosen my SOTD, Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom, before I even opened my eyes. Mmmm, I knew its creamy yellow goodness was just what I needed! What a surprise when I finally opened my eyes to find real sunshine outside my bedroom window, as the forecast was for mostly cloudy skies. So, I am doubly blessed today, with both real and perfume sunshine, what more could a girl ask for on a Monday?
Happy Anniversary to Angela and Kevin! Wearing Black Opium today. I broke down and repurchased another bottle because I really do love it. Today was a real aggravating day though, so now I’m blaming the perfume. I will probably wear it again tomorrow and hopefully get a positive day to associate with.
Hi everyone! Adding my thanks to Angela and Kevin for all you have both contributed over the years.
No SOTD, and I’ve been rolling with that for quite a while. I suddenly had an epiphany over the weekend, and realized that I have been avoiding any displays of frivolous femininity whilst battling some very difficult legal issues, courts, and some seersucker-suited smug old-school southern attorneys. Sisters, I apologise! What an incredibly archaic attitude!
Game ON, fellas! You’ve met your match regardless of my gender, my appearance, or my use of cosmetics or fragrance.
Frivolous femininity is not a weakness unless you are actually weak. I tend to consider it clever camouflage and sometimes employ it along with my good southern manners and patience to lull any opposition into a sense of false security.
Yes, you’re right! I just didn’t know how tough I should be, so yes, I have been weak in that regard. . I had no idea that I would be called in to speak to the Supreme Court. Now that’s happened, I realize that I have been presenting myself as non-descript and unthreatening, and I’ve adjusted myself to comply. They’re not buying the manners or the camouflage, so I’m guessing they don’t apply.
Congratulations on speaking before the Supreme Court.
In Canada this is considered an honour and a testament to one’s abilities.
Wear whatever makes you feel powerful, including a red lipstick, if that’s you style.
You will prevail, dear Holly! On the last day knock ’em dead with your favorite vintage scent. I learned to find it interesting to see these throwbacks run with their assumptions then turn the tables on them when they least suspect it. That is what some of the great film divas were all about.
Aw thank you! I’m thoroughly prepared to give them a run for their money!
You go give them the what for, Holly! Go stink up that court room!
Good for you! A great epiphany!
Another cool rainy day, started in Eau d’Épices then switched to Cuir Velours.
Happy anniversary Kevin and Angela, thanks for all your great posts!
Congratulations, Angela and Kevin! You both have unique “voices” that add so much to this blog site.
Wishing you many more years of perfume review writing!
Today I’m wearing 31 Rue Cambon, needed a power scent and this one gives me the power 🙂
You smell powerful!
Hi everyone and happy Monday almost quittin’ time (EST) to ya!
A few weeks back I posted about an eBay auction where I got a 50ml bottle of Chanel 19 EDT for 35 bucks and free shipping from Hong Kong. In the picture it looked like it was just going to be the refill part without the silver bottle so I promptly went back to eBay and picked up an empty silver bottle to put the refill unit into. Turns out that the refill bottle I found was a lovely vintage so yay score. Well, today the perfume arrived from Hong Kong and lo and behold it included a silver bottle as well! I think that’s the first time I’ve gotten something from eBay where the picture wasn’t as good as what I got. In any case I have an extra that I would be happy to send to anyone who has a refill unit without the outer casing.
SOTAfternoon is Chanel 19 EDP, it’s the real thing and and it smells absolutely gorgeous!
Wowee! Congratulations on the win! I don’t have a refill bottle bit that is a very generous offer!
I have one of these older No 19 “refil” with the case, and it smells divine, so that means you do too!
Happy Anniversary and thank you for all the lovely posts. NST is a fixture of my day even if I don’t manage to post.
SOTD was Iris Cendre, which I think I like better than Iris Nazarena. But I need to spend more time with it and do a side by side comparison of course 🙂
Happy anniversary to Angie and Kevin, and thank you for making NST the best online perfume hangout. I’ve loved reading your considered, cultured and wildly witty reviews and hope there’ll be at least another ten years’ worth of them!
I’m nursing a mild head cold so no perfume for me today.
Congrats to NST for 10 years of blogging! Adding my thanks to Kevin and Angela for their contributions.
SOTD = the last drops of a sample of Narciso Rodriguez Essence.
Happy anniversary and thank you to Kevin and Angela! I baked some cookies to celebrate and will eat them for you too 😉
I’m wearing Tabac Tabou again and vainly searching for an excuse to curl up on the sofa and nap. I’m back at Mom’s this week where a tiny twisting wind came through with the last storm and tore up a few nice trees, including one of the really enormous old pecan trees that had managed to survive the drought 🙁 Since I’m not strong enough to swing the chainsaw around all day, I have to take advantage of my husband’s presence and work on pasture cleanup.
First, congratulations to Angela and Kevin (and Jessica and Erin when their turns come). This diversity of tastes and writing styles, Robin, makes NST so interesting.
The addition of the STOD feature (and the weekly theme) has added to the liveliness of this blog and has been very educational, and sometimes sad, but that’s part of life too.
I run on a very late schedule for the West Coast, let alone the East Coast so I often don’t post, but generally read the posts within a day a two.
SOTD a.m. Miller Harris Citron Citron (not a typo) shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Invigorating but wears off shortly which is good, because I don’t war scents to medical/dental appts.
SOTE Needed something comforting (not a bad appt but many other stressors) so some Shalimar.