tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post5001551551892586453..comments2024-03-28T03:40:29.423-04:00Comments on Passage des Perles: Picking a smashing new scentDuchessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-20875034129776102522011-01-17T15:15:52.046-05:002011-01-17T15:15:52.046-05:00For years I wore Madame Rochas, a classic clean fl...For years I wore Madame Rochas, a classic clean floral, until they altered the formulation (of course! everytime I love something,its changed or discontinued...) after trying zillions of others, I now wear Boucheron... there is no distinctive top note, just a lovely soft floral. For everday, in summer, I use Philosophy's "Pure" Grace which smells exactly like soap.Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11110821218504320156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-69092580946232740622011-01-05T15:20:06.707-05:002011-01-05T15:20:06.707-05:00Interesting, Duchesse. Jo Malone's products f...Interesting, Duchesse. Jo Malone's products fade on me as well, but l'Air de Rien does not, although it is extremely subtle. Might be good if I were working, where some of the stronger scents would be out of place.Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-7533275129030683642011-01-05T14:56:49.053-05:002011-01-05T14:56:49.053-05:00Mardel: Always loved Bal a Versailles, and often c...Mardel: Always loved Bal a Versailles, and often cite it when I ask for new scents in a boutique: "Give me something grand, lush and very high quality, like Bal a Versailles". <br /><br />Now, in the workplace, either there is a request for scent free or people wear very light fragrance.<br /><br />I cannot discern a difference in L'Heure Bleue but do not wear it myself- regular users might.<br /><br />Air du Rien fades to nonexistence on me, gone in 20 min like Jo Malo9ne's products.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-15920156287708301442011-01-05T14:10:34.004-05:002011-01-05T14:10:34.004-05:00I can't seem to manage having or wearing just ...I can't seem to manage having or wearing just one perfume. But this change in legality of ingredients perhaps explains why a long term favorite, L'heure Bleue seems to be permanently backordered in the parfum version. My bottle is old and treasured. I am not afraid the new one will be a disappointment and I fear like I may lose a friend.<br /><br />Otherwise, at the moment I am mostly wearing Chanel's Bois des Iles, DelRae's Bois de Paradis, Gris Clair by Lutens, and Vetiver Dance by Tauer.<br /><br />For some time I wore Miller Harris's Eau du Rien, but as I age it seems more like Bal a Versailles light, definitely a kinder, gentler version. Now Eau du Rien seems like a non-perfume perfume, or the perfume equivalent of jeans and a tee. Or perhaps I am just growing into Bal, which I have always loved but which seemed too much when I was younger.<br /><br />I am struggling with which I prefer in terms of sexy seductive perfumes: Fracas, or Bal a Versailles. I go through periods where I am mad for each.Mardelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04850551308931710502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-28514185468766199522011-01-03T09:18:21.147-05:002011-01-03T09:18:21.147-05:00Madeline: I suggest you order decants, as most dep...Madeline: I suggest you order decants, as most dept. store counters play it pretty safe. "Boho" suggests notes of incense, spice, leather or oudh (agarwood), characteristic of Middle Eastern perfumery.<br /><br />Some to consider: Paestum Rose (Eau d'Italie)- rose, but with incense<br />Patch (L'Artisan Parfumeur), an updated patchouli (what is more boho?)<br />Maber scents such as Ambre Narguile (Hermes) or Ambre Precieux (Matire Gantier et Parfumeur, order though www.lusciouscargo.com), and scents with oud such as Rose Aoudh (Killian) and Cuir Mauresque (Serge Lutens).<br /><br />Have fun and tell us what you eventually choose!Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-67872375160262314072011-01-03T00:59:52.046-05:002011-01-03T00:59:52.046-05:00Such a timely topic for me! I was just searching f...Such a timely topic for me! I was just searching for a perfume that matches the woman that I am now. Drenched myself in Diorella in my youth, had an affair with Michael by Michael Kors for a while a few years back, but I feel the need for something a bit more bohemian these days.<br />~MadelineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-33440007618784699502011-01-02T16:52:02.546-05:002011-01-02T16:52:02.546-05:00Anonymous: Wonderful! Received a bottle and Le Duc...Anonymous: Wonderful! Received a bottle and Le Duc had not even read this post. However am not opening yet as we might be moving in a few months - transporting opened perfumes a delicate business. Will try Fra Ambrosius' suggestions once moved, my reward for the upheaval.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-10325413816036952622011-01-02T13:57:31.263-05:002011-01-02T13:57:31.263-05:00Just a note to say that my sample of Le Parfum de ...Just a note to say that my sample of Le Parfum de Therese arrived in time for the holidays, and is really lovely--thanks! It made me realize how much I enjoy a scent that opens with a hit of slightly bitter citrus zest, then settles into something else entirely. Eau de Merveilles has a similar appeal (orange/warm skin,) as do Chanel's 31 Rue Cambon (orange/proper Chanel chypre) and Piguet's Baghari (orange/Christmas pomander.) The magical twist for me in Le Parfum de Therese is the way soft white florals glide out from the background to take center stage-- subtly feminine, never cloying.<br /><br />I also loved Fra Ambrosius's suggested Fille en Aiguilles and the intoxicating Black Aoud. Now I may have to try Borneo 1834...<br /><br />Happy New Year, Duchesse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-80861346529627839482010-12-20T08:37:17.539-05:002010-12-20T08:37:17.539-05:00Aunt Snow: Jo Malone has a style which I love- bea...Aunt Snow: Jo Malone has a style which I love- beautiful, wearable but not invasive scents, but the staying power is so poor (almost nonexistent on me) that I do not buy- and this characteristic frequently cited by perfume writers. Fragrance lifts my spirits, especially on lightless winter days.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-28913031128867679872010-12-19T15:45:24.563-05:002010-12-19T15:45:24.563-05:00I go in and out of enthusiasm with scents.
I have...I go in and out of enthusiasm with scents.<br /><br />I have been enjoying the whole line of Jo Malone scents.<br /><br />I shy away from the popular and especially from the celebrity scents - I like the classics and I like scents made with real essential oils instead of synthetics (although I probably can't tell the difference, actually).<br /><br />I once loved Mitsouko as a young woman. haven't smelled it in years. I had a long period where I wore a Floris scent called Malmaison - it's now discontinued, I think. <br /><br />I'm glad of this post - perhaps a New Year's resolution will be to start wearing scent regularly again.Glennishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03681336164718681936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-15190037031926527822010-12-16T11:33:55.442-05:002010-12-16T11:33:55.442-05:00I have wore Samsara by Guerlain for over 20 years....I have wore Samsara by Guerlain for over 20 years. I still love it. But recently I've been looking for something new. Marc Jacobs signature scent came close. But surprisingly (to me at least) I discovered I love Inner Grace by Philosophy! Absolutely no staying power, so I've been trying different formulations and layering. Just purchased the more expensive Perfume rather than the cheaper EDP after going through lotions, body spritz and EDP. Maybe this will work. Then again perhaps I'm just used to the far stronger Samsara? No matter it has been a fun journey.Spacegeeknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-1756137834395622302010-12-16T11:26:49.440-05:002010-12-16T11:26:49.440-05:00rb: Reading any perfume description is a rather tw...rb: Reading any perfume description is a rather two dimensional experience, that's why I advocate just approaching the scent "cold". Fracas is a massive, heavy, seductive fragrance; its character is its distinguishing feature. A NYC cabbie once wheeled in his seat and asked, "Lady! What IS that?"<br /><br />Anon@7:27: Thank you! I wear Eau de Merveilles and that's just where I'd place it. Cristalle: original was superb and the updated one a victim of the oakmoss issue.<br /><br />Anon@12:43 Oooh, Amouage, yes and I had forgotten it. Have always adored L'Heure Bleu on others.<br /><br />Anon@6:42: What a romantic birthday! I have been to that Serge Lutens shop. Arpege! The current version is beautiful but (it was my mother's fragrance) the one I remember on her was bigger, deeper.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-13318816504887643222010-12-16T06:42:48.669-05:002010-12-16T06:42:48.669-05:00I had my 60th birthday this year and during a cele...I had my 60th birthday this year and during a celebratory weekend in Paris with my husband visited the Serge Lutens shop in the Palais Royale. After trying a number of scents, I decided on 'Rose de nuit'. The choosing, in such beautiful surroundings, was a treat in itself, and I adore the perfume - a dark,powdery floral. It's not an everyday (or rather every night) scent, but for me will forever be inseparable from a wonderful few days and the beginning of a new phase in my life. For less special occasions, I'm currently wearing Lanvin's 'Arpege'.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-90541619443327153262010-12-16T00:43:23.956-05:002010-12-16T00:43:23.956-05:00Ah - one of my favorite topics!
I have worn Molina...Ah - one of my favorite topics!<br />I have worn Molinard de Molinard for much of my life. I keep returning to it after excursions into other scents; there was a time when it didn't work with my chemistry but that was brief. As a more mature person now I wear the EDP which has more dimension than the EDT, I think.<br /><br />Other scents, in no specific order:<br />Patchouli oil - oh yes, I have gone there and liked it.<br />Amouage (the first one, before they created gendered scents and all the variations) it costs a mint but is still probably my all time favorite. I'm currently out.<br />Molinard Mure (blackberry) is fun and I enjoy the contrast with being a professional. I wear this off and on during the day, but more in the summertime.<br />L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain - my chemistry doesn't work with this any longer but it was a phase of sophistication when I was 20 or so.<br />Premier Figuier by l'Artisan - love it and love that you listed it. <br />Fleur de Figuier by Molinard - also love this one.<br />Angel<br />Nirmala - Molinard super yummy scent to me but one that is better for summertime than days in woolens or the office.<br /><br />My chemistry definitely works with the Molinard formulations almost through their whole line - the only one I can't wear is Habanita. I wore the original Cristalle by Chanel and the Rafale for women by Molinard. Rafale was amazing and actually my very first perfume but has long been discontinued.<br /><br />I'm lucky enough to live where there is an excellent perfume shop: http://www.theperfumehouse.com/ They have always been willing to make up samples unless the perfume in question (eg: Amouage) is prohibitively expensive. They also understand how individual a scent can be and encourage a person to take time in selecting one. I always try to take something home to test for a couple days just to see how it fits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-56917812214249271272010-12-15T19:27:49.680-05:002010-12-15T19:27:49.680-05:00Love this topic--and many of the perfumes mentione...Love this topic--and many of the perfumes mentioned. I'll add, keeping to your classifications:<br />Day Trips: Eau des Merveilles, Hermes; Beyond Paradise, Estee Lauder<br />Weekends: Joy, Patou; Diorissimo, Dior; Y, Yves St. Laurent<br />Lost Weekends: Black Cashmere, Donna Karan; Habanita, Molinard<br />Mystery Tours: L'Air du Desert Marocain, Tauer Perfumes; Messe de Minuit, Etro; Bois des Iles, Chanel<br /><br />I've been meaning to try Parfum de Therese for a long time--will order a sample immediately!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-60763148610045714822010-12-15T19:04:32.202-05:002010-12-15T19:04:32.202-05:00mmmm, I googled Fracas and it sounds wonderful!
...mmmm, I googled Fracas and it sounds wonderful! <br /><br />"tuberose<br />bergamot <br />green sap <br />vetiver <br />geranium<br />jasmine<br />orange flower<br />lily of the valley<br />white iris <br />jonquil" <br /><br />I will definitely look for it. Thanks for the response!rbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02994781041852886102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-35833376807747527222010-12-15T19:02:06.730-05:002010-12-15T19:02:06.730-05:00Fra Ambrosius: I like oud; there is no local Monta...Fra Ambrosius: I like oud; there is no local Montale vendor but I will look when I travel. Having things shipped from US is a problem, apparently Canadian customs have declared perfume a hazardous substance, at least according to Aedes de Venustas, the NYC perfume boutique.<br /><br />Susan: I wore Youth Dew, my first grown up perfume. (And Jean Naté.) It still evokes my teenaged room.<br /><br />When I met Le Duc he asked me to stop wearing 'my' perfume and find a new one. (This sounds autocratic but it was not. He liked what I wore but wanted lots of new starts.) For years, this was Montana (Claude Montana). I changed to Premier Figuier (L'Artisan Perfumeur), a more 'everyday' scent when I had children. The evening ones I wear now are Norell, which is inexplicably cheap at those discount stores and was described as "retro even when it was introduced in the '80s") and Chanel No 19. Pining for Le parfum pour Terese!<br /><br />One of my sons gave me Magnolia Romana (Eau d'Italie), wonderful! In summer I can't live without Cote d'Amour, L'Artisan Parfumeur's 100% natural scent. The essence of the seacoast.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-38325489401252394232010-12-15T17:58:12.670-05:002010-12-15T17:58:12.670-05:00As a very young woman (teenager) in the late 1960s...As a very young woman (teenager) in the late 1960s I wore Youth Dew by Estee Lauder. Did anyone else love that scent back then?Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12756033682201519150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-9475818004434285762010-12-15T17:13:22.221-05:002010-12-15T17:13:22.221-05:00Duchesse: Montele makes a whole line of Aouds (red...Duchesse: Montele makes a whole line of Aouds (red, white, blue and more I think), so you should find something you like! Assuming you like Aoud in the first place, of course.<br /><br />I was recently at Nordstrom,and I was able to get a tiny decant of Gucci Guilty, so it looks like Nordies still gives good samples!Elizabeth Zaffaranohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14988108771777880540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-41405173844496955802010-12-15T16:53:44.790-05:002010-12-15T16:53:44.790-05:00Fra Ambrosius: These are all new for me and thanks...Fra Ambrosius: These are all new for me and thanks to you I'm headed for Lutens decants! And the Montale- sounds absolutely magical.Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-79289807478365337532010-12-15T16:19:23.976-05:002010-12-15T16:19:23.976-05:00I really like woody/incense-type scents, and on th...I really like woody/incense-type scents, and on the more masculine side too. Also not subtle!<br /><br />Let's start with the sweetest--I love Montale's Black Aoud: labdanum, aoud wood and a dark rose, definitely reminds me of some incense treasure found in a souk.<br /><br />Next--Serge Lutens' Fille en Aiguilles. If you've ever been high in the mountains in the summer, you know this scent: pine needles, hot sap, clean air with maybe a hint of snow.<br /><br />Finally--Serge Lutens' Borneo 1834. It's got dark, dry cocoa, with the chill of camphor, pipe smoke, patchouli. It's what Sherlock Holmes (or maybe Irene Adler) should smell like.Elizabeth Zaffaranohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14988108771777880540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-92201543064985902102010-12-15T16:08:30.972-05:002010-12-15T16:08:30.972-05:00LPC: When your perfect scent appears, it's tra...LPC: When your perfect scent appears, it's transformative (in the most low-key and material sort of transformation.)Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-72737327601107247172010-12-15T15:35:39.290-05:002010-12-15T15:35:39.290-05:00Duchesse, thank you for the date of the "brow...Duchesse, thank you for the date of the "brown wren's" appearance. Reading your post that day I was far too absorbed by the more glamorous subject of the post! <br />Your link to the ehow article on gold discoloration was also much appreciated. Lately I haven't been wearing necklaces or perfume(must be the frigid temperature demanding turtlenecks)- perhaps I am a wren of a different color.Demi-pointenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-77770011791928881102010-12-15T15:06:27.742-05:002010-12-15T15:06:27.742-05:00Having worn no perfume for 25 years, I am suddenly...Having worn no perfume for 25 years, I am suddenly addicted to Rose Oudh, which I bought in a blur but am wearing in peace.LPChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209861350905135093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2872918251244874644.post-28415371887885737742010-12-15T15:06:04.661-05:002010-12-15T15:06:04.661-05:00rb: Even if I love it, an hour is too short. Fraca...rb: Even if I love it, an hour is too short. Fracas is my favourite- that huge tuberose sillage! I'll look for Sexy #4, thanks!Duchessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09986153653120526776noreply@blogger.com