New Year Traditions and Perfumes

At one time, preparing to celebrate the New Year was a very stressful occasion for me. I created elaborate plans and agonized over my menu and outfit to make sure that the new year was met in the most exciting and auspicious way. Then, one year my husband and I were in India preparing for our wedding, and on New Year’s Eve we had just arrived at our hotel. When the clock struck midnight, I was slumped over the overstuffed suitcases wanting nothing but a shower. But there was no hot water and no clean towels either. Oh, did I mention that this took place in the only dry state in India, Gujarat? Forget about toasting the year with anything stronger than tea. And even that never arrived.

horses

You know what? None of it really mattered, and being with someone I love made the holiday feel festive, the dire lack of bubbly notwithstanding. While my preparations are now streamlined, I still love selecting a perfume for the occasion. I wore Guerlain Après l’Ondée, a fragrance that makes me feel like I’m floating on air. And that’s the most auspicious way to greet the new year.

I wish you a wonderful start for 2014. May it bring lots of happiness, good fortune and fun adventures. Thank you for visiting, for reading and for making every day special with your stories and comments.

What fragrance did you wear to usher in 2014?

Photography by Bois de Jasmin,  year of the horse

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246 Comments

  • Cornelia Blimber: First of all,
    HAPPY NEW YEAR
    to Victoria , Patricia, Elisa, Ann, Andy and all the readers of this blog!
    I am going into 2014 with L’Heure Bleue, the new version in the extrait.
    Lovely photo of horses! Will 2014 be The Year Of The Horse in Chinese astrology? January 1, 2014 at 7:17am Reply

    • Victoria: Sounds perfect to me!

      Yes, 2014 is going to be the year of the Horse, although it officially starts only after January 31 this year.

      And here is your Oscar! Thank you for sending me the photo. He is gorgeous!
      January 1, 2014 at 8:38am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, Victoria, also on behalf of Oscar! He is beautiful indeed, and of course he is very proud, being on Bois de Jasmin! January 1, 2014 at 8:50am Reply

        • jillie: Cornelia, Oscar’s so handsome! But then I would say that as he looks like he could be the brother of one of my two. Happy New Year to you and Oscar! January 1, 2014 at 12:58pm Reply

          • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, Jillie, and Happy Newyear to you and your cats! so you also have a tabby..the most beautiful cats in the world. Some are like tigers, others like panthers, and I think Oscar and your cat are little puma’s. January 1, 2014 at 1:07pm Reply

            • jillie: We call Symba the Beastie Boy as he looks just like a wild cat, but he has the sweetest nature of any cat I have known, and sleeps on my head! January 1, 2014 at 1:11pm Reply

          • Victoria: Jillie, if you want me to post a picture of your feline baby, you can send it via email, and I’ll embed it in the comment field. January 1, 2014 at 1:22pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: great idea! I am curious to see your tabby. Is he as big as Oscar? And yes, the big and dangeraous looking cats are sweet natures. January 1, 2014 at 2:45pm Reply

      • Liz K: Ooh, handsome boy! My handsome babies are both black and hard to photograph so I love seeing others’ kitties. January 1, 2014 at 5:34pm Reply

        • Victoria: I adore black cats and dogs. My first cat and dog were black; the cat had a small white patch on his chest. January 2, 2014 at 7:59am Reply

    • Victoria: And here is Jillie’s Symba.
      January 2, 2014 at 4:00am Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Wow! what a beauty!
        As I see it, Oscar and Symba are not like brothers, cousins perhaps! Symba is a red tabby, Ossie is grey with black; Symba has radiant green eyes and oscar has greenish/golden eyes. Methinks Symba is more vivid, Oscar is kind of a philosopher. January 2, 2014 at 4:52am Reply

        • jillie: Cornelia you are right! Actually we say that Symmie is hyperactive – if there is any trouble to get into, he will, and he is so fast that he can be in two places at one time. His (non related) brother is the laid-back lazy one, who likes to sit and meditate. January 3, 2014 at 4:45am Reply

      • Hannah: Cute.
        My former cats….
        -Melba, a medium sized calico. She died about 6 years ago at the age of 22, when I was 16 so she was older than me. She was the sweetest cat ever and she would give shoulder massages. Even people who were allergic to cats loved her!
        -Bella, a small tortoiseshell. She died earlier this month. I was going to email my parents asking how she was, but I already had an email from them telling me she died. She was 16 years old. My mom was at Salvation Army and she saw a very hungry looking kitten, so she asked about it and they said they fed her sometimes but she didn’t belong to anyone. She was obnoxious but cute and sweet ~__~ I loved her very much.

        And then I made two new friends this summer! A rabbit decided to put her baby under the lilies in our yard. My dad sent me a picture of the baby, now grown, two weeks ago. It was fat so I guess it is thriving (or pregnant *__*) January 2, 2014 at 5:14am Reply

        • jillie: Hannah, so sad to read about your kitties, but I had to smile too, as we once had a tortoishell who was so sweet, but who lived up to the phrase “naughty tortie”! There is always room in one’s heart for little creatures. January 3, 2014 at 4:48am Reply

    • Victoria: And here’s Lynley’s Fergus:
      January 2, 2014 at 1:18pm Reply

      • Lynley: Yaay! Thanks from Lynley and Fergus! 😀 January 2, 2014 at 1:24pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: What a funny cat! He looks young. Beautiful, his amber eyes. January 2, 2014 at 1:32pm Reply

          • Lynley: He’s 3 1/2. Apparently goofiness is the secret to eternal youth 😉 January 2, 2014 at 9:11pm Reply

      • Ann: How adorable! Those ears are so cute. 🙂 January 3, 2014 at 4:08am Reply

    • Victoria: And to make any dog lovers feel left out, here is my father’s little cute menace Lexi:
      January 2, 2014 at 1:23pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: Is Lexi on speaking terms with Viola? January 2, 2014 at 1:34pm Reply

        • Victoria: They’ve never met, but since Lexi’s main interaction with cats is to bark at them, I doubt they would get along. January 2, 2014 at 2:35pm Reply

      • Hannah: I’m not a dog person but I love wire haired dogs with beards (especially Schnauzers, Border Terriers, and Scottish Terriers). We used to have a mutt who was part Schnauzer, named Duncan. My dad named him after King Duncan in Macbeth.
        Duncan and Melba were best buds. January 2, 2014 at 1:40pm Reply

        • Victoria: Terriers have such nice personalities. But Lexi is also a bit of a menace and she has a Napoleonic complex. There were many times when we had to run away from a pack of dogs chasing us after little Miss started barking at them. January 2, 2014 at 2:34pm Reply

          • Cornelia Blimber: Yorkshire terriers (smaller than Oscar!) have such Napoleontic quality as well. At a time I looked after the Yorkshire of a friend when she had her holiday; that Yorkshire was always agressively barking at big dogs.
            But he was afraid of ducks! January 2, 2014 at 4:24pm Reply

            • Hannah: My neighbor has four of them and all four of them are really annoying.
              Chihuahuas are famous for their Napoleon Complex but I’m starting to like them. Usually when I see them in the US, they’re in a purse. But a lot of people in Hamburg have them and they have the dog loose. Watching these tiny dogs navigate through a sea of people is kind of endearing. They don’t seem that aggressive, though; maybe dogs aren’t properly socialized if they’re constantly in a purse. January 2, 2014 at 5:11pm Reply

            • Victoria: That’s our Lexi! 🙂 January 3, 2014 at 7:21am Reply

      • jillie: Lexi’s so sweet and funny, and obviously full of character! My sister had an adorable little West Highland White terrier who was most definitely an empress and had a big heart in a tiny body. January 3, 2014 at 4:54am Reply

        • Victoria: She is a charmer. When she comes to you and wants attention, she starts making these cute whimpering noises and rubbing you with her nose. You drop everything to attend to her, I tell you. 🙂 January 3, 2014 at 7:26am Reply

      • Cary Law: So cute. January 5, 2014 at 5:49am Reply

    • kiraz: Happy New Year to you all!

      I wore Mimosa Pour Moi by L’Artisan Perfumeur on New Year’s Eve. I ran into this perfume when I went on a perfume hunt after finishing the last bottle of the fragrance I’ve been using for the last 10 years or so. I had a very specific linden smell in mind (By the way, I really enjoyed reading your Linden Trail post, Victoria!) but found the perfect mimosa smell instead. Although it smells springy, I love wearing it in the winter – because it is a bit out of context, the subtle sillage seems to get more noticable that way! In a weird way, the powdery, almond-y ways of the mimosa feel a little festive to me, even.

      This blog has been a great companion on my brief perfume adventure. I had a few weeks during which I’d come home with a few samples and try them on as I read the relevant posts. Even my cat started smelling like mimosas or roses after a while. There is so much more I’d like to learn, so I’m a little bit hooked 😉 January 2, 2014 at 3:22pm Reply

      • Victoria: 🙂 A mimosa smelling cat is something else! My Viola likes getting into the perfume cabinet and when she comes out, she always smells like a department store fragrance counter.

        Mimosa Pour Moi is very fleeting on me, but it’s so charming that I forgive it and wear it over a layer of lotion. It’s really like a getting a blast of spring air in your face, and like you, I find it especially uplifting in the winter. January 3, 2014 at 7:11am Reply

  • Lucas: It’s our first “hi!” in the New Year 2014! 🙂

    For the New Year’s Eve house-party I wore Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense.

    Today I’m beginning a New Year with some modern glam, Atelier Cologne Silver Iris January 1, 2014 at 7:30am Reply

    • Victoria: 🙂
      I didn’t even put any perfume today, but I was thinking of Chanel No 19 later, because it was a Christmas gift from my husband. January 1, 2014 at 8:39am Reply

    • Patricia: Hi Lucas! I’m wearing Silver Iris today. Yesterday it was another iris, Iris Granache, which I just can’t seem to get enough of these days.

      Happy 2014! January 2, 2014 at 7:31am Reply

      • Patricia: Whoops, make that Ganache! January 2, 2014 at 7:32am Reply

        • Lucas: And how do you enjoy Silver Iris from Atelier Cologne?

          I only have a small sample of Iris Ganache but in the recent ‘recommend me’ thread someone suggested layering Cuir Beluga with Apres L’Ondee and it truly mimics the Iris Ganache. January 2, 2014 at 9:15am Reply

        • Victoria: Iris Grenache would be a terrific perfume idea, though. Imagine the rooty iris and the tannic, fruity red wine note. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:46pm Reply

  • Hannah: I wore M7 on New Year’s Eve. Today I am wearing By Kilian Incense Oud.

    My family’s tradition is to do nothing. My mom heats frozen store-bought quiche and spanakopita. Those are her two specialties that she makes from scratch all the time so that is how lazy we are for New Year’s.

    I don’t like fireworks but I can handle controlled fireworks so I decided to walk downtown. The rules regarding fireworks are very strict back home, so I didn’t know every drunken person would be setting them off on the street and there would be miscellaneous explosions from very direction. I didn’t have any fun at all so I went home very quickly. January 1, 2014 at 8:18am Reply

    • Victoria: We were also surprised that people were shooting fireworks left and right. From our top floor vantage point we could see the mayhem below, but I admit that it was very beautiful.

      In the Soviet Union, the New Year’s Eve was the biggest holiday, because the religious ones weren’t celebrated. So, all of the traditions got transferred onto the New Year. Of course, nowadays everything gets celebrated, and from I can tell speaking with my cousin in Kiev, they pretty much get most of January off. January 6th is the Orthodox Christmas, then January 14th is the old-style New Year. The holiday period officially ends on January 19th, the Baptism of Christ. We mostly follow it all by keeping the Christmas tree up until the 19th. January 1, 2014 at 8:48am Reply

  • Alita: Happy New Year to everyone!
    Thanks Victoria for your marvellous blog. Although it is hot in Argentina today I am wearing Narciso Rodriguez for her. My sister and I are preparing some chocolate icecream to celebrate New Year. January 1, 2014 at 8:53am Reply

    • Victoria: Lucky you, Alita! Send us some warmth, please. It’s been raining nonstop. Although my choice of Apres L’Ondee (After the Rain) was prophetic, because it stopped raining shortly before midnight, and we were able to have proper fireworks. January 1, 2014 at 11:03am Reply

  • Nemo: Happy new year to everyone, including Oscar!

    Thank you everyone for sharing your stories 🙂 This New Years, I retried Bois Farine after finding it in the bottom of a drawer. I was happily surprised by its beauty (and also surprised at how much like a cashew I smelled like for the first hour or so). January 1, 2014 at 9:05am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, Nemo! January 1, 2014 at 10:09am Reply

    • Victoria: Cashew! That alone made me dig out my bottle of Bois Farine and spray it on. You’re right! I never thought of that nutty note as cashew, but it definitely smells like it. January 1, 2014 at 11:04am Reply

  • Ann: I ushered in the new year with Rosée De Nuit by the up-and-coming Friedemodin. It’s a softly spiced scent that smells as up-to-date as 2014!

    Actually I like all four of their fragrances… January 1, 2014 at 9:12am Reply

    • Victoria: Sounds delicious, Ann! January 1, 2014 at 11:04am Reply

  • Alicia: Happy New Year, Victoria! Apres l’Ondée is unique. I wore a perfume I received as a Christmas gift from a friend who knows that I love roses: F. Malle, Lipstick Rose. Just delightful. January 1, 2014 at 9:44am Reply

    • Victoria: What a great choice! Lipstick Rose is a delight, and despite its initial promise of coy rose and violet, it’s much more complex than this. The dark vetiver underneath the flowers gives it more of a diva personality. January 1, 2014 at 11:05am Reply

    • Kayti: Wow! What a lovely & generous friend!! I tested Lipstick Rose at Libertys on Friday & now it’s honestly all I can think about. It is just so beautiful. January 1, 2014 at 11:40am Reply

      • maja: I tried Lipstick Rose body lotion and it is absolutely stunning! I cherish my little sample and put it only on my hands before reading a book 🙂 I can only imagine how wonderful the perfume must be. January 1, 2014 at 5:14pm Reply

      • Alicia: Even better: the perfume arrived in the midst of a large bouquet of red roses. The generous friend is a gentleman of very good taste, a colleague of mine. His specialty is Greek philosophy, but I always say that it really is French restaurants. Perhaps some day I should invite him to La Tour d’Argent. January 1, 2014 at 7:56pm Reply

  • Lynne Marie: Happy New Year! Last night I wore Hedonist by Viktoria Minya, which fit perfectly with my resolution to be better to myself in the coming year. Today I am starting out with CJscents Vanilla Autumn but will probably move on to something with more oomph this afternoon. January 1, 2014 at 10:02am Reply

    • Victoria: Wonderful choices! You’re well on your way to making good on that nice resolution. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 11:06am Reply

  • AnnieA: Wore Mandragore as I was with the friend who gave it to me. Quiet supper at home… January 1, 2014 at 10:05am Reply

    • Victoria: My favorite way to celebrate. No restaurants, no crowds, no driving anywhere in the middle of the night. January 1, 2014 at 11:07am Reply

  • Austenfan: My very best wishes to everyone and to the Bois de Jasmin “team” especially!

    I wore Amouage Gold, gilded, festive and just plain gorgeous! January 1, 2014 at 10:05am Reply

    • Victoria: Can’t think of a better choice for a splendid start! 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 11:07am Reply

  • Hildegerd: Cacharels Lou Lou. January 1, 2014 at 10:13am Reply

    • Victoria: That’s a beauty! January 1, 2014 at 11:08am Reply

      • Hildegerd: Monster sillage, but that is what is needit on the new years eve. January 1, 2014 at 11:15am Reply

        • Victoria: Yes, exactly! One might as well start off the year with fireworks all around. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 11:16am Reply

  • bloody frida: In the morning, Ramon Monegal’s Lovely Day, and in the evening Farmacia Ss. Annunziata Vaniglia del Madagacar.

    Not a big New Year’s Eve fan (other than being a child, and our parents let us stay up all night, then at midnight we banged pots and pans together on the front porch to ring in the New Year!)

    Happy New Year!! January 1, 2014 at 10:21am Reply

    • Victoria: If I were allowed to do that as a kid, I would love the New Year’s Eve even more.

      I really like Vaniglia del Madagacar, and the combination of vanilla, lemon and amber makes it feel like a lighthearted take on Shalimar (another favorite). January 1, 2014 at 11:09am Reply

  • paola: Happy New Year to all perfume lovers.
    I wore Jour d’Hermès January 1, 2014 at 10:23am Reply

    • Victoria: I was thinking of wearing it today, so I might leave it for tomorrow. It’s so charming and easy to wear. January 1, 2014 at 11:10am Reply

  • Lynley: Thankyou for your lovely wishes Victoria, and thankyou for making us all feel very special here on BdJ.
    Cornelia, Oscar suits his name very much! My Fergus looks like a Fergus too 🙂
    Last night I worked until 9pm, and was due back at work 11am today, so I spent a quiet night with the cat. A friend at work called me at midnight, so I didn’t feel too alone. I wore Yvresse, and wore gold sparkly eyeshadow to work with big glitzy cut glass earrings to work too, just to feel a part of the party 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 10:25am Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Lynley! I am sure you looked great! I don’t know what the association with ”Oscar” could be, they gave him this name in the home for lost animals where I found him. Neither have I a notion about ”Fergus”. Is Fergus a tomcat too?
      What does he look like? January 1, 2014 at 10:39am Reply

      • Lynley: Fergus is a black and white Scottish Fold, hence the Fergus 🙂 I adopted him from an elderly couple who were moving to a retirement home and couldn’t take him. They wanted me to have him, and he’s such a scaredy cat, I was the only person who visited that Gus stayed out to meet (and let pat him!), rather than run and hide under the bed! January 1, 2014 at 6:56pm Reply

        • Victoria: Will be happy to host Fergus’s photo too! 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 9:53am Reply

    • Victoria: With Yvresse, you feel as if you’re in the middle of a party and wrapped in a big hug. What kind of gold sparkly eyeshadow do you have? (I need something for an upcoming wedding I’m attending, so I’m looking for some suggestions). January 1, 2014 at 11:12am Reply

      • Kayti: Hi there, for gold spangly eyeshadow Shu Uemura do a lovely one. I found it needs to be patted onto primer to give it staying power but it is really stunning – worth putting on your ‘to test’ list. Very best wishes to you for 2014, cheers, Kayti January 1, 2014 at 11:35am Reply

        • Victoria: Oh, thank you, Kayti! I completely forgot about Shu Uemura, since they aren’t sold in Brussels, but you’re right, their sparkly eyeshadows are great and very vibrant. January 1, 2014 at 1:13pm Reply

          • Lynley: Victoria, i was actually wearing Shu Uemura gold eyeshadow 🙂 it’s a very glittery one, but they do have more metallic golds too. I love them, they glide on and stay put for hours. I have one of the ‘choose 4’ palettes, but I could choose about 24! 🙂 this one has glitter gold, white/silver, light pink/gold, and a metallic violet- I’d been looking for the perfect purple for ages!

            I’m quite loving Yvresse! I used to just like it, but you’re right about the hug, it’s just so juicy and delicious and really makes me happy being enveloped in it. I was told my perfume was LOVELY! too, so that was nice 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 6:52pm Reply

            • Victoria: Thank you very much. I had a palette that had a gold eyeshadow, but it was more lemony yellow, so not as easy to use. I browsed some other options, and I think that I’ve narrowed down my choices a bit. I will also see what MAC offers. January 2, 2014 at 9:51am Reply

              • Cornelia Blimber: Some of my best eyeshadows are from Hema, believe it or not. Tonight I saw they carry a golden shadow as well. January 3, 2014 at 5:17pm Reply

                • Victoria: Half of my dinnerware and home furnishings are from Hema. I love this store. I’ll definitely visit and take a look at their makeup. January 3, 2014 at 5:49pm Reply

  • Lizzy: I floated off to sleep on New Year’s Eve after getting the baby to bed at 10:30 with wisps of INeKE Briar Rose still dancing around my head. No midnight kisses for us this year, hahaha, sleep was the best way to celebrate 😉

    Today my husband’s family celebrates the New Year with a traditional feast (they’re Japanese American): sweet black soybeans and chestnuts, ozoni (a soup with mochi–soft rice paste cakes–and vegetables for good fortune), kamaboko (fish cakes with special designs for good luck, wealth, health, longevity), tempura, sashimi, etc. etc. We end up eating all day with family and friends because there is SO MUCH FOOD. It’s just as big a production as Christmas! January 1, 2014 at 10:50am Reply

    • Victoria: Too much food is a part of my family New Year’s Eve traditions. 🙂 You’re making me hungry with that description. Although you can find pretty much any type of food in Brussels, I haven’t been successful in discovering good Japanese restaurants.

      There is something to be said for a good night’s sleep, especially if you have a baby. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 11:15am Reply

  • Tomate Farcie: I brought in the New Year with Annick Goutal Grand Amour. My first day of the new year Chanel 31 Rue Cambon. Happy 2014 to everyone! January 1, 2014 at 11:19am Reply

    • Victoria: I think that both are perfect! Of course, I would say that since they’re my own favorites. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 1:09pm Reply

  • Anne Sheffield: Happy new year Victoria!!!
    I had a very quiet new year s eve. Just hubby, me, a lovely bottle of Ruinard and the sound of my children sleeping. I woke up this morning, went for a run in the crisp air, and now I am wearing my Xmas present, Parfum initial by Guerlain. January 1, 2014 at 11:25am Reply

    • Victoria: What a lovely way to celebrate! Having the loved ones around is a treat already, but if you also have some Ruinard, well, that’s my idea of a perfect holiday. 🙂

      Despite the amount of champagne consumed, I also did my workout this morning and felt very good. January 1, 2014 at 1:10pm Reply

  • solanace: HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY!

    We stayed quietly at home, barbecuing with the kids. I wore Nez à Nez Marron Chic in the evening, which I find extremely enjoyable and very food & wine-friendly. Today I started the day with Tonka Imperiale, but it soon got too warm and I couldn’t resist spritzing some Orange Sanguine. January 1, 2014 at 11:26am Reply

    • Victoria: You’re one of the few people who mention Tonka Imperiale here. I like it very much, and the more I wear it, the more I enjoy it. It has such a delicious tobacco note wrapped in vanilla and toasted almonds, and while it’s not as that complex, it’s such a pleasure to wear. January 1, 2014 at 1:12pm Reply

      • solanace: Exactly! January 1, 2014 at 2:43pm Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: How is Tonka Imperiale, compared to Un Bois Vanille? January 1, 2014 at 2:48pm Reply

          • Solanace: Hi Cornelia,
            I’d say Tonka Imperiale is less vanillic than the Lutens, specially in the opening. And the Lutens is woodier, while TI has a distinctive tobacco note, as Victoria pointed out. They are actually quite different, and I’m afraid I’ll need both at some point. :p January 2, 2014 at 5:42pm Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, Solanace! I was amazed by the rather fresh, woody drydown of Un Bois Vanille, after the sweet vanilla.
              I think the Tonka would please me better, i love tobacco. Such a pity the exclusive Guerlains are so expensive. January 3, 2014 at 4:26am Reply

              • solanace: Yeah, I only have a tiny decant. But it’s on my ginormous list, someday I might get it if it doesn’t get axed. January 3, 2014 at 5:28pm Reply

  • Eva S.: Happy New Year everybody! 🙂
    A ride in the morning was the beginning of New years Eve and this first day of 2014.
    I wore Maison Martin Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning yesterday, and Montale Attar today.
    Sounds like it should have been the other way around 😉 but both me and my love were happy:) January 1, 2014 at 11:44am Reply

    • Victoria: Another very auspicious way to mark the end and beginning of the year. 🙂
      By the way, what do you think of Lazy Sunday Morning? I’ve been curious about it, but it’s not yet available around here. January 1, 2014 at 1:15pm Reply

      • Eva S.: I like Lazy Sunday Morning! 🙂 But one should be aware of what kind of fragance this is; very very light, a soft whisper of linen hanging out to dry.
        I get a cold, crisp feeling of winter! Not much flowery notes on me.
        Stays very close to the skin.
        Unfortunately not much longevity.
        I like it still! 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 3:35pm Reply

        • Victoria: Thank you for your description. A skin scent is a category I like very much, so I will give it a try anyway. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 5:12pm Reply

  • Tijana: Hi Victoria, happy new year!

    I wore 180 Ans from Guerlain. This is my special occasion fragrance as it is not available for purchase (I received a bottle in 2012) and I felt both scent-wise and symbolically (180 years – longevity and prosperity) it was extremely appropriate!

    However, I do have a special custom of mine to purchase a new fragrance at the end of the year and only open it up when the new year starts and this year that fragrance is Sublime Vanille from Creed. I only managed to scrounge for a 30 ml bottle due to the price, but I am now doused in it, sitting at home and drinking latte, eating biscotti and talking to my family in Europe over Skype 🙂

    Thank you for the lovely posts and the joys of reading about fragrances and I look forward to reading more from you in 2014! I hope you have an amazig year!

    XO. January 1, 2014 at 11:57am Reply

    • Victoria: Well, who is a lucky one! 🙂 Enjoy your special perfume. Guerlain does these limited editions so well, and they certainly don’t spare the quality ingredients.

      Your day sounds wonderful, Tijana. We essentially spent ours the same way–eating, talking to family, watching movies on TV. My grandmother made me laugh by telling about the New Year’s Eve concert she watched and how much plastic surgery various stars had. January 1, 2014 at 1:18pm Reply

      • Tijana: Lol! I suspect she is referring to the Vienna NY concert – right? They do a series here in North America called Salute to Vienna, which I have attended every year for the last 10 years, as I grew up in Europe and remember spending January 1 watching ski jumps from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then watching the NY concert from Vienna! Thia year, I decided to make it more introspective and skip the concert, but I will watch the Vienna recording that is on tonight! January 1, 2014 at 1:45pm Reply

        • Victoria: Worse, much worse! It was a Russian Channel 1 concert. There is a tradition of hosting a big concert on the New Year’s Eve that goes back to the Soviet times, she still likes watching it, even if she makes fun of it. January 1, 2014 at 4:59pm Reply

  • Johanob: Happy New Year Victoria & the BdJ team!
    I ended 2013/started 2014 wearing ELdO La fin du Monde…seemed appropriate amongst the smells of gunpowder&smoke!
    Here’s to a wonderful fragrant year! January 1, 2014 at 12:04pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you! A wonderful, happy new year to you too!
      La Fin du Monde is so intriguing, and you’re right, you really get a hint of mineral dust/gunpowder out of it. January 1, 2014 at 1:19pm Reply

  • Tara C: Happy new year to everyone, and thank you for another year of this wonderful blog, Victoria!
    I wore SSS Sienna Musk last night and today I am going to put on Micallef Denis Durand Couture, my favourite discovery of 2013. January 1, 2014 at 12:15pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you very much, Tara. Happy New Year to you too! Sienna Musk is a such a beautiful name for a perfume, and this particular scent fits it perfectly, imo. I haven’t tried many Micallef perfumes, but Elisa keeps tempting me with new ones. January 1, 2014 at 2:32pm Reply

  • Jehanne: Hi, Victoria! I wore Coco, a recent purchase and the first Chanel that works well on my skin. In fact, it was your beautiful words about Coco on this blog that made me venture back to the Chanel counter. Your descriptions of No 19 have me thinking that, perhaps, I should test that bright green bottle as well… January 1, 2014 at 12:17pm Reply

    • Victoria: I’m sniffing my wrist perfumed with No 19 right now. 🙂 It’s one of my top 5 favorites at the moment, and if you pass by the counter, definitely spritz some on. No 19 is worth trying. January 1, 2014 at 2:38pm Reply

  • Wendyr: Ushered in 2014 with 2 couples over for a quiet wonderful dinner enjoying laughter as only good friends can. I wore Guerlain Angelic Noir and today am wearing EdLO Rien – what a contrast! Conundrum about next purchase: Une Rose de Kandahar, Iris Nazarenna or Ashoka? January 1, 2014 at 12:21pm Reply

    • Victoria: I haven’t tried Une Rose de Kandahar, Ashoka is too soft-spoken on my skin, but Iris Nazarena is beautiful. But have you tried Chanel No 19? It’s very similar to the Aedes perfume and much less expensive, so it’s worth comparing them side by side to see which works best for you. If price is no object, then Iris Nazarena is a great choice. January 1, 2014 at 2:42pm Reply

      • Wendyr: Thanks for the suggestion to compare. I have not tried Chanel No 19 and will get a decant to compare. I love this perfume journey. Happy New Year to you! I enjoy learning from you. January 1, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

        • Victoria: Happy New Year to you too, Wendy! Yes, definitely try No 19. Many niche perfumes are inspired by the great classics, and this is another one of those examples (although Iris Nazarena is not a copycat, it interprets the idea of No 19 in its own way). January 1, 2014 at 5:09pm Reply

          • jillie: V, which strength do you prefer – the edt, edp or extrait? And do you like AG’s Heure Exquise too, which always reminds me of a less austere No 19? January 3, 2014 at 5:05am Reply

            • Victoria: I love Heure Exquise too, and like you, I find it warmer, more velvety in contrast to the cool, heavy satin of No 19.

              After owning all 3 concentrations and wearing them equally, I’d say that the EDP is my most worn version, because it’s the most floral and has the biggest sillage. The EDT is very fresh, uplifting. The parfum is the softest version, and it’s the most seductive because while it has a good presence, it’s more discreet. But as an introduction to No 19, the EDT would probably be best. January 3, 2014 at 7:30am Reply

  • Lia: Mito Extrait by Vero Profumo…a sample vial, yearning for FBs of Mito Extrait AND Eau de Parfum….the slight difference makes each unique! January 1, 2014 at 12:22pm Reply

    • jillie: I’m going to wear Mito tomorrow! January 1, 2014 at 1:14pm Reply

    • Victoria: I’m going to wear Mito Voile d’Extrait tomorrow. Mito is springtime in the bottle for me. January 1, 2014 at 2:42pm Reply

  • Anka: Happy New Year to everyone!
    My husband and I watched Kalkofes best of 2013 yesterday. (He is one of my favorite satirists and the german voice of Matt Lucas / Little Britain). Afterwards we celebrated with our neighbours. I wore PdN Musc Intense and sprayed a tiny spritz of Musc Maori on my husband – more or less against his will (he lost a bet). Unfortunately he doesn’t like to wear any perfume. During our relaxing get-together I watched him sniff his wrist occasionally … so there is some hope. January 1, 2014 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Victoria: He might come around! My husband never wore any perfume until he met me and it took him several years to want to wear something, but now he enjoys picking different perfume for different moods and occasions. It’s very sweet to notice him enjoying his fragrances. January 1, 2014 at 2:46pm Reply

    • james1051: You never know.

      I went 59.5 years wearing no fragrance whatever. Midway through my 60th, my daughter gave me a fragrance I liked. I spent the next 6 months sampling fragrances like crazy. January 1, 2014 at 2:55pm Reply

      • Anka: That’s nice, James, I wonder what your daughter gave you to trigger your interest… January 2, 2014 at 3:24am Reply

  • se: Cartier’s baiser vole essence de parfum. Was looking for the edt, but this was all they had in stock. Beautiful! And I would not have tried it if it wasn’t for your great review! Thank you for a wonderful blog – we share similar tastes and heritage. January 1, 2014 at 12:57pm Reply

    • Victoria: Very happy that you’re enjoying it. It’s a beautiful perfume in all concentrations. Since they’re all quite different too, it’s interesting to compare. Plus, it’s rich and super longlasting. January 1, 2014 at 4:45pm Reply

  • Sandra: Happy New Year! Lots of exciting things happening in 2014! I loved the pic of Oscar! We lost one of our cats on Christmas Eve , bumble was his name. We have one other cat, and are no in the process of adopting another rescue kitty.
    For New Years I wore Carven, and went to a party on Central Park south and watched the fireworks in Central Park from inside a cozy apartment.
    I love reading about new launches from this website and because of this blog I am growing my first Paper white flowers. I picked up some bulbs and I am ready to roll! Thanks Victoria! January 1, 2014 at 1:08pm Reply

    • Cornelia Blimber: The loss of a cat is not easy to swallow–so sorry for Bumble. I am so happy that people adopt rescue cats! January 1, 2014 at 2:54pm Reply

    • Victoria: Sorry to hear about your kitty. It’s very hard to lose a beloved pet, because they really become like another child in the family. But rescuing an animal is such a great way to get another pet.

      Hope that your paperwhites grow well! They are usually not capricious at all. So, if I could grow them, anybody can! 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 4:48pm Reply

  • Nataliya: For romantic New Year’s eve with my husband I wore J’Adore (a gift from him) and for the first day of 2014 Feminite du Bois. January 1, 2014 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Victoria: He has great taste! Well, both of you do. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 4:48pm Reply

      • Nataliya: 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:56am Reply

  • jillie: Happy New Year, Victoria!

    You are so right about remembering the important things in life (although I would have found this very hard if I couldn’t shower!).

    Tonight I nearly wore Apres l’Ondee – I was in the mood for a lighter Guerlain, but decided to go for Chant d’Aromes in the end and am enjoying it so much; I think I’ve tired my nose out with spices over the Christmas period and now want flowers, freshness and chypres! January 1, 2014 at 1:10pm Reply

    • Victoria: The lack of shower part was probably the most frustrating part, since it was also close to 40C. Everything else I could manage. In India, one needs to relax and go with the flow, although if it’s your wedding and the day before the ceremony you discover that the dress doesn’t fit, it can be stressful. Or that the guests got attacked by monkeys, because they decided to tempt them with bananas “for a picture” (bad idea!)

      You’ve inspired me to wear Chant d’Aromes tonight. I realized that I’ve been neglecting it for such a long time, and that’s unfair. Right now, I’m enjoying it very much. January 1, 2014 at 4:56pm Reply

      • Lynley: Your wedding sounds very colourful, in every way! 🙂 I don’t get why people think monkeys are cute playful little things- they’re evil! Lol! I had a monkey chase me in Bali to try to get into my bag to see if I had bananas in it. No banana for you! 😉 January 2, 2014 at 1:06pm Reply

        • Victoria: Neither do I! They’re smart, and they could be interesting to observe from faraway, because they are really so much like humans. But that’s that. At our uncle’s house the monkeys would come around 4pm every day to sun themselves on the roof. One time I was reading in a swing when some kids started shooting firecrackers at monkeys, setting them on the run. As they jumped from the roof, they landed near my swing, and I almost had a heart attack. Afterwards, I never set foot outside between 4 and 5 pm, the monkey sunning time.

          They also stole milk that the delivery guy left outside the door. January 2, 2014 at 2:41pm Reply

  • Eastofeden: New Years Eve, quiet stay at home read a book. I was wearing Boyfriend, as I had purchased the pulse point oil for my daughter for Christmas and wanted to see if there was a difference in it from the EDP. It was lovely, comforting and comfortable as I toasted in the New Year in my flannel PJ’s.

    Today I am wearing Azuree by Estee Lauder. I wanted something bold, strong and ready to reach out and grab whatever it desires. 2014 marks a clean slate for me. New job, new city and lots of changes that I want to meet boldly and confidently. January 1, 2014 at 1:46pm Reply

    • Victoria: Toasting the New Year in pjs is one of the reasons I love staying at home to celebrate. I wore a silk slip dress, which I bought on a whim, but don’t feel comfortable wearing outside the house. 🙂

      I wish you a great start on the new job and in the new city. May it be everything you wish, and I hope that every day will bring you new discoveries. Moving can be stressful, but it’s also exciting and rejuvenating. Best of luck! January 1, 2014 at 5:02pm Reply

  • wefadetogray: Happy New Years to all at boisdejasmin and its lovely readers. I wore Santal Majuscule and today, the first day of the year, I am wearing Ambra di Luna by Monegal. January 1, 2014 at 2:02pm Reply

    • Victoria: Mmmm, Santal Majuscule… Rose, caramel, sandalwood and then some. January 1, 2014 at 5:03pm Reply

      • Elisa: Santal Majuscule was one of my most worn/craved scents in the past couple months! January 2, 2014 at 12:48am Reply

        • Victoria: I go through stages when I wear it for several days in a row. It’s so addictive. January 2, 2014 at 10:24am Reply

  • behemot: Happy New year to all! I wore Traverse du Bosphore yesterday… January 1, 2014 at 2:20pm Reply

    • Victoria: Something warm, comforting, elegant, delicious. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 5:04pm Reply

  • Sarah L: Last night, I wore vintage Guerlain L’Heure Bleue. I can still smell it on my scarf and the wrists of my coat this morning.

    Happy New Year to all. January 1, 2014 at 2:42pm Reply

    • Victoria: L’Heure Bleue has such a big sillage. I also love catching whiffs of it on my scarf a day after I wear the perfume. January 1, 2014 at 5:06pm Reply

  • james1051: I wore Iris Pallida to ring in the NY. January 1, 2014 at 2:52pm Reply

    • Victoria: My perfume wish for 2014 is to see Iris Pallida reissued by L’Artisan. January 1, 2014 at 5:07pm Reply

  • OperaFan: Happy New Year, Dear V!
    We’re used to spending New Year’s Eve at home. This year, my husband’s 3 older kids were with us, so with our 7-yr old and the MIL, we dined on salmon and honey brined turkey breast, and watched a movie to pass time till midnight. Today we lunched on pork dumplings and ramen.
    It’s been a rough few months for me and I’ve often forgotten to wear fragrance, which is unheard of for me. For the first time in years, I completely forgot to select a fragrance for New Years Eve. I did have Coco in mind so perhaps I’ll wear it tonight.
    Wishing you a lovely 2014 and looking forward to reading your posts.
    Hugs! January 1, 2014 at 3:27pm Reply

    • Victoria: Happy New Year to you too! I hope that whatever was causing stress will go away in 2014 and that the year will be better in all respects. And sometimes I also go for a while without wearing perfume for pleasure (work is a different story). Occasionally, one needs a little break and give the nose a rest.

      Your dinner sounds so delicious, as does lunch! January 1, 2014 at 5:11pm Reply

      • OperaFan: I feel optimistic about 2014, and also look forward to resuming regular wearing of fragrances – since I have amassed so many!
        🙂 January 1, 2014 at 10:31pm Reply

        • Victoria: And that’s as good of a reason as any. 🙂 Plus, when you give yourself a little scented break, the day already goes just a tiny bit better. January 2, 2014 at 10:20am Reply

  • rainboweyes: We spent New Year’s Eve with our family close to Cologne. We had a nice dinner and enjoyed the fireworks at midnight. I wore Parfums DelRae Panache, today’s scent is Dzongkha.
    Wishing everybody a happy 2014 and looking forward to another year of great reads! January 1, 2014 at 3:53pm Reply

    • Victoria: Same to you! And thank you, I’ll try to do my best. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 5:14pm Reply

  • Adriana Galani: Happy New Year to You too! Well, I am married a Gujarati and we somehow made it a habit to celebrate New Year with the ones we most love – each other. Went out for a spicy hot dinner, had little “something stronger than tea” at 12 middnight and we are happy to receive 2014. Wore Samsara, one of my hubby’s high favorits on me. That Sandal wood inn there makes me feel special! January 1, 2014 at 4:38pm Reply

    • Victoria: Sounds pretty much like our celebration, except that ate at home and our “something stronger than tea” was not exactly little. 🙂

      I adore Samsara, and after spending more time in India, I’ve fallen in love with the scent of sandalwood even more. Have you traveled to Gujarat? And did you have an India wedding too? (Sorry for all of the questions! You certainly don’t have to answer, if you don’t feel like it). January 1, 2014 at 5:18pm Reply

  • Ana: Happy new year Victoria and to all the lovely people at Bois de Jasmin!I wore Music Tonkin by Parfums d’Empire for the New Years Eve and about 3 different perfumes for the New Year Day:Noix de Tubereuse,Bottega Vendetta,and L’air de Rien.Plenty of perfume but quiet celebrations ,my boyfriend and I just went for a walk around town,we didn’ t drink anything stronger than tea,and after that we just went to bed. January 1, 2014 at 4:49pm Reply

    • Victoria: Oh, wow, that’s an impressive perfume array for a single day, Ana. Sounds like a fun celebration already, if you ask me. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 5:18pm Reply

      • Ana: By the way I apologize for the typos:LOL Music Tonkin and Bottega Vendetta .This darn autocorrect is the bane of my perfumista life.Please correct them for me if you can:-) January 1, 2014 at 6:43pm Reply

        • Victoria: 🙂 I didn’t even notice! I like your autocorrect versions even better than the original ones, especially Bottega Vendetta. January 2, 2014 at 9:48am Reply

  • Ralu: Happy New Year Victoria! Thank you for all your wonderful posts. I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of NYE lately. I used to be! Nonetheless I wore Noire Epices last night for the party I attended and today I put on Musc by Bruno Acampora. I would love to hear (or rather read) your thoughts on this fragrance at some point. 🙂
    I also like the photo of the horses. We start the year of the horse at the end of the month and I’m v excited about that since I am a horse myself. 2013 has actually been very good to me so I’m not complaining. 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 4:54pm Reply

    • Victoria: Hope that 2014 will be even better then. 🙂
      I took a picture of these miniature horses at the animal market in Leuven. They were so adorable and really little. The biggest one barely made it to my waist. January 1, 2014 at 5:20pm Reply

  • Edward: New Year’s Eve was cold & rainy, so I wore my current favorite, Ambre Dore-the touch of oud cuts the sweetness of the amber, but it still smells like golden caramel! Persolaise said it’s like having a smidgen of nutella on a stubbly beard. Happy New Year! January 1, 2014 at 4:59pm Reply

    • Victoria: Ours was too. It rained cats and dogs, but then it stopped before midnight. Tonight is even worse, because it’s very windy. I loved Ambre Dore when I first tried, and I have been meaning to revisit it. All of the reviews are so positive. January 1, 2014 at 5:22pm Reply

  • maja: Happy New Year from me, too! I thought a lot about what to wear in my dining room yesterday evening 🙂 but once I opened my wardrobe I heard Vol de Nuit parfum calling my name. It is enveloping, powdery and somehow mysterious. Hopefully my year will be the same. Today I went for Mitsouko. It is always perfect and your first day of the year should be perfect, right? 🙂 January 1, 2014 at 5:25pm Reply

    • Victoria: Exactly! One might as well start out the year with something perfectly beautiful, or something that makes you feel special. I also thought about this or that perfume, but once I saw my bottle of Apres L’Ondee, the choice was made without effort. January 1, 2014 at 5:27pm Reply

  • Alessandra: I wish you all the best, too, Victoria 🙂

    Many thanks for the lovely anecdote and the wishes! I was thinking about the whole NYE preparation whilst writing a NYE message to my friends, earlier today. I find there’s always so much pressure on people: the obligation to have fun, dress well, do something supercool and all that… such a huge paraphernalia of self-imposed diktats, imo. It’s OK to have fun and party etc but what matters the most is being close to the people we love the most and love us back equally, whoever they are. That beats fun, for me. I have been known for complaining about spending NYE somewhere I didn’t wanna be – a rather incongruous thought for someone who, in any case, always feels a bit blue at NYE and doesn’t like the even very much – but I have truly realised that all that matters is who you are with, in the end… or whether you are in an emotionally comfortable situation or not. 🙂

    Anyways! I was at a family dinner, last night, and wore Musc Ravageur, because it’s my winter blanket at present and can’t stop wearing it! January 1, 2014 at 5:56pm Reply

    • Victoria: You’ve put it really well. It can take any fun out of a holiday, and I don’t like how commercial and empty many celebrations can get. So, dialing back to basics is sometimes very good.

      Musc Ravageur is a perfect cashmere blanket perfume. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 9:45am Reply

  • maggiecat: So true about celebrating the holiday with someone you love – that’s the best celebration of all! I wore Juliet Has a Gun Anyway yesterday – I really like this fresh, pretty, yet interesting scent, and as we were going to a church service, I wanted a lighter scent. Today, a small spritz of Rose de Nuit, inspired by the Rose Parade. Happy New Year to everyone! January 1, 2014 at 6:17pm Reply

    • Victoria: I smelled Juliet Has a Gun Anyway on a sales associate at a perfume boutique here in Brussels and swooned. It was so delicious on her–fresh but distinctive. On me, it doesn’t work that well, but maybe I’m just getting used to it too quickly. January 2, 2014 at 9:47am Reply

  • Elia: Happy New Year!

    I wore Le Dix parfum. I got a tiny bottle for Christmas and wore it for both Christmas, NY Eve, and today. January 1, 2014 at 6:51pm Reply

    • Victoria: Le Dix is utter elegance! What a great gift. January 2, 2014 at 9:50am Reply

  • Maren: Last night I wore Tauer l’air du desert marocain. It seemed like a good antidote to the -8 F we had last evening, Brrrr, spent with the same friends, 25 years of hanging out together on New Years Eve. It is quite a long standing tradition that started when our children were little, and we just keep it going even though the kids are all grown up now. Also part of tradition is being the laziest person possible on New Years Day, and so I grabbed the first bottle i saw on the dresser, No. 19, and am enjoying it very much as I lay about all day in my PJs. Health and happiness to all in 2014! January 1, 2014 at 6:53pm Reply

    • Maren: And P.s. To Cornelia Blimber, I started reading Bleak house today and I’m enjoying very much. Love the picture of your Oscar! January 1, 2014 at 6:57pm Reply

      • Cornelia Blimber: The opening chapter is impressive, isn’t it!
        Oscar thanks you! January 2, 2014 at 5:04am Reply

        • Maren: Oh yes, that first chapter with the description fog is just masterful! January 2, 2014 at 7:16pm Reply

    • Victoria: Spending New Year’s Eve with the same group of friends is the best gift ever. You’re truly blessed. And there is something to be said about impromptu choices. If your perfume wardrobe is narrowed down to the very favorites, then you really can’t make a bad choice (says someone currently drenched in No 19 :). January 2, 2014 at 9:55am Reply

  • Katy McReynolds: Happy New Year to all. I wanted to take this opportunity to Thank Victoria and everyone who contributes and comments on this lovely blog. My life would diminished without the beautiful and thoughtful posts found here. I love you, my brothers and sisters! New Year’s Eve I wore Tauer Vetiver Dance. Today, the criminally underrated, Alien. January 1, 2014 at 7:04pm Reply

    • Victoria: Katy, thank you so much for this. I also love how many different people I get to meet through BdJ. Some have just started getting into perfumes, others have been interested for longer than I have. But all in all, the common passion gives us all something to share and to talk about.

      Poor Alien is so maligned, but it really deserves more attention. If it works for you, it’s really a remarkable, distinctive perfume. January 2, 2014 at 10:00am Reply

  • Lilly: Happy New Year Victoria, and thank you so much for your great blog. On New Year’s Eve I wore Nuit de Noël. It’s warm and glamorous – just right for a small elegant dinner party with friends. Then today I wore Vega by Guerlain for a sparkling start to a hopefully bright New Year! January 1, 2014 at 7:17pm Reply

    • Victoria: Happy New Year to you too, Lily! Nuit de Noel is my favorite Christmas perfume, because it really captures my idea of Christmas–quiet, introspective, cozy, and romantic. And Vega is so grand, a perfect way to start the year. January 2, 2014 at 10:01am Reply

  • jlt: My good friend wore Chanel 19 from my collection. she was surprised by it because she is rather “picky” and did not expect to like it. Like it she did! and then some. I wore Number 5, from an old vintage bottle, casually given to me by a friend who had it “hanging around from my mother forever.” I love it; so elegant and uplifting. I think my posture is better when I wear it!
    Enjoy a fragrant New Year. January 1, 2014 at 7:27pm Reply

    • Victoria: “I think my posture is better when I wear it!” 🙂 Yes! I also love that I can be completely dressed down, but once I put on one of these grand parfums I immediately feel more put together. January 2, 2014 at 10:03am Reply

  • Liz K: Happy New Year! Thank you for your wonderful reviews, recipes, and perfumed miscellany.
    I didn’t wear any perfume last night- forgot. Had just come home from a short trip and just spent the evening being smothered by my clingy, frightened cats. They did not enjoy all the firecrackers in our neighborhood last night. Today I started out with Agent Provocateur and am now sampling Barkhane. January 1, 2014 at 8:05pm Reply

    • Victoria: As someone who loves animals, I wouldn’t find greeting the new year this way. 🙂 My mom’s cats hate any loud noises, especially fireworks and thunder. Blender is another nemesis, rivaling the vacuum cleaner. January 2, 2014 at 10:19am Reply

  • Clancy: Chanel Allure for me! January 1, 2014 at 8:50pm Reply

    • Victoria: Allure totally lives up to its name! January 2, 2014 at 10:19am Reply

  • kuri: I will wear Apres L’Ondee today! On New Year’s Eve I wore a mixture of Philosykos and Barbara Bui Le Parfum. It’s funny, I often have various expectations that the New Year should be rung in with festivities and celebrations, and reality always tends to fall short. But relaxing and enjoying what you have is a good way to start the new year! January 1, 2014 at 11:31pm Reply

    • Victoria: And I just thought of another perfume wish–for Barbara Biu Le Parfum to return. Such a beautiful scent, and it makes me happy that someone else out there loves and wears it. January 2, 2014 at 10:22am Reply

  • Amber: Happy New Years everyone! Thank you Victoria and team for the gift of this blog- I only began reading it in December and it has been so uplifting, I really treasure it. I wore thanks to Victoria Caron Nuit de Noël on NYE at home with my husband. With 3 exuberant boys I was too tired to cook but thoroughly enjoyed Chinese take out and later Argentinian bubbly and dancing to Regina Spektor’s My Dear Acquaintance/A Happy New Year.http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SG8mbe2Ck3c&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSG8mbe2Ck3c
    Today Cacherel Noa and tonight by the fire SSS Winter Woods. January 1, 2014 at 11:37pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you so much, Amber! Very glad to meet you.
      What a beautiful song. I haven’t heard it before, and I just enjoyed playing it over my lunch break. Thank you for sharing. Sounds like a very nice celebration and perfume choices to go with it. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 10:24am Reply

  • Elisa: Happy new year, readers! My night was quiet as I’m getting over a cold and my husband and many of my friends were out of town (or alternately sick), but nonetheless I put on red lipstick and wore Tom Ford Noir de Noir.

    Here’s to a fragrant 2014. January 2, 2014 at 12:51am Reply

    • Victoria: My great grandmother didn’t wear much makeup, but she always said that just looking at her red lipstick makes her feel more elegant. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 11:52am Reply

      • Elisa: I used to be one of those people who thought I couldn’t wear bright lipstick. Of course in reality no one “can’t wear” bright lipstick, you just have to get used to seeing yourself in it, and then you love it! January 2, 2014 at 12:17pm Reply

        • Victoria: So true! And if you pick a color that works well with your skin tone, the bright lipstick could be the best, the ultimate accessory. When I had my eye problems over the summer and couldn’t wear any eye makeup, I played with lipsticks more and had a lot of fun. That’s how I discovered Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stains, my perfect lipstick. January 2, 2014 at 2:43pm Reply

        • Aisha: I usually wear almost sheer wine-colored lipsticks, but on a whim decided to buy a bright purple orchid color. (It was on sale at the drug store, so why not, right?). I’ve never received so many compliments on a shade of lipstick before! I now hope to find the perfect matte red lipstick. Yeah, I have big dreams. 😉 January 2, 2014 at 2:51pm Reply

          • Victoria: It’s easier now that the cosmetic lines offer so many more shades in different textures. Many people love MAC’s Russian Red and Ruby Woo if they’re looking for a matte red. Another good one is Revlon Matte Lipstick Really Red. January 2, 2014 at 2:54pm Reply

            • Aisha: Just found all three shades online, and they are so pretty! I’d probably apply it with a light hand and add a sheer gloss at first while I get used to seeing a bold red on my lips. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 3:06pm Reply

              • Elisa: If you need a sheer “starter” red, I recommend the Revlon lip butters — Candy Apply and Cherry Tart are both nice, though I prefer Candy Apple, or Red Velvet for a darker, wine-like red.

                I also like the “History” shade in the line that Poppy King did for Target, but I’m not sure if those are still available. Really nice texture and goes on pretty sheer. January 2, 2014 at 3:09pm Reply

                • Aisha: I’m actually addicted to Revlon’s lip butters and balm stains. 🙂 I have the lip butters in Candy Apple and Peach Parfait. The balm stains I have are Crush, Romantic and Darling. I got compliments when I layered Darling over Cover Girl’s jumbo gloss balm in shade #260 (there’s no name).

                  Candy Apple and Crush are my favorites. January 2, 2014 at 3:36pm Reply

  • Aisha: Happy New Year, Victoria! I’ve really been enjoying reading the informative posts and comments on this blog, and I’m so grateful I came across it in 2013.

    What scent did I wear to usher in the New Year? I wore what has got to be my favorite “discovery” this past year: Vanille Tonka. It has been below 0 degrees and snowy in my neck of the woods, and PDN’s fragrance added just the right amount of warmth. I even caught myself burying my nose in my scarf just to catch a whiff of the fragrance — just as I had pictured I would back when I first commented about the fragrance many months ago. I’ve discovered many new favorites, thanks to Bois de Jasmin, but this one stands out. I look forward to new discoveries in 2014. January 2, 2014 at 1:00am Reply

    • Victoria: Isn’t it wonderful when you find a fragrance that clicks with you so well that you almost don’t even want to wear anything else? I’m very happy that we met here–you, all of us, and Vanille Tonka. Happy New Year! 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 11:53am Reply

  • CC: Dear Victoria,
    I walk through the Jasmin woods without fail every week, so I take the liberty of addressing you as a friend. You have been a source of inspiration, beauty, positivity and of course scent, throughout the last year. I am extremely grateful.
    I long to try Après l’Ondée but haven’t sourced it yet…. Last week I sampled another mention from here, Un Matin d’Orage, and it was love at first spritz. I wonder if they are similar at all.
    I start the year of the Horse with a decidedly woodsy fragrance – La Fille de Berlin. I say woodsy because the aroma of ripe berries takes me outdoors, although I would also consider this a decidedly urban fragrance. My colleagues are just as addicted to it as I am. And I happen to live in a country where everyone thinks I look like Marlene Dietrich… Success 🙂
    A very, very happy New Year to you and to all that walk though Bois de Jasmin – I have seldom seen such an educated, respectful and happy community online. Kudos to you Victoria! January 2, 2014 at 2:54am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you very much for your lovely comment. It made me happy to know you enjoy it here. I suppose when a group of people meets to talk about something they are passionate about, it already sets a special mood. But of course, I’m grateful to anyone who visits, even if they don’t feel like joining in. In fact, one of my resolutions this year is to comment more on the blogs I read. 🙂

      Apres L’Ondee and Un Matin d’Orage are very different, but both are fairly light. Apres L’Ondee will work better for you if you like powdery scents. It’s not too powdery, but there is enough talcum dust from violet and iris. I mention it since some people really dislike these notes.

      And oh, wow! Being compared to Marlene Dietrich is the ultimate compliment. Since La Fille de Berlin makes me think of her, you and this Lutens must be a perfect match. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:29pm Reply

  • Ruta: No frangrance. For a fresh start January 2, 2014 at 3:44am Reply

  • kaori: A Happy New Year, Victoira and to all!
    My first parfume in 2014 was Bois D’Armenie.
    As ususal, thank you for wonderful comments, pictures(they are all lovely) and information.

    Tonight Ozoni is waiting for me 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 4:35am Reply

    • Victoria: Enjoy your Ozoni, Kaori! I’m drinking the New Year Japanese tea. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:32pm Reply

  • Nora Szekely: Happy New Year to you, Victoria and to All Perfume Lovers!

    I went to a party on the last day of 2013 in a sexy tight black dress so I chose Dita von Teese’s new fragrance Erotique. It not only matched the dress but I felt that I was growing more confident in my femininity than before and this perfume reflected it perfectly. January 2, 2014 at 5:43am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: By the way, I was always fond of horses, learnt to ride a horse as a child, so I hope that the Year of The Horse will be a lucky one for me. Beside that Erotique I wore to start the new year has a leathery note in it that now that I think of it also reminds me of my lovely memories of riding. January 2, 2014 at 5:46am Reply

    • Victoria: Oh la la! Sounds like a sultry combination. I haven’t tried Erotique yet, but you make me want to hunt down a sample asap. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:33pm Reply

  • Annikky: Happy New Year, everyone! I wore Carnal Flower and decorated the apartment for the party with every kind of white flower I could find. No perfume yesterday, because…recovering. Picked Balmain Ivoire for today, to have this clean and fresh feeling of new beginnings. January 2, 2014 at 10:02am Reply

    • Victoria: I love the freshly scrubbed (but not dull and sterile) feel of Ivoire. And Carnal Flower feels like a party in itself. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:45pm Reply

  • Domestic Goblin: I ‘borrowed’ a few spritzes of Penhaligon’s Elizabethan Rose to usher me into 2014. January 2, 2014 at 10:21am Reply

    • Victoria: Then let’s hope that 2014 will be a bed of roses (and no thorns!) 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:44pm Reply

  • Elizabeth Uy: I rang in the New Year with my signature scent…Caleche by Hermes… January 2, 2014 at 11:57am Reply

    • Victoria: That’s a great signature perfume because it’s so distinctive! January 2, 2014 at 2:43pm Reply

  • iodine: Happy New Year, dear Victoria! 🙂
    I started 2014 in Venezia Giardini Segreti by AbdesSalaam Attar, a house I would love so much to read your thoughts on…. January 2, 2014 at 12:58pm Reply

    • Victoria: Happy New Year to you too!
      Adding it to my list of perfumes to review. Thank you for a nudge. 🙂 January 2, 2014 at 2:41pm Reply

  • SallyM: HNY to all and especially to you, Victoria. I’ve been wandering the warrens of the proverbial perfume rabbit hole for many decades, but only rounded a corner to blogging last year, and so am now avidly consuming every word both past and present. I have most been struck by how kind and respectful everyone has been, especially when responding to the perfume choices of others, which is a very personal and subjective situation. After being a part of many other online discussions over the years, it is so refreshing to find a community that simply shares without judgment or criticism. No Luca Turins here 😉 (although I must admit to laughing out loud at some of the descriptions in his book.)

    For NYE I wore Ambre Sultan – what an amber blast that is. While we spent most of the evening inside with dear friends, playing games by the fireside, we did go outside at midnight to watch fireworks and drink a glass of bubbly in the very cold night air, so I felt that I took the warmth of the fire with me every time this wonderful amber wafted up from inside my coat. And it still lingered on my skin an amazing 16 hours later – I almost didn’t want to shower! But shower I did and wore L’Heure Bleue for NYD which I have made into a body cream; something I’ve done with many of my perfumes, especially those that have a big voice. I read with much interest your recent post, Victoria, about doing just this and was pleased to see that I’m not alone in this method. It works so well when you want a hint of favorite perfume on more than just a wrist or back of the hand. Also with the air being so dry in the house from heating, the added moisturizing of the cream is a great help.

    I loved seeing all of the kitty pics! I have a very mischievous black boy called Inky who is now 12, and who is missing his little friend Willow, who went across the rainbow bridge a couple of months ago. She was the dearest cat and they were together since babies. We all still grieve for her. I love though that it is the year of the horse – what delightful pictures. I read that the Horse energy is fast, spontaneous and impulsive – I’m seeing my doom as far as perfume buying is concerned! January 2, 2014 at 3:01pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you very much, Sally! A choice of perfume is so personal and subjective, and judging someone based on what they wear makes no sense to me. Judging the brands for selling snake oil, overpriced perfumes, etc, well, that’s another story! 🙂

      So sorry about Willow! My mother lost one of her cats last year, and it was very sad. The other two cats spent some time looking for their playmate and sitting by her blanket, and it was really heartbreaking. Perhaps, you’ll get a new friend for Inky?

      Amber Sultan was one of my other NYE choices, because it was so cold here, and it’s one of my most warming and festive scents. I know, you smelled amazing! 🙂 January 3, 2014 at 7:09am Reply

  • Theresa: Happy New Year, Victoria and perfume-lovers everywhere! For New Year’s Eve, I wore Chanel Cristalle – it seemed right for a party, even though the party was a quiet one at home (sipping champagne cocktails and playing dominoes with my family). On New Year’s day I wore Andy Tauer’s Verdant – it makes me think of green growing things.

    best wishes from the Pacific Northwest! January 2, 2014 at 4:08pm Reply

    • Victoria: Cristalle is like a sip of champagne to me, so yes, I can how it would be a perfect fit. 🙂 By the way, in the region of India where I got married, the choice of wedding outfit is green, because green symbolizes rebirth and is considered the most auspicious color. January 3, 2014 at 7:15am Reply

  • Fae: I spent NYE in Gujarat! My partner’s mother’s family are from Ahmedabad and we go there most years at this time. We stayed at home and made full use of our liquor permits! I wore Chanel Cuir de Russie parfum, which my partner gave me for my birthday just before Christmas. It made me feel so elegant and grown up. By the way, I love this blog. You have all been my guides into this magical world of fragrance and am so happy to be able to share these pleasures with you all in such a calm, thoughtful and pleasant forum. Thank you Victoria and all the Bois de Jasmin team! January 2, 2014 at 4:20pm Reply

    • Victoria: How exciting to meet someone else with a Gujarati connection! 🙂 I visited only once so far, but I was amazed at the historical sites. There is so much to see. People say that because Gujarat derives its revenue from oil and diamonds, it doesn’t really need to develop the tourist industry unlike some other states in India (hence, it’s not on most people’s list of places to visit), but it was a rich state as far as history and architecture. The town of Champaner alone is worth a trip to India, imo.

      Your liquor permit mention reminded me that we almost managed the impossible–we hosted a cocktail reception for the guests. It was probably the most complicated thing about the whole wedding. 🙂 January 3, 2014 at 7:21am Reply

      • Fae: I’m amazed you hosted a cocktail reception (and intrigued as to how you managed it)! It’s also exciting for me to meet another person with a connection to Gujarat. It is a fascinating place and its importance within the history of modern India tends to be overlooked, in terms of culture, politics and economy. I haven’t seen enough of the state, as we tend to stay with my OH’s family and get a bit lazy, but next time I will definitely make a point of visiting Champaner. I’m really keen to go to Diu as well. January 3, 2014 at 7:45am Reply

        • Victoria: 🙂 It involved collecting the foreign passports, because only the foreigners can get a liquor permit. You get a certain allowance per passport. That was one part. Another was to find a venue that was not the public space and yet big enough to hold the guests. So, it turned out be to possible, but in the retrospect, a cocktail party in a dry state sounds like a recipe for hassle.

          Mt. Abu is apparently another beautiful site, and it’s on my list if I ever return to Gujarat. January 3, 2014 at 7:53am Reply

          • Fae: If you do go again do let me know. I would love to invite you over for dinner! January 5, 2014 at 6:59pm Reply

            • Victoria: I will do! Thank you, Fae. January 6, 2014 at 3:17pm Reply

  • Andy: Happy New Year to all!

    I’m happy to slide back into the comments after a long time. I rang in the New Year with Angel, mostly because all the gourmand notes make me feel so festive, like I’m amongst the land of sweets in the Nutcracker. January 2, 2014 at 5:57pm Reply

    • Hannah: The day after Christmas, I was on the S-Bahn and the car smelled like someone dropped a bottle of Angel and it shattered. But someone probably just sprayed too much on. January 2, 2014 at 6:03pm Reply

      • Andy: Part of the fun of wearing Angel for me is accepting that it has scented so many memorable moments for perfume lovers (pleasant and unpleasant)! One of my doctors wears Angel as her signature. Last time I was at her office, I happened to be wearing it too, and I commented to her that I hoped whoever came into her small office next was a fan of Angel, because they were in for a prescription-sized dose! January 2, 2014 at 9:03pm Reply

    • Victoria: What a nice way to put it! Inspired by you, I wore Pink Sugar last night, another Sugar Plum Fairy perfume.
      Happy New Year, Andy! January 3, 2014 at 7:22am Reply

      • Andy: How nice, especially for a chilly night! Pink Sugar is one for which I can’t decide whether I should add a small bottle to my collection or not. On one hand, it sometimes seems sugary to the point of excess, on the other, it’s kind of charming, and sometimes feels exactly right. January 3, 2014 at 11:07am Reply

        • Victoria: It is all that, but the sugary part is exactly what makes it fun. I don’t wear it often, but there are days when nothing else will do. January 3, 2014 at 12:09pm Reply

  • Rowanhill: Thank you for all the lovely blogposts of 2013 and all the success, happiness and prosperity for you and your VIPs for 2014.
    My holiday fragrances were Kelly Caleche, Portrait of a Lady and Plus Que Jamais, out of which the last one won the popularity contest while Portrait of a Lady received no skin time at all due to the combination of its massive projection and close proximity to other people. I had to take pity on them and let them taste the food instead of my perfume. Kelly Caleche was the kind choice for the fragrance sensitive family, whereas I loved my mother wearing, as usual, Chanel’s Bois des Iles, the perfect Christmas fragrance. January 3, 2014 at 4:38am Reply

  • Alicia: Happy 2014, Victoria! I also stayed home. It is terribly cold outside, and the roads are impossible. Since I heard a beloved friend is in Rome, and I miss both him and Rome, I am wearing the last drops of my vintage Farnesiana. This is a fragrance I will miss forever if the reformulation has betrayed it. I am afraid to try it, that is how much I love the original. One of my true loves. January 3, 2014 at 9:47am Reply

    • Victoria: Farnesiana makes me think of Rome too, because of its name. Now, I’ve never been to the Villa Farnese, but the fantasy Caron puts forth with this perfume is so enticing. 🙂 The reformulation of Farnesiana is not bad at all, and it still retains the spirit of the original. January 3, 2014 at 11:45am Reply

  • Hannah: I’m spending the first weekend of 2014 in my favorite city in the world, Berlin. Usually I bring my bottle of Black Cashmere and a sample of Wonderwood but the bag I’m bringing is small so I’m not bringing Black Cashmere.
    I think I will bring OJ Woman (not magic on me like it is on some people, but still a nice green scent), By Kilian Incense Oud, and Hilde Soliani Bell’Antonio. +Wonderwood as a back up, just in case I decide I don’t want to wear any of those.
    And I’m going to paint my nails gold (L’Oreal Because You’re Worth It. Stupid name but a nice gold). January 3, 2014 at 9:50am Reply

    • Victoria: Can just imagine how pretty gold nail polish would look! I haven’t painted my nails in ages, since I’ve been baking a lot over the holidays, and the nail polish just chips off.

      I still need to visit Berlin. It’s one of the cities that I definitely want to explore while I’m here in Europe. January 3, 2014 at 11:47am Reply

      • Hannah: Oh, I will send you my Official Berlin Travel Guide. January 3, 2014 at 1:25pm Reply

        • Victoria: Oh, thank you so much, Hannah! January 3, 2014 at 2:51pm Reply

  • marijana: I wore Opium ( vintage version). Although I rotate my fragrances for the day, for the evening I always wear Opium, nothing else. I feel special, elegant, grown up and very feminine wearing it. Cannot imagine the night out without it! Happy new year to all of you! January 3, 2014 at 12:00pm Reply

    • Victoria: Happy New Year!
      Opium is such a femme fatale perfume. 🙂 January 3, 2014 at 12:14pm Reply

  • Figuier: Just back from celebrating New Year’s eve in Vienna – actually it was more like a five-day party, we were there from the 27th and out every night 🙂 I alternated between PG Indochine and Kilian Rose Oud – both brilliant in the cool, damp weather. Happy New Year to all of you on the blog, and thanks as always for keeping us entertained with your brilliant reviews and articles xx
    p.s. I smelt a lot of patchouli in Vienna, of the modern, cleaned up variety, plus some wonderful old-schoole chypres and colognes. The U-bahn was especially good for encountering serious sillage 🙂 January 4, 2014 at 9:15am Reply

    • Victoria: Vienna, patchouli, old-school chypres… Fits with my romantic vision of this city. 🙂 Happy New Year to you! Sounds like you had a wonderful celebration, and with so many perfumes too. January 4, 2014 at 10:43am Reply

  • Jessica: Happy New Year, dear V! I wore Lipstick Rose on New Year’s Eve, because it’s one of my “signatures” and it always feels so light-hearted to me, and I wore No. 5 EDP on New Year’s Day to host a small get-together at our home, because I wanted something classic yet comforting. x January 4, 2014 at 12:08pm Reply

    • Victoria: Happy New Year to you too! Whenever I put Lipstick Rose on, I always think of you, J. And because of that association, it’s extra special. 🙂 January 4, 2014 at 2:16pm Reply

  • Daisy: Happy Belated New Year to you, Victoria! Here is wishing you a very fragrant 2014!

    And my NYE scent was Amouage Jubilation 25! January 19, 2014 at 1:08am Reply

    • Victoria: Happy New Year to you too! What a fabulous way to greet 2014. Jubilation is one of my favorites from Amouage, both feminine and masculine. January 19, 2014 at 6:30pm Reply

  • Moochie: My New Year found me in Hynotic Poison,,,,a new bottle of Samsara for Christmas and of course Shalimar,,,I have been researching for a new scent for 2014,,, I tend towards Orientals,,,lots of vanilla,,,musk,,,sandalwood,,,Angel is one perfume I just don’t like despite the popularity,,,, January 22, 2014 at 3:41am Reply

    • Victoria: Perfect gifts! 🙂 What about Kenzo Amour? It’s lighter, but it’s also an oriental and it might be another fun option in your wardrobe. Or Lolita Lempicka. January 22, 2014 at 5:29am Reply

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Latest Comments

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