Scent Diary : Vacation in a Perfume Bottle

Imagine that you suddenly receive a week of vacation. Where do you go (if money is no object) and what perfumes do you pack?

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Scent Diary is a place where we can share fragrances we encounter, good and bad, perfumes we wear and the scents around us. It’s a way to sharpen our sense of smell, but also just to enjoy the fragrance hobby in a different way. Whether you write down 1 recollection or 10 matters less than simply reminding yourself to smell. You can add as many comments as you wish. You can comment today or over the course of the week; this thread will always be open. Of course, do share what perfume you’re wearing or what particularly good scented products you’ve discovered.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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184 Comments

  • Austenfan: This is not about vacation scents at all, but I just wanted to mention that I adore the scents that autumn brings. All these dried and rotting leaves bring a certain fragrance, that I can’t quite describe but that I find very comforting and utterly compelling. November 2, 2015 at 7:35am Reply

    • Scented Salon: Try some Yatagan to go with this mood. November 2, 2015 at 10:53am Reply

      • Austenfan: It’s been a long time since I tried Yatagan, but I remember liking it. November 2, 2015 at 11:21am Reply

    • Victoria: Same here! It’s utterly irresistible. November 3, 2015 at 7:21am Reply

  • sandra: Like the person who commented above- I love the smells of autumn as well.
    Yesterday there was a lot of NY marathon excitement. On our walk in the UWS-I stopped at my favorite store Rituals and picked up some of their fabulous bath foams. T’ai Chi has a beautiful scent of White lotus, their cherry blossom rice milk scrub is divine, my favorite is still their limited addition Frangipani -which I grabbed as many as I could since they are phasing that out and having their new limited addition come in soon. I take my showering very seriously! With the baby and one on the way-its the only time I have alone. Also, the woman gave me a sample of two of their perfumes -Fleurs dE L’himalaya and Elixir d’Orient. November 2, 2015 at 8:13am Reply

    • Victoria: Ah, you’ve found Rituals in NYC! I agree with you on their Frangipani scented products. They’re excellent. November 3, 2015 at 7:22am Reply

  • Theresa: When I was on vacation this summer, I took with me a sweet floral which paired nicely with my sunlotion, but I had to reapply multiple times a day to smell something for even half an hour.
    Coming home, there were still lingering scents in my bedroom of patchouly and other more earthy fragrances. That gave me more of a feeling of coming home than opening the door did 😀 On a vacation therefore I would probably take with me my favorite heavy hitter; Youth Dew. I guiltily love wearing it in summer, as in winter, but now with temps varying around 10-15 degrees Celsius, it oddly doesn’t please me that much…
    On another note; today I am wearing Aramis 900. I had to rise really early today, and this gives me a fresh kick in the morning to help me stay awake those few hours before the sun does 🙂 And the drydown afterwards is so delightful, it helps me make it through the rest of this long day November 2, 2015 at 8:55am Reply

    • Judy: Hear, hear for Youth Dew. I’ll always love it! November 2, 2015 at 1:11pm Reply

      • angeldiva: Youth Dew! Who knew! I love my new bottle. My nose had a change of heart!
        I posted below that I have had a wonderful effect by layering Youth Dew under Serge Lutens- Ambre Sultan. Strong, exotic, and not for the faint of heart! lol

        *I predict a market resurgence in the sale of Youth Dew to a younger generation. November 2, 2015 at 7:14pm Reply

        • Theresa: I’m in my early twenties, so you may be right 😀
          Layering with the Serge Lutens sounds very interesting. Which do you apply first? November 3, 2015 at 6:24am Reply

          • angeldiva: The Youth Dew November 3, 2015 at 12:29pm Reply

    • Victoria: I like Aramis 900 very much. That initial uplifting burst is so good. November 3, 2015 at 7:23am Reply

    • Miss Vicki: Oh, my goodness, I haven’t thought of Youth Dew in decades. I’m 70 years old. I loved it when I was younger. November 7, 2015 at 11:22pm Reply

  • Hamamelis: Should anyone still like to read it, I posted my scented diary of the roadtrip to Spain, via Belgium (Place Vendome) and France (Grasse) late in the October scent diary, it is one of the last posts.
    Continuous nausea has limited my engagement with perfume at the moment, I am trying what works, and today I am wearing Infusion d’Iris and it gives pleasure rather than more nausea.
    Like Austenfan, I love the scents of Autumn, what a magical thing that this kind of decay smells so sweet and looks so beautiful. Wishing everyone a good week and Victoria safe and joyful travels! November 2, 2015 at 9:16am Reply

    • spe: It’s nice that you found a fragrance you can comfortable wear! November 2, 2015 at 9:21am Reply

      • Hamamelis: Thank you! November 2, 2015 at 10:00am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: I hope your nausea will pass soon. In the meantime, enjoy the Prada!
          It was a virus, wasn’t it? November 2, 2015 at 10:02am Reply

          • Hamamelis: Yes, Epstein Barr virus. And it is overstaying its welcome! How is your nose and head after your fall? November 2, 2015 at 10:46am Reply

            • Cornelia Blimber: Thank you, ameliorating! November 2, 2015 at 11:04am Reply

              • angeldiva: Cornelia and Hamamelis,
                So sorry to hear of the challenges to your health. I send you healing vibrations from California! You both enrich BDJ so much!

                AD November 2, 2015 at 12:21pm Reply

                • Cornelia Blimber: From California, that’s a long way! but healing vibrations travel faster than the light, so thank you, Angeldiva! also for your kind words. November 2, 2015 at 1:01pm Reply

                • Hamamelis: Thank you Angeldiva, Californian healing vibrations should help! November 2, 2015 at 1:08pm Reply

                  • angeldiva: You are welcome, I recovered from a similar ailment to EB during the early 1990’s- it can be done! Don’t either of you give up the ship! We use a simple capsule of oregano oil, here, as a systemic anti fungal. I don’t think it can harm you.
                    🙂 November 2, 2015 at 2:08pm Reply

    • limegreen: Hope you continue on your road to recovery! And thanks for letting us know where your Spain/France scent diary post is (must have missed it). November 2, 2015 at 9:32am Reply

      • Hamamelis: Thank you Limegreen, I posted it a bit too late I think so it sort of is hidden there. Hope you will enjoy it! November 2, 2015 at 10:00am Reply

        • limegreen: I found it! What a lovely post and I’m so envious that you were able to visit all those places, what an enormous treat.
          Do feel better soon, Hamamelis, you’ve been ill a long time. 🙁 November 2, 2015 at 9:01pm Reply

    • Patricia: Feel better, Hamamelis! I’m glad that Infusion D’Iris is helping. November 2, 2015 at 10:43am Reply

      • Hamamelis: Thank you Patricia! I am also careful not to create a link between a much loved scent and this nausea so it is a bit of finding out. Sometimes just going commando, and then it becomes clear how much i enjoy the companionship of perfume. November 2, 2015 at 10:47am Reply

        • Patricia: I had a hairspray that I had to throw away after being ill. It was heavily scented and the smell brought back bad memories! November 2, 2015 at 10:56am Reply

    • Aurora: So sorry you’re unwell. Nausea is so exhausting, take good care of yourself. November 2, 2015 at 12:35pm Reply

      • Hamamelis: It really is exhausting….thank you Aurora for your well wishes! November 2, 2015 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Ariadne: Dear Hamamelis, do tell more of Infusion D’Iris, who makes it? I am hunting for the “right” iris perfume. Get well soon! November 2, 2015 at 6:34pm Reply

      • Hamamelis: Ariadne, it is Prada’s Infusion d’Iris, by Daniela Andrier. Victoria wrote a lovely review on this site. Iris is combined with orange blossom, it is very transparent and uplifting. Definitely worthwhile a sniff if you are looking for the ‘right’ iris. I assume you have tried Hiris and La Pausa? To me they are very wearable irises. Ofcourse Iris Silver Mist is very beautiful, but not everyone can ‘rock’ it (expression just learned from my 15 year old niece 😉 )!
        Please let us know if you find the right iris, it is one of my favourite notes. November 3, 2015 at 4:31am Reply

    • angeldiva: Hamamelis,
      I read it and I really loved it! November 2, 2015 at 7:16pm Reply

    • Karen (A): Echoing all the healing energy and getting well sentiments! And also thank you for letting us know about your trip diary – I, too, had missed it. November 3, 2015 at 6:49am Reply

      • Hamamelis: Thank you Karen! November 3, 2015 at 7:40am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you for sharing your travel diary! I experienced it all vicariously through your stories.

      I’m sorry to hear that you’re still feeling unwell. Please take care of yourself! I’m sending you many healing vibes and hope that you will soon be back to your usual self. xoxo November 3, 2015 at 7:25am Reply

      • Hamamelis: Thank you very much V., I am looking very much forward to read something about your travels, in Iran if I am correct? That is a country that I (think I) would love to visit, hope you will write about it.
        Mononucleosis is not dangerous fortunately, but it sure takes a long time! Healing vibes help, thank you. November 3, 2015 at 7:39am Reply

        • Victoria: Iran is a fascinating place, and there are many reasons to visit it, most important of all is to meet ordinary Iranians, who are, on the whole, some of the warmest, more generous people I’ve encountered. The architecture and the historical sites are splendid too. November 3, 2015 at 7:59am Reply

          • Karen (A): I would love to travel there. A while ago I read a book, Mirrors of the Unseen by Jason Elliot which really sparked my interest, so combined with the incredible textiles and food, the chance to see the archeological sites – wow! Looking forward to your writings on your journey. November 3, 2015 at 8:55am Reply

            • Victoria: Some people I traveled with complained about food a lot, but since at home our meals are either rice or flatbread based, I was happy enough. One thing is true, the restaurants offer a very limited selection, nothing like the amazing array you get from homecooks, so if you eat out, it can get a bit repetitive. On the other hand, I’ve tasted some of the best bread, fruit and various pastries, not to mention kebabs. Chicken kebab with saffron is the food I can eat every day. November 3, 2015 at 11:40am Reply

              • Karen (A): Sometimes I think people just like to complain about something! Even if the food was a bit repetitive, what an opportunity – and now you’ve inspired me to bring out some saffron and look for recipes. November 3, 2015 at 1:25pm Reply

              • Miss Vicki: I would love to visit Iran. I’m enjoying your photos and journey, Victoria. I would be very happy with the food you described. November 7, 2015 at 11:25pm Reply

                • Victoria: The bread, cheese, yogurt, fruits and vegetables are so delicious there that I really could care less about anything else. If you actually get to try a homecooked meal–stews, layered pilafs, grilled fish, etc., it’s beyond all expectations. November 8, 2015 at 12:09pm Reply

  • spe: I’d split the week between visiting a sick uncle I haven’t seen in many years (wearing 19 poudre) for two days. Then I’d fly to a remote castle somewhere in England for the remainder of the week and wear Amouage Gold and read and walk. November 2, 2015 at 9:18am Reply

    • Victoria: It sounds like an ideal vacation–seeing dear ones and exploring. November 3, 2015 at 7:25am Reply

  • Alicia: I live in Upstate NY for most of the fall, and my house is in an oak and pine forest. THE fallen leaves, the wet earth, autumn itself have an indescribable smell which I love. I wear many different perfumes during this season, Orientals mostly, Ysatis, Opium, Shalimar, and when I go to NY City, as I did last week, I wear several Chanels, Sycamore, Bois des Isles, and a lot of Cuir de Russie, Frequently Bulgari Black, which I also wear in winter. It is the time when I bring out Vetivers (Guerlain, Annick Goutal). Lately, for casual day wear have been usuig Bottega Veneta, and SL Daim Blonde. During some `evenings I seem to crave violets, from the charming Penhaligon Violetta, to Guerlain Insolence, and SL lovely Bois de Violettes. The nights are now growing cold, and I find comfort in L’Heure Bleue, which has change indeed, but even the new one brings cherisehed memories. Otherwise, when in doubt, there is always Mitsouko, for me the quintaessential Autumn fragrance. November 2, 2015 at 9:27am Reply

    • Karen (A): You have evoked beautiful imagery, Alicia! And your perfume choices sound perfect. Mitsouko is wonderful for the fall. November 3, 2015 at 6:52am Reply

    • Victoria: Your autumnal list is so diverse and rich! November 3, 2015 at 7:27am Reply

    • Miss Vicki: I adore the powdery Oriental fragrances. I’ve worn Ysatis for decades. November 7, 2015 at 11:27pm Reply

    • Miss Vicki: Alicia. Are you familiar with Or des Indes by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier. For many years the only place I could find Maitre Parfumes was a little shop in North Beach, San Francisco. Now, it is more common in the USA. November 7, 2015 at 11:31pm Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: My SOTD is MFK Amyris…not exactly autumnal, but that is what I reached for today before dashing out the door to go to work. November 2, 2015 at 9:34am Reply

  • limegreen: Victoria — I love the photo, are they flower leis? One of them looks like a pikake jasmine lei, which is one of the most intoxicating scents to wear around one’s neck! November 2, 2015 at 9:35am Reply

    • Victoria: Yes, they are the garlands to be worn in the hair. One of them was jasmine for sure, and they smelled heavenly. November 3, 2015 at 7:29am Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: I haven’t been on many vacations in recent years, but this summer I went to the beach for four days. All I brought with me was Imaginary Authors Yesterday Haze. November 2, 2015 at 9:35am Reply

    • Victoria: I’m not familiar with that one. What is it like? November 3, 2015 at 7:30am Reply

  • Celeste Church: Since I live in Los Angeles without much seasonal change if I could go anywhere for a week I’d go to upstate New York where I used to live and just enjoy the autumn leaves and cooler air. (I was very envious, Alicia, reading your post!) I would take Samsara and Cuir de Russie, as well as Must de Cartier. Today I’m wearing Apres L’ondee, layered with a little Hiver Heliotrope Blanc….smells lovely, but not too autumnal. Well, it’s L.A…..Autumn. What’s that? 🙂 November 2, 2015 at 9:54am Reply

    • Alicia: This is my favorite time of the year in NY. But it will not take long for the snows to come, and you will not envy us here, my friend. I will be going to CA myself, to my Berkeley house. November 2, 2015 at 10:11am Reply

      • Celeste Church: I miss the snow most of all!!!! I’m the only person I know who is jealous of people in blizzards! I lived in Chicago a while and never got tired of all the snow. November 2, 2015 at 2:17pm Reply

        • Alicia: Snow may be beautiful, Celeste Church, but leaving and driving in the hills it is also very dangerous, particularly when one cannot drive with chains. November 2, 2015 at 9:28pm Reply

    • Victoria: I was also envious reading Alicia’s post. 🙂 Brussels does get a lovely fall, but I miss the autumnal days in upstate NY.

      Love your perfume choices too. November 3, 2015 at 7:31am Reply

  • Kayti: If money was plentiful we’d fly to Vancouver. I would pack my still beloved Gucci Accenti which I bought there initially maybe 17 years ago. One sniff and I’m right back there…
    Alas Canada will have to wait for now but we are soon holidaying in the leafy Cotswolds, which is on our doorstep. So far it’s been a beautiful mild & sunny Autumn here in SE England. I plan to take Guerlain’s Encens Mythique D’Orient, LL’s Si Lolita edp, & maybe Trussardi Inside. November 2, 2015 at 9:56am Reply

    • Victoria: Mmmmm…. Encens Mythique D’Orient is so wonderful. November 3, 2015 at 7:32am Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: If I could go anywhere for a week it would be to Italy once again. I would only bring Tom Ford samples (Fleur di Portofino) and buy some wonderful Italian perfumes while there. November 2, 2015 at 10:03am Reply

    • Victoria: Please take me with you. 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:32am Reply

  • Jovan: I’m wearing Diorissimo as it takes me back to August and my trip to The Osmotheque in Versailles, France.

    I was able to smell THE ORIGINAL Diorissimo at the perfume museum and am very happy to report its almost identical to the current perfume sold at Saks 5th Avneue. November 2, 2015 at 10:27am Reply

    • Andrea: Oh dear this is probably off topic but I am so excited to hear this. I don’t think I will make it to the Osmotheque in the near future. Can you tell me which version of the current Diorissimos available is closest to the original please? Thanks so much! November 2, 2015 at 2:23pm Reply

    • Victoria: Another fabulous itinerary. 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:32am Reply

  • Julie: Just before going back to school our family would drive up to a lake house usually it would take 3 1/2 hours. No cell phones or electronic devices needed! I spent many summers on Squam Lake in NH. It was always a great time as we rented the entire month of August. The calm ripple of the water in the morning & sunset, the sound of the loons at night is beautiful. Peaceful… Relaxing on the porch in a hammock reading a book or hiking up a mountain for a tranquil view, a little swimming, fishing, and boating would be my dream. So, if I could escape to a perfect week in the summer I would bring Kai perfume oil. 🙂 A bathing suit, tee-shirts, comfortable clothes and shoes. I wouldn’t need a heavy jacket.
    As I ease into fall I’ve been wearing, YSL Cinema, Bottega Veneta & 10 Corso Como . November 2, 2015 at 10:27am Reply

    • angeldiva: Hi Julie,
      Wasn’t the wonderful Henry Fonda film ,”On Golden Pond,” filmed at Squam Lake? Respite for Babe Paley, and President Kennedy, too?
      Looks like a really beautiful place! November 2, 2015 at 1:33pm Reply

      • Julie: Hi Angeldiva,
        Yes, Golden Pond was filmed there…
        We vacationed a stone throw away in another great home. Our friends actually rented that camp/home it was filmed in before the movie was ever made. I have been back there just not often enough.
        It was a fantastic summer getaway even if it was raining. The movie is very familiar to me. I have always enjoyed it.
        I know that Mitt Romney has a home on Lake Winnipesaukee.
        The nice thing about Squam is that it wasn’t as busy as Lake Winnipesaukee was back then. 🙂 November 2, 2015 at 3:22pm Reply

        • angeldiva: A-MA-ZING!!! I’m just an LA kid. Wow! Spending time at that breathtaking future film location!
          Too wonderful! November 2, 2015 at 7:19pm Reply

    • Victoria: Such relaxing, internet-free vacations are the best! It sounds idyllic, Julie. November 3, 2015 at 7:33am Reply

  • Patricia: This is a topical post for me, as I’m going to have some time off in January and am wondering where to go. Any suggestions of someplace warm to enjoy for a week?

    I’d bring Terracotta le Parfum, Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte, and VC&A Gardenia Petale. November 2, 2015 at 10:51am Reply

    • Patricia: Oh, and TF Fleur de Chine! November 2, 2015 at 10:53am Reply

      • Jehanne Dubrow: Yes! I’m wearing Fleur de Chine, and it is so lovely. I can’t believe how quickly I’ve been going through my bottle. November 3, 2015 at 3:39pm Reply

    • Hamamelis: What is your travel radius? November 2, 2015 at 11:09am Reply

      • Patricia: No more than two plane trips from Boston. Ha! November 2, 2015 at 12:30pm Reply

        • Sandra: Bermuda?
          Or how about the Carribean? November 2, 2015 at 1:22pm Reply

        • Hamamelis: Dominican Republic? November 2, 2015 at 2:09pm Reply

        • Patricia: Great suggestions! I thought maybe also Costa Rica or Puerto Rico. I’ll look into them all. November 2, 2015 at 4:37pm Reply

          • Hamamelis: Costa Rica is stunning. I travelled there with my husband 15 years ago or so. There is much to see, turtle backs, giant butterflies, leafcutting ants, parrots…We sat in a river warmed by the vulcano, and had a mud bath! It is relatively safe and peaceful. November 3, 2015 at 4:34am Reply

            • Patricia: Sounds like heaven. I thought about Hawaii, but it would be quite a project getting there. It would be three flights to get to Maui I think. 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:47am Reply

    • angeldiva: Korakia Penzione – Palm Springs, California November 2, 2015 at 1:34pm Reply

      • Patricia: Is Palm Springs warm in January? November 3, 2015 at 7:48am Reply

        • angeldiva: Yes, peak season. November 3, 2015 at 12:34pm Reply

    • Victoria: In the US or further afield? November 3, 2015 at 7:34am Reply

      • Patricia: Further afield is fine, but we will need to get our passports renewed! A project for the next day off from work. November 3, 2015 at 7:49am Reply

        • Victoria: Good luck with that! I don’t like such admin work either, but being an expat, I always seem to be going in and out various consulates. November 3, 2015 at 8:02am Reply

          • Patricia: I shouldn’t admit this publicly, but some time ago I discovered expired passports the night before our flight to London. It took some doing and extra expense, but we boarded our flight the next day, new passports in hand. Whew! November 3, 2015 at 11:07am Reply

            • Victoria: Yikes! This sounds like one of my anxiety dreams (I have those, along with “I have a plane to catch and my suitcase isn’t packed”). I’m glad that you could sort it out in time, though. November 3, 2015 at 11:33am Reply

              • Mariann: Whenever I’m stressed without fail I dream I need to catch a plane, everything I need is scattered in my flat and the clock’s ticking 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 12:32pm Reply

                • Victoria: Sounds familiar. 🙂 November 4, 2015 at 3:12am Reply

    • Julie L: Hi Patricia….I liked St. Pete Beach, FL and St. Augustine was nice too although you can’t beat the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico….beautiful. While on vacation I tried Curve by Liz Claiborne and it was good for warm weather and inexpensive…so when I got home to chilly New England I didn’t feel bad about putting it on the shelf. November 3, 2015 at 4:41pm Reply

      • Patricia: Thanks for your suggestions, Julie. I think that I might have a mini of Curve somewhere. What is it like? November 5, 2015 at 10:18am Reply

        • Julie L: Curve is kind of light and fruity and makes me think of being on a Florida beach….which being in Maine in November is a nice thought. November 7, 2015 at 9:03am Reply

  • Judy: Just a little note about the POTD. It’s Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au The Bleu. Here in upper South Carolina it has been raining continually for a few days, and this perfume raises my spirits. That’s all! November 2, 2015 at 11:50am Reply

  • AndreaR: The best vacation of all: visiting our little grandson in the Bay Area. Watching him Trick or Treat was our “treat”. I bought Jour d’Hermes for the temperate weather, but it’s raining today and I wish I had some Dzing to spritz. November 2, 2015 at 12:06pm Reply

    • Victoria: Adorable! Was he dressed up? November 3, 2015 at 7:36am Reply

  • noele: London, without a moment’s hesitation, where it’s likely to be raining. Northern California has been in drought for years and I’m tiring of it. The perfumes I’d bring: Comme des Garçons Luxe Champaca. Maria Candida Gentile Sideris. The above poster mentioned Dzing! and that sounds like a lovely idea too. Frederic Malle Carnal Flower for when the days feel too grey. Andy Tauer Orange Star. November 2, 2015 at 12:27pm Reply

    • Victoria: The last time I went to London, I wore Carnal Flower, and yes, you’re right, it was perfect on grey, rainy days. November 3, 2015 at 7:37am Reply

      • Katherine: Ah Carnal Flower – it’s what drew me into this sordid and glorious mess… To me it’s perfect on sunny days, foggy days, rainy days, cold days, hot days, holidays, work days etc… And Orange Star is such an interesting scent Noele – I’m test driving it these days. November 5, 2015 at 1:32pm Reply

    • KimB: London, a city I love and can never feel like I have seen all of it. I discovered Liberty’s perfume section and the Prada exclusive series, the ones they keep waaaay in the back of the Prada st(Weird since they are on the Prada website.) I went back 3 times to get Iris No.1, Cuir Ambre No 3, and Benjoin No 9. I would love to try Narcisso No 12 & Rosetto No 14. Also London is where I fell in serious love with Guerlain L’Heure Bleue. So for me, London is always a great city of perfume discoveries. Would take nothing but a travel spray of L’Heure Bleue or Chanel No 5 since there WILL be serious perfume purchasing when I am in London :)) November 4, 2015 at 8:03pm Reply

  • rainboweyes: I just came back from a holiday but if I could, I’d pack my suitcase and go back straight away, if only to escape the dreadful weather here. We’ve hardly got any daylight since our return, there’s a dense milky fog all over the place every day 🙁
    We spent a week on Canary Islands which are a perfect getaway for weather-challanged Europeans – moderate temperatures, a mild breeze and the Atlantic still warm enough to have a swim. And there’s a lot of endless beaches inviting you for long walks.
    If I could really go tomorrow, I even wouldn’t care much about perfume, I’d be fine with any scent… November 2, 2015 at 12:33pm Reply

    • Victoria: I know what you mean! We usually try to get away someplace warm in the middle of the long stretch of murky, rainy days here. And yes, just the scent of sunwarmed skin (or stones or sand) is enough. November 3, 2015 at 7:39am Reply

  • Aurora: I would take off for Florence and Venice.
    In Florence which I already know quite well I would wear K de Krizia for long walks along its tranquil and austere streets contrasting with its sometimes extravagant churches, I would spend a long while in Michelangelo library.
    In Venice – I’ve never been – I would use AdP Iris Nobile EDP during the day, at the Opera Shalimar P.I. L’Eau in order not to offend anyone at close quarters, and to go out in both cities something festive and over the top like Rumba. And I would pack a velvet cape to wear in Venice. November 2, 2015 at 12:47pm Reply

    • Victoria: I can just imagine you trailing a velvet cape around Piazza San Marco! Sounds like a dream. 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:40am Reply

  • Solanace: I would go to a resort near Tunis, visit Cartage ruins and eat like there is not tomorrow. I would take Fleurs de Citronnier to wear by day and L’Heure Bleue and Chergui to wear by night. And since it’s a fantasy, I’d want my hotel to have Hermès soap and great cocktails. November 2, 2015 at 12:48pm Reply

    • Sandra: I like the part about eating like there is no tomorrow November 2, 2015 at 1:24pm Reply

    • angeldiva: Aurora- rock on. November 2, 2015 at 1:37pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hello Angeldiva!
        Do you know Rumba if I were in the US I would send you some. I have the original one by Balenciaga, it is now under the name Ted Lapidus (a French designer). I don’t know if it has changed, the original is a BIG perfume (I never wear it at the office, it’s strictly after hours). November 2, 2015 at 2:33pm Reply

        • angeldiva: Hi,
          OMG – I’m going to have to sniff this now! LOL Yes, both perfumes are available here!
          Thanks, loved your post! November 2, 2015 at 6:13pm Reply

    • Tati: And I like the part about great cocktails. Funny enough, I was just about to order a bottle of Chergui. It’s perfect for this time in California. November 3, 2015 at 3:05am Reply

    • Victoria: A friend showed me pictures of her recent trip to Tunisia, and they were amazing. I really would like to visit. November 3, 2015 at 7:41am Reply

  • Nancy A.: I wouldn’t pack any fragrance — I’d probably purchase a fragrance as a keepsake and more than likely it would be in France. November 2, 2015 at 1:38pm Reply

    • Victoria: I agree, perfume would be a perfect souvenir to bring back. November 3, 2015 at 7:35am Reply

  • angeldiva: Hi V!
    Welcome back! If I only had a week, I would take my dream vacation to the coast of Maine. I would fly to Salem, Mass. where I was enchanted during a visit as a child. Then rent a car, and drive to the coast. I would participate in every Lobster Festival I could, and eat lobster until my skin turned red!
    The travalos:
    1. New: Estee Lauder – Amber Mystique
    * Again a HUGE thanks to BDJ sister Kathy for pointing me to ebay where I bought 50ml of this NIB for 23.69 US, tax and shipping included!
    It’s a beauty! I now know what oud smells like. I did a side by side with this and my sample of Amouge- Epic. This sample was sent to me by another BDJ sister, boy how lucky am I?
    Epic is an exotic symphonic blast, and I love it. The Amber Mystique did hold it’s own because it unfolds like the four most beautiful seasons you can ever remember. Five Stars***** & a huge recommend from me.
    2. Eau Premiere- because you never know when an invitation to a formal event may occur.
    3. L’Occitaine- Verbena & Estee Lauder – Aromatics Elixir because they are my layering staples
    4. Estee Lauder- Modern Muse. My beloved underdog.
    5. Bronze Goddess- can’t be without it’s seductive charms!

    Today I’m wearing Cacharel- AmorAmor. I read that Chrisstopher Sheldrake would wear this because when he smelled it on a lady,” He wanted to take a bite out of someone!”

    Also, I’m having a swell time layering Youth Dew (who knew) with Serge Lutens- Ambre Sultan. November 2, 2015 at 1:58pm Reply

    • Victoria: Your perfume notes are a delight to read. Thank you so much. November 3, 2015 at 7:41am Reply

    • Katherine: You’re adventurous with your layering. Who knew to layer using Aromatics Elixir? I’d never have thought of it. Now I’ll have to try. November 4, 2015 at 12:00am Reply

      • angeldiva: Hi Katherine,
        Yes, I start with the Aromatics Elixir or (Giorgio) and liberally spray the Verbena over it. I really love how floral, citrus, and femme this smells on me.
        Great in summer. Also, if you are at at an Estee Lauder counter try a free spray of Private Collection with Modern Muse over that!
        Smells niche with a clean silage. November 4, 2015 at 1:15pm Reply

      • Victoria: She really is! Very inspiring. 🙂 November 5, 2015 at 8:54am Reply

        • angeldiva: Thank-you Victoria & Katherine!
          The reason I am able to perform these Madame Curie perfume experiments:

          > I have no husband to kick me out of the marital bed
          > I have no corporate boss to kick me out of the boardroom!

          So, as long as I’m still in this house I can layer to my hearts content, and out- gas my stank over the entire homestead! LOL

          Today I am wearing a mini of Fracas – perfume.
          After two disappointing perfume shipments this week, I am so happy to share that there is a flood of 1/8 oz. bottles of Fracas {smells good & vintage- the bottle looks classic, and has a small smooth glass opening to dab} on ebay and amazon.
          I paid $16. us, and I believe this is pre-reformulation? The bottle actually looks like 1/4 oz! I have wanted this for the LONGEST time! November 6, 2015 at 5:27pm Reply

          • Victoria: And you have creativity and curiosity. Those two are even more important. November 8, 2015 at 12:04pm Reply

            • angeldiva: 🙂 November 8, 2015 at 9:04pm Reply

          • Katherine x: Too funny – sounds like perfume nirvana at Angeldiva’s! Hope you’re enjoying your Fracas a lot – I just love that scent. I purchased my bottle new around 20 yrs ago and it smells fresh as ever. I wonder if the opacity of the bottle keeps it so fresh? February 9, 2016 at 10:56pm Reply

  • Andrea: Having just returned to London from the Caribbean, I have to say I am already very blessed. For me, paradise is the Maldives and I would like to bring my young son as he wasn’t born when we first visited. He would love to snorkel with the bright and colorful fish there and the overwater villas would be a great playground for him. My perfumes would be simple, Jardin de Monsieur Li in the day as I somehow feels it works for me as a counterpoint to the heat and for the sultry nights and barbecues dinners, you need a spray or 2 of Fracas! November 2, 2015 at 2:28pm Reply

    • Victoria: Reading about all of these vacations makes me want to experience them all. 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:42am Reply

  • Neva: Easter Island or Rapa Nui sounds intriguing and mystical to me. That would be the destination of my choice. I’d spend time meditating, walking, reading, climbing, riding a motorbike around the island. The perfume to take with me would be Cuir Cuba by Patricia de Nicolai. November 2, 2015 at 3:20pm Reply

  • Dominique: I have 15ml vials of NR for her edt and Angel innocent and so usually I take those on holiday. So, every time I smell them when at home (Cyprus ) I get to feel nostalgic of my holidays… November 2, 2015 at 4:34pm Reply

    • Victoria: I also like to mark holidays with a special scent. It makes it easier to relive the memories when you return.

      Cyprus is another place I really would like to visit. November 3, 2015 at 7:44am Reply

    • Katherine: I like the idea of taking the same scents on every vacation. Brilliant idea! I had never thought of that. CC below mentioned the same. November 3, 2015 at 11:55pm Reply

  • Joy: Because I always travel very light and carry on at the airport, I take only a bottle of Aveda’s Love oil and my tiny container of Diptique Volute solid. Volute makes me think of San Francisco and the Love oil makes me think of travel. Love oil has changed and does not have much longevity, but I still like it.
    I also most often travel with a fresh bar of Mango soap. It is so much better than most hotel soaps. I find the fragrance bracing in the AM. November 2, 2015 at 10:16pm Reply

    • Victoria: My mom always travels with her own soap, and yes, even the ordinary rose soap beats the hotel variety. I like this idea. November 3, 2015 at 7:47am Reply

  • Roselie: Where would I love to be right now? Hmm I ‘d choose Brighton, England. And I ‘d bring a Lolita Lempica perfume, my favorite! November 3, 2015 at 12:14am Reply

    • Victoria: One of my favorites! November 3, 2015 at 7:47am Reply

  • Therése: I would go back to Berlin, pack L’Heure Bleue and Portrait of a Lady and spend my days in museums. November 3, 2015 at 2:58am Reply

    • Victoria: Another great vacation and great scents. November 3, 2015 at 7:48am Reply

  • Tati: My dream is to go to Southern Spain. I want to stay up all night at small flamenco venues. I would take Malle’s Une Rose and Tango Masque Milano, a beautiful, sultry amber. November 3, 2015 at 3:12am Reply

    • Victoria: Mine too, Tati. 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:48am Reply

    • rickyrebarco: Southern Spain is gorgeous. I love Malaga. The food is divine!! November 3, 2015 at 1:09pm Reply

  • Mara: If I were to visit Paris, then the perfume would be “ARCHIVES 69” of État Libre D’Orange.
    “Seville A L’Aube” of L’Artisan Perfumeur, for southern Spain and “DIVIN’ENFANT”, again by État Libre D’Orange, if I travelled to Lisboa, Portugal!
    (and for… Christmas anywhere, I would choose
    “CHOCOLAT” by I Profumi.

    Many thanks to you all for the interesting, delicious previous posts! November 3, 2015 at 5:25am Reply

    • Victoria: I like Etat Libre d’Orange store in Paris on Avenue des Archives. Such a great place to explore perfume and I’m always tempted by something. Plus, the whole neighborhood is full of shops, galleries and cafes. November 3, 2015 at 7:49am Reply

  • Mara: A correction: the perfume is “CHOCOLAT” and the house is “I l P r o f v m o”.
    (Apologies for the wrong reference, and)
    all the best* November 3, 2015 at 5:32am Reply

    • Victoria: No worries, Mara! 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 7:50am Reply

  • Karen (A): Since we are having a beautiful autumn here in the DC metro area, I just want to go hiking in the woods (maybe southward along the Appalachian Trail?) for a week, so I can keep smelling the leaves, damp earth, and crisp air. No perfumes, smelling the earth, the burnt sugar of roasting marshmallows and tasting the smoky tea from it brewing on a fire (did this this weekend, and realized Noir Exquis captures that roasted marshmallow smell) is perfume enough for me right now. November 3, 2015 at 7:05am Reply

    • Victoria: This would make a delicious perfume–smoky marshmallow, damp earth, nutty leaves. November 3, 2015 at 7:50am Reply

    • Katherine: Hi Karen, Let’s try contacting Victoria again – what do you think?

      No tea but about two weeks ago – on a cool and gorgeous starry night we spent the evening roasting marshmallows by an outdoor fire at a corn maze in Middleburg. As you might expect – our clothes, backpacks smelled smoky for awhile thereafter. The only time I didn’t like that scent was when I had morning sickness a long time ago (Morning sickness my foot – I would call it all night and all day sickness.) November 3, 2015 at 11:50pm Reply

      • Karen (A): Sounds good! Smoky campfire smell really is a bit magical – except when it makes you nauseous! – perhaps it is the association with autumn and its transitions. I was surprised at how tasty and fragrant the marshmallows (and s’mores) were, I anticipated that the memory was good but the reality would not be.

        I also cooked a chicken and veggie tagine with lots of herbs from the garden in the fire, and the smell of it cooking was scrumptious (as was the taste!) Next experiment baking bread in the coals – November 4, 2015 at 5:11am Reply

        • Victoria: In Iran I tried bread baked directly on stones, and I can easily say that it was one of the best things I’ve tasted. The bread dough was like naan, a soft flatbread, and it had nigella, cumin and sesame seeds on top. November 5, 2015 at 8:55am Reply

          • Katherine: Sounds delicious. We frequent an Afghani restaurant where they bake flat naan-like bread on what appears to be a sandbag? It is delicious. Adding cumin sounds super interesting. I don’t know nigella – will look it up. J’adore middle eastern foods and spices. November 5, 2015 at 1:38pm Reply

            • Victoria: Nigella is sometimes called the onion seed, and it has a bright, sharp flavor. Not onion like, but with a hint of piquancy. November 8, 2015 at 11:59am Reply

            • Karen (A): Katherine – hoping this shows up in your email, will also post in Recommend Me a Perfume – Arielle misplaced your phone number. I called to leave mine and get yours, but she could not find yours – can you call her again and get mine? I know we can get something set up to meet! November 16, 2015 at 5:42am Reply

  • Figuier: We’re having a beautiful autumn here – the leaves have been particularly colourful, and there’s been enough sunny serene days to get out and enjoy them. And the smells that go with them – that rotting leaf scent and the smoke of garden bonfires, and over-ripe fruit – are glorious.

    Autumn foods favourites are scenting our house – turmeric and cumin flavoured vegetable soups with golden beetroots, carrots, peppers; roast chicken and potatoes; apple crumble with tangy bramleys. Also Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir candle, which is perfect in autumn.

    All that said, I’d love to be able to travel right now – I’m in the late stages of pregnancy when you’re not allowed to fly, and just knowing it’s not a possibility makes me want to take off for a weekend somewhere. Not anywhere exotic, but somewhere different, ideally by the sea – say the north coast of France, or Denmark. Those cold briny, seaweedy scents would be a real tonic 🙂 November 3, 2015 at 8:34am Reply

    • Victoria: Congratulations! 🙂 What wonderful news! I wish you and your family lots of happiness. Big hugs to you.

      I love autumnal foods too. It’s that time of the year when I begin to crave stews and roasts. November 3, 2015 at 11:55am Reply

      • Katherine: Love fall foods as well. We made a nice beef and carrot (+ red wine) stew last night and had friends over. One was visiting from San Francisco and said he could no longer find this type of food there anymore – through friends or restaurants. And I finally did a butternut squash soup for my son – he’d been asking for the last week. It tastes and looks so autumnal – yet it’s doppelganger for the tropical pumpkin soup I grew up on in Jamaica. Go figure. November 3, 2015 at 11:35pm Reply

        • Victoria: Sounds perfect for the season! What herbs or spices do you use to season it? November 5, 2015 at 8:53am Reply

          • Katherine: Hi Victoria, It’s white pepper and a smidge of nutmeg for the squash soup. Its easier to imagine the full flavor picture knowing the backdrop which is chicken stock/broth and sauteed onions in oil/butter (not very dietetic and processed with squash in the food processer). Swirl in a little cream at the end. Pretty too. The pumpkin soup is made similarly except with black pepper, thyme, a little scotch bonnet pepper if you like it spicy hot, and some coconut milk at the end. November 5, 2015 at 1:19pm Reply

            • Victoria: Thank you! That sounds absolutely delicious. November 5, 2015 at 1:31pm Reply

    • Karen (A): Many congratulations Figuier! Autumn scents and food are wonderful, aren’t they! November 4, 2015 at 5:14am Reply

  • CC: Today I’m wearing an Aesop balm that smells of a bite of orange peel (fresh, not candied) with such effervescence that I could only follow up with Eau d’Orange Verte. And that always reminds me of a holiday in Morocco where the hotel toiletries were all Eau d’Orange Verte: soaps, shampoos, bath gel… It was a blissful, sharp waft across the desert air.
    Now I am longing for an upcoming break in a remote-ish and barren countryside, with a view to a medieval castle in a nearing hill. I long for two scents to take with me: Heeley’s Sel Marin so I can feel the reach of the ocean, and Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Marocain (because I keeo this kind of red thread connecting the places I love).
    Thank you for the daydreaming that your question has triggered. I think of nothing but my upcoming near-desert. November 3, 2015 at 8:57am Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you for taking me on a trip along with you. I could even smell the bitter oranges… November 3, 2015 at 12:04pm Reply

  • rickyrebarco: Form me it would be Carner Barcelona’s Tardes, a beautiful heliotrope almond concoction with greens and even a celery note. It’s gorgeous, evoking a warm and lovely breezy afternoon in Barcelona. Got it on my last trip to Barcelona and it brings back lovely memories ! November 3, 2015 at 1:07pm Reply

  • angeldiva: ” Men are like diamonds, darling! You win some and you lose some, but there’s always more to choose from!”

    quote by Zsa Zsa Gabor

    Well… I received my bottle of discontinued 1985 original Fendi, and , unfortunately , it smells like hairspray.
    Leather hairspray, but, a bottle that must have turned.
    I purchase so much from O.co that they credited me my purchase amount , but , it is disappointing.
    I would say 95% of my perfume purchases from them are good.

    So! If someone would like the bottle, and box
    for the sake of nostalgic collecting- I would be happy to send this to a US address! It looks like the original.
    .85 OZ EDT Vapo Naturel
    REF 4100211
    # on bottom of bottle: 127114
    There was no cellophane wrapper.

    Let me know! November 4, 2015 at 2:53pm Reply

    • Raquel: Oh this is sad. I’d love to smell this perfume again. I used to wear it back in the 80’s November 6, 2015 at 11:57am Reply

      • angeldiva: THANK YOU! The juice is not good. I’m offering to give it away because I was thinking of my mother, and how she wore Schiappareli- Shocking.
        I would love to have an empty bottle of Schocking, as a nostalgic reminder of her. But, I understand that the bottle of Fendi will perhaps be thrown out.
        🙂 November 6, 2015 at 2:01pm Reply

  • Rose: What an enjoyable post and thread!
    I’m loving Myrrh Ardente at the moment, with the russett leaves all but blown from the trees, we have a week or so left of these incredible colours though.

    I’m waiting to hear about a trip to Japan next year. I applied for arts reserahc funding and hope to go there with a Japanese friend who’s a cellist.

    We hope to go to Yakushima which is a tropical isle in the south of Japan featuring semi live volcanoes and humid vivid green jungles with ancient trees covered in moss.

    What perfumes could I wear that would match such extremes?! I know Japanese people tend to be less into perfumes worn on the skin, but anyway, the whole scenario makes me think a beautiful vetiver would be suitably green, earthy and refreshing. I actually really like Creed’s Vetiver for men, it’s smoky too, for that volcanic touch 🙂 November 4, 2015 at 6:46pm Reply

    • Victoria: Congratulations! I’m so envious of your upcoming trip. During my time in Japan, I wore Iris Silver Mist in small doses, whenever I felt like wearing perfume (most of the time you notice such interesting scents around you that perfume seems superfluous–roasted rice cakes, tea, leaves, flowers, incense), and it went well. Vetiver also sounds good. November 5, 2015 at 9:23am Reply

  • Surbhi: On my last vacation I took Eau de magnolia. It was refreshing floral in HOT summer. I would have loved to take jasmine but its a non starter with my bestie. November 4, 2015 at 10:48pm Reply

  • Surbhi: Ohh and I can’t thank you enough for this blog. I spend lot of my “me time” reading your posts. November 4, 2015 at 10:51pm Reply

    • Victoria: Thank you very much. I’m very glad that you’re enjoying it. November 5, 2015 at 9:25am Reply

  • Julie L: I’d love some suggestions on a scent with grapefruit or lemon that has some staying power. It seems like some fruity scents don’t stay with me long enough. Although I love woody fragrance….the lack of sun and shorter days are making me think of bright and light….any ideas out there??? Thank you! November 7, 2015 at 9:06am Reply

  • Teresa: I’m in the early stages of pregnancy where I constantly feel nauseous and my sleuth-dog sense of smell isn’t helping!

    I would like to escape to somewhere with fresh air and NO smells, perhaps the Maldives, and lie down near the sea all day.

    No perfume for me, even my favourites make me sick now and I even struggle with fragranced skincare and toiletries. Sorry for the rant! November 11, 2015 at 12:46am Reply

    • Teresa: Still, the only place I can enjoy fragrances somewhat nowadays is on this blog! Thanks, Victoria and the others for your lovely posts! November 11, 2015 at 12:57am Reply

      • Victoria: Thank you very much! 🙂 A big hug to you and many warm wishes. November 11, 2015 at 11:09am Reply

    • Victoria: Congratulations, Teresa! I hope that this stage will pass soon, and you will just enjoy your newly sharpened sense of smell and the new life inside of you.

      Does it this experience make you realize how scented everything is around us? I love fragrance, but I also wish there were more unscented products. November 11, 2015 at 11:08am Reply

      • Teresa: Yes, I do! Scented products are all around us, and all sorts of other smells as well. December 1, 2015 at 9:41am Reply

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