Recommend me a Perfume : June 2016

We have our “Recommend Me a Perfume” thread today. You can use this space to ask any questions about perfume, including fragrance recommendations.

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How does it work: 1. Please post your requests or questions as comments here. You can also use this space to ask any fragrance related questions. To receive recommendations that are better tailored to your tastes, you can include details on what you like and don’t like, your signature perfumes, and your budget. And please let us know what you end up sampling. 2. Then please check the thread to see if there are other requests you can answer. Your responses are really valuable for navigating the big and sometimes confusing world of perfume, so let’s help each other!

To make this thread easier to read, when you reply to someone, please click on the blue “reply” link under their comment.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

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306 Comments

  • Old Herbaceous: What are some favorite rose perfumes for summer? June 13, 2016 at 7:18am Reply

    • Lifestyle Lodestar: Acqua di Parma Rosa Nobile is a lovely fresh and sophisticated rose perfume. Its not cloying or chemical-smelling like some other rose perfumes. June 13, 2016 at 10:13am Reply

    • Austenfan: Ecume de Rose, Un Zest de Rose,(both Rosines) Yuzu Fou, Rose Pivoine (Parfums de Nicolaï), Rose Splendide (Goutal), Cartier Baiser Volé Lys Rose and maybe Eau de Pamplemousse Rose by Hermès. June 13, 2016 at 10:17am Reply

      • Ida: I wouldn’t call Baiser Vole Lys Rose a rose perfume. To me it’s all about the lily (lys rose=pink lily) and raspberry. June 13, 2016 at 10:26am Reply

        • Austenfan: That’s interesting; I get plenty of rose, esp. compared to the other BV’s, apart from that it’s a great summer floral, which is why I recommended it. But you are right in that it’s not a rose dominant perfume.
          I’ve always interpreted the Rose after Lys as Rose and not as pink. I guess both interpretations may be applied. June 13, 2016 at 10:54am Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Thanks! I have one Rosine, Rose d’Amour, which I like very much. I haven’t tried any of your suggestions so will look for opportunities to do so. June 15, 2016 at 9:00pm Reply

    • Gina Tabasso: Some of the roses that I own and love: Angel Schlesser Oriental II, Calligraphy Rose, Perfumer’s Workshop Tea Rose, Lush Imogen Rose, Tauer Rose Flash, Armaf Club de Nuit Intense, Armani Prive Rose d’ Arabie, Atelier Rose Anonyme, Black Baccara Leather Rose, Chopard Madness, Deep Midnight Sangreal or Dark Moon, Malle Une Rose, Monotheme Rose Oud, Poison Apple Apothecary Garden of the Graves, Serge Lutens La Fille de Berlin, Yves Rocher Rose Ispahan or Rose Oud or Rose Absolute June 13, 2016 at 10:39am Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Wow, that’s a lot of roses! I love Calligraphy Rose. I have Tea Rose and Rose Anonyme also but none of the others, so they will go on my “try when possible” list. Thanks! June 15, 2016 at 9:01pm Reply

        • Gina Tabasso: You are welcome. I love roses. June 16, 2016 at 7:40am Reply

    • AndreaR: Eau du Rose by Diptyque is a lovely casual rose for summer. June 13, 2016 at 10:43am Reply

    • Bastet: My favorite summer roses are Annick Goutal’s Rose Splendide, Quel Amour, and Ce Sour Au Jamais. I also wear SSS Rose Musk, and Atelier Rose Anonyme, in the summer. June 13, 2016 at 11:41am Reply

    • Nina Z: Eau d’Italie Paestum Rose is beautiful sheer incense rose (cologne). I think it would work very well in the summer, both because of the sheerness and because frankincense has a cooling quality. (I myself just wear vintage Nahema whenever I want roses and say the heck with it.) June 13, 2016 at 2:05pm Reply

      • Gina Tabasso: I am a Guerlain fanatic. I’ve tried Nahema twice and hated it. I don’t understand. I get not one whiff of rose from it. I first did the vintage and thought maybe my mini had gone off. I disliked it so much. I thought it was a little floral but mostly woody with a little plum and whisp of rose in the dry down. Then I tried the modern that was fresh and just got a really weird floral vibe that did not last at all. June 16, 2016 at 7:45am Reply

    • kpaint: I’ll add Hermes Rose Ikebana and Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, Rosine Une Folie de Rose and Glam Rose, Diptyque L’Ombre dans l’Eau, any of the Marnis, ELdO Rossy de Palma, and YSL Rive Gauche. June 13, 2016 at 3:24pm Reply

      • AndreaR: Glad you added Rossy de Palma. It’s a favorite of mine. June 14, 2016 at 12:09pm Reply

    • Lynley: Adding MFK La Rose, which is summery and ‘pink’ similar to the Acqua di Parma. Both are lovely summer roses IMO. June 14, 2016 at 8:14am Reply

    • epapsiou: Rose Flash by Tauer
      Portrait of a Lady by Malle June 14, 2016 at 8:59am Reply

    • maja: MFK A la Rose, Roger&Gallet Rose, Eau Rose (Diptyque) June 14, 2016 at 11:30am Reply

    • Surbhi: LA fille de berlin. sa majaste both are from serge lutens. I like them both. June 15, 2016 at 1:24pm Reply

      • Kari: Definitely La Fille de Berlin! June 19, 2016 at 3:15pm Reply

    • Jennifer: I love Marni – a spicy rose with lime. Sounds like a summer cocktail as I type this! June 19, 2016 at 11:34pm Reply

    • mendokuse: This one isn’t talked about much, but I really love Bvlgari’s Rose Essentielle EdP. I don’t wear rose perfumes regularly, but sometimes I need a hit of it, like I’m missing an important vitamin, and this is the one I go to. June 20, 2016 at 8:47pm Reply

  • Gabriela: Love Une Rose by Frederic Malle and Une Zest de Rose by Rosine. Any thoughts on Rose de Mai by Dame? June 13, 2016 at 7:43am Reply

    • Phyllis Iervello: I have a sample of Rose de Mai by Dame and I think it would be great for summer. June 13, 2016 at 10:33am Reply

    • Veritas: Dame Perfumery makes three lovely roses, Rose de Mai, Desert Rose and Cassis, Rose & Sandalwood…all would be lovely in the summer….

      Sonoma Scent Studio has several rose offerings which are also beautiful… June 13, 2016 at 12:00pm Reply

  • Amber: One of my favourite perfumes was Eau de Camille by Annick Goutal, which they have stopped making. Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement as close as possible? (or should I just bid it a fond farewell and find new signature scents) June 13, 2016 at 7:52am Reply

    • Veritas: I too loved eau de Camille and lament its demise….I have looked for other “ivy” scents but haven’t found a replacement as of yet…. a green scent I like which to my nose is a bit similar is Ineke’s Balmy Days and Sundays…..also Vintage Chanel Cristalle is similar to Camille…(perhaps more so than the Balmy Days….) not sure if the current Cristalle (which has been reformulated is)…sorry I couldn’t be of more help! June 13, 2016 at 1:09pm Reply

    • Sunsetsong: I love Eau de Camille which is a high quality patchouli bomb. A little goes a long way so you are not likely to run out soon. Got mine at TKMaxx June 13, 2016 at 3:13pm Reply

      • Amber: Ah I’m envious! I used the last of mine before I realised they no longer made it anymore. 🙁 June 14, 2016 at 8:12am Reply

      • kayliz: Patchouli bomb… would that be Mon Parfum Cheri par Camille? June 14, 2016 at 2:25pm Reply

        • Sunsetsong: That’s the one. Mon Parfum Cheri par Camille. Haven’t tried Eau de Camille. There are so many Goutals……. June 14, 2016 at 3:24pm Reply

  • Sandra: Looking for any recommendations for all natural perfumes? June 13, 2016 at 8:28am Reply

    • Austenfan: Have you tried Honoré des Prés? I love the 3 that came out a couple of years ago: Vamp à New York, Love les Carottes and Love Coco. Anyone who loves tuberose should at least try Vamp once. On the other hand, I do not know how easily available they are in the USA. June 13, 2016 at 10:15am Reply

      • Andy: I think Honoré de Prés is available in the U.S. through Spirit Beauty Lounge. June 13, 2016 at 10:34am Reply

    • Gina Tabasso: Rebel and Mercury is amazing. So is Frankincense & Rose as well as Olympic Orchids. June 13, 2016 at 10:40am Reply

    • Sandra: Thanks! I will give those a try June 13, 2016 at 11:07am Reply

    • Bastet: Sonoma Scent Studio in California has a beautiful line of natural perfumes. June 13, 2016 at 11:42am Reply

      • Gina Tabasso: I love Champagne du Bois and Cameo. June 16, 2016 at 7:49am Reply

    • Veritas: Recommending the naturals of Sonoma Scent Studio…they are lovely and have EXCELLENT longevity…also recommending Providence Perfume Company for the same reason…not recommending Aftelier..they are pricey and do not have longevity on my skin…. June 13, 2016 at 12:02pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Mandy Aftel’s natural perfumes (Aftelier) are gorgeous though pricey. Definitely check them out. She has many rare essences (I’ve been to her studio), so, for example, her Cuir Gardenia has real gardenia in it. The Turkish rose essence she uses in her perfumes is amaziing! But it seems like too much to spend (a two ml bottle goes far), you can try the body oils, which are amazing and scent you really well, and I personally think the jasmine facial oil makes an awesome oil-based perfume. I believe you can only buy these from her web site http://www.aftelier.com/Default.asp June 13, 2016 at 2:01pm Reply

      • Gina Tabasso: She is amazing but unaffordable for me. June 16, 2016 at 7:49am Reply

    • Mia: Hiram Greens are ab fab. Available on his website or e.g. First in Fragrance. Enjoy! June 13, 2016 at 2:35pm Reply

      • kayliz: Seconding Hiram Green! And Papillon is a must.

        Also recommend trying Vero Profumo. She doesn’t say anything about provenance in her marketing but they definitely have a natural vibe, imo. June 14, 2016 at 2:31pm Reply

        • Clarissa: +1 for Hiram Green June 14, 2016 at 11:15pm Reply

    • MrsDalloway: AbdesSalaam/ Via del Profumo are all-natural and I love Milano Caffe. It has coffee and cocoa and a bit of spice and wood. June 13, 2016 at 2:49pm Reply

    • Aurora: Do you know about l’Artisan Parfumeur Jatamansi? It is their one and only all natural. June 13, 2016 at 4:39pm Reply

      • Lynley: Apparently this isnt the same as it used to be and is now just an edt so I presume it has morphed into their regular line-up. June 14, 2016 at 8:16am Reply

        • Aurora: Thank you for this update Linley, it might mean it’s no longer an all natural and now just like the others. I’ll ask next time I am at the boutique. June 14, 2016 at 12:22pm Reply

    • Sandra: Lots of great lines to look into! Thank you June 13, 2016 at 8:13pm Reply

    • Lynley: Sandra, today the blog MindBodyGreen had an article on natural perfumes, mentioning 6 brands including Juniper Ridge. Ive not heard of some of them. The range by Sigil look interesting. June 14, 2016 at 11:51am Reply

      • sandra: Thank you! I will take a look at this blog June 14, 2016 at 12:23pm Reply

  • Jonathon: Anyone can compare between Chanel Eau de Cologne and Hermes Neroli Dore?

    Thanks! June 13, 2016 at 8:42am Reply

    • limegreen: I don’t own either but have tested both from decants, and my impression is that Neroli Dore is crisper and has more depth. June 13, 2016 at 10:32pm Reply

    • spe: The Chanel is brisk and light. The neroli is sweeter and more dense, although I don’t get much longevity from either. Bois d’ Orange (sp?) from Roger and Gallet is a nice, long-lasting orange cologne. June 14, 2016 at 9:45pm Reply

  • Katy McReynolds: Aftelier, La via del Profumo and Juniper Ridge are among my favorite all natural lines. Just a few caveats with almost all natural perfumes. Their staying power is limited, their nature is ephemeral. That being said, do not deprive yourself of the pleasure….. June 13, 2016 at 9:16am Reply

    • Gina Tabasso: I think the best is Ayala Moriel but her prices reflect it. Can’t afford her juice. June 13, 2016 at 10:40am Reply

    • Sandra: Thank you June 13, 2016 at 11:08am Reply

      • Lari: Take a look at Sonoma scent studio. She crafts all natural fragrances in addition to natural and non scents. They are beautifully crafted and you are unlikely to smell them “coming and going”. The descriptions and reviews are very clear so enjoy choosing. I’m currently wearing Champagne du Bois. In the winter cocoa sandalwood. Enjoy the vey moderate price June 13, 2016 at 11:41am Reply

        • Sandra: Thank you! June 13, 2016 at 8:12pm Reply

  • Ran: Hi, I’m looking for fragrances with subtle vanilla or musk notes that can be used in fall or not-so-hot summer days too. Burberry Classic for women, Flower by Kenzo and Narciso EDP are my favorites. Can you recommend some for me? I have a tight budget so under 100$ ones would be the best.
    Thank you so much in advance. June 13, 2016 at 9:31am Reply

    • Veritas: If you don’t mind oil format Kumba Made has some nice musk and vanilla oils…also Inland Fog makes an Egyptian Musk as well as a China Musk….all are incredibly affordable (under ten dollars)….. June 13, 2016 at 1:12pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Very inexpensive musk is Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. My favorite is Annick Goutal Misc Nomade. For vanilla I like Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée June 13, 2016 at 3:30pm Reply

      • Aurora: Seconding Tomate for Annick Goutal Musc Nomade, discontinued, I think, but still available on eBay, there are 15ml bottles quite inexpensive. Also, Cacharel Noa is a very nice light musk, with a coffee note, Victoria has a lovely review. An inexpensive vanilla might be Yves Rocher Vanille Noire Secret d’Essence June 13, 2016 at 4:59pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: also checkout Aroma M, their new one is called Geisha Vanilla Hinoki and sounds great. I prefer her oils. This is a great well priced line. Sage Machado perfume oils are nice. I love Onyx June 14, 2016 at 12:34am Reply

    • kpaint: It’s a bit outside of the dollar range, but Hermes Vanille Galante would be very wearable in warm weather. IIRC, it’s a light floral laced with vanilla and not at all heavy or sweet. June 18, 2016 at 4:48pm Reply

  • Mara: Hello everyone!
    Here are my perfume recommendations for June:

    Erik Kormann ‘Eau de Frohliche No.12’
    ‘Steampunk’

    Etat Libre d’Orange ‘Jasmin et Cigarette’

    L’Occitane en Province “Vervaine”

    Best wishes for a lovely summer!!! June 13, 2016 at 10:12am Reply

    • AndreaR: “Jasmin et Cigarette” is great fun in the summer. June 13, 2016 at 10:44am Reply

    • Aurora: Thank you for sharing. I love l’Occitane Verveine too. June 13, 2016 at 4:22pm Reply

  • Love & Friendship: My recommendations are :

    Serge Lutens Fleurs de Citronnier

    Narciso Poudree

    Jour d’Hermes Gardenia June 13, 2016 at 10:19am Reply

    • Aurora: Thank you Love & Friendship. You remind me I long to try Jour Gardenia. June 13, 2016 at 4:24pm Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: Mohur and Rose Cut are among my favorite Roses for Summer. However, I think that most of my rose perfumes are for all seasons. June 13, 2016 at 10:31am Reply

  • Phyllis Iervello: I love the color of the roses in the photograph. Beautiful! June 13, 2016 at 10:32am Reply

    • Aurora: I agree, gorgeous photo of roses. June 13, 2016 at 5:03pm Reply

  • Maria: Does anyone have a recommendation for weird/tropical/intoxicating perfumes with the vibe of Eden, Cacharel? I wore Eden in the 90s and I am ready to wear something along those lines again. THANKS! June 13, 2016 at 11:05am Reply

    • Andy: Totally different from Eden in terms of notes, but for weird, tropical, and intoxicating, I’d reccomend Serge Lutens Datura Noir and Annick Goutal Songes. The first one is a somewhat more obvious pick, easily falling into Katie Puckrick’s “tropical goth” fragrance category. The second, on the other hand, is a personal pick. To many, Songes might seem a lovely, albeit powerful ylang ylang and jasmine fragrance accented with vanilla and sandalwood. To me, however, it’s persistent in a beautiful but slightly disconcerting way, with a tropical attitude and a humid texture. It’s easy to overdose on it, not just because of the strength of the fragrance itself. It might just meet your criteria. June 13, 2016 at 11:50am Reply

      • Maria: I agree, Andy, those 2 have a very tropical feeling, and I like them both, specially Songes! I like that you use the word “humid”. After living in the jungle for 2 years, I can see how “humid” becomes a smell in itself, and perhaps, that is why I crave some Eden-like perfume, now that I have been living in New England for too many years… I do miss the tropics and the crazy diversity of scents you can experience there! June 13, 2016 at 12:02pm Reply

        • Andy: Sorry I couldn’t introduce you to anything new! The other one that came to mind, but which I haven’t smelled is Les Nez Manoumalia–I always read it mentioned as a mix of tropical ripeness and decay turned up to the max! June 13, 2016 at 12:24pm Reply

          • Maria: Please, Andy, don’t be sorry! I actually find it very helpful to get confirmation on my own “impressions”, as I continue to learn about the world of scent! I have read about Les Nez but haven’t tried it yet. I am curious! June 13, 2016 at 12:37pm Reply

          • Austenfan: I can’t recommend Manoumalia highly enough, although it isn’t at all like Eden. It glorifies decay, and is exceedingly evocative.

            Do you not wish to wear Eden anymore? It very easily available in Europe. June 14, 2016 at 12:29pm Reply

            • Maria: Thanks Austefan!. I still have some Eden and wear it sometimes, but it makes me feel too nostalgic… it has powerful associations for me!.

              I always found it very unique, and I am curious to explore other perfumes with a similar vibe. The only perfume I have tried so far which reminded me of the Eden ‘feeling” was Gucci Rush. I will definitely try Manoumalia! June 18, 2016 at 8:32pm Reply

      • SilverMoon: As i was reading Maria ‘s question/request, I immediately thought of Songes. so, it really made me smile to read your suggestion and comment. Couldn’t agree more. Songes’ humid tropical feel is picked up very well in hot weather, but is also enjoyable on cooler days. June 15, 2016 at 7:49pm Reply

    • Genevieve Leger Fawcett: Tropic of Capricorn by Ellen Covey of Olympic Orchids. Moon Bloom by Hiram Green. For the pleasure of something lush, tropical and mysterious. June 13, 2016 at 12:30pm Reply

      • Maria: Thanks! I have never tried those, so I will look for samples and report! June 13, 2016 at 12:38pm Reply

    • Clarissa: Shangri-la and Moon Bloom by Hiram Green June 13, 2016 at 3:55pm Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Maria,
      I never tried Eden but I love jasmine in Lou Lou by Cacharel (and it is a little strange and maybe even too strong for a hot weather, so I’d put it lightly ), Tuberose Gardenia from Estée Lauder, Fracas -perfume, Songes or Beyond Paradise (-the original one feels very tropical-like to me), these are the ones I like to wear when on tropical vacation. Hope you find what works best for you. June 16, 2016 at 4:53am Reply

      • Maria: I love Lou Lou! Cacharel has always been one of my favorite perfume houses! 🙂 June 18, 2016 at 8:37pm Reply

    • irem: When I first smelled Kenzo Ca Sent Beau on a friend I thought it was Eden. I remember casually remarking “Are you wearing Eden? It smells so good”. I have worn both fragrances (Eden and the Kenzo) and I would not call them tropical but would agree with weird and intoxicating. June 18, 2016 at 6:03pm Reply

      • Maria: Thanks! Now I have to sample Ca Sent Beau, which I have never tried! It sounds really promising. I think many Kenzo scents have indeed a lot of personality! June 18, 2016 at 8:42pm Reply

  • Megan M: Hey all, hope everyone is having a good day. 🙂 i have been trying to sample some of the more well known, still available classics, like Shalimar. two in particular: Chanel No. 19 and Cristalle sound very interesting. I live in Oklahoma City, and was told at one of the local Chanel counters that they don’t carry these scents at all, and I would have to go all the way to Dallas to find them. :/ that isn’t really a feasible option for me. Can anyone tell me where I might find, or be able to order online, samples of these? I’d really appreciate any help. June 13, 2016 at 11:34am Reply

    • Lily: I think Chanel asked the reputable decant sites to stop sampling their line. Not sure if either is still available via a site like surrender to chance or perfumed court. As a worst case I have a decant of each I would be willing to send to you. Neither is right for me. Beautiful but no overlap with my psyche’s character. I can provide an email in a reply here if you cannot source elsewhere 😉 June 13, 2016 at 1:09pm Reply

      • Megan M: Thank you so much. 🙂 I will definitely keep you in mind if I can’t find a local place to sample or somewhere reputable online. June 13, 2016 at 5:46pm Reply

      • Joy: Surrender to Chance and Perfumed Court no longer carry Chanel decants/samples. It is now really hard for someone living out of a large city to try these fragrances. I get samples from Nordstrom’s when I go to Seattle. The Nordstrom’s stores at the malls carry both no 19 and Cristalle and will decant a sample spray for you.
        I was just in the middle of testing the Les Exclusifs when Chanel asked the decant companies to stop selling decants. Did you look on the Chanel website? They may sell samples. June 13, 2016 at 10:29pm Reply

        • Megan M: Yes, and they don’t appear to. June 13, 2016 at 11:45pm Reply

    • kpaint: Both should be available either as minis or samples on ebay or etsy. June 13, 2016 at 2:50pm Reply

    • Mia: I am sorry if this is completely irrelevant but I got so upset thinking those “basic Chanels” not being available in a city of the size of Oklahoma that I at least tried to figure out if anyone carries these. There seems to be at least Sephota, Macy’s and Dillard carrying Chanel. It would be really weird if they did not have 19 or Cristalle. There you should also be able to test them or even get a sample.

      Here’s the store locator site
      http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/fragrance-88106#storelocator_fb

      Best of luck to you from a very small town up North Europe! June 13, 2016 at 3:01pm Reply

      • george: I thought exactly the same thing as you Mia- they must be available, and looked up the same locator. I also know that they are readily available in pretty much every small town here in the UK. Only, I did also look up a thread on base notes on No.19, which said it was getting harder to get hold of in the US, and did note that a site (I think it was Sephora.com) failed to list either No.19 or Cristalle among its sold online Chanels. I, too, would check a couple more stores in the local area, but fear that the information given about them not being available anywhere nearby except Dallas might be right. I wish Megan M the best of luck in finding them, too, though. June 13, 2016 at 3:14pm Reply

      • MJ: Mia, in my local Sephora (Barcelona) you can only find Chanel 19 Poudre, not what I call “regular” Chanel. I haven’t asked about Cristalle, but I’m pretty sure the only Cristalle they carry is the Verte one. I suposse it’s a question of space and to offer just the newest scents and not the classics. June 13, 2016 at 5:15pm Reply

        • Megan M: That’s what it appears to be. Channel seams to only stock the most popular scents for a given area at the local stores,certainly not the entire line.:/ June 13, 2016 at 5:54pm Reply

          • Mia: MJ and Megan M:
            How weird – and stupid? – of Chanel. Of course it might increase interest that the scents are hard to get but anyway I guess Chanel is there to make money. I’m sorry, what a pity. June 13, 2016 at 11:22pm Reply

            • mj: I think they want to have their classic for selected locations. In Barcelona and Madrid if you go to the Chanel counter at the main Corte Ingles dept store branches, you can find the whole line and in two or three of those branches (I’m thinking Pça Catalunya in Barcelona and Castellana in Madrid), Les Exclusives line. Also at selected “perfumerías” like Julia or Regia in Barcelona, there’s a wider representation of the Chanel line-up.
              However, if you go to Juteco, Marionnaud or Primor perfumerias, they only carry what’s could be seen as younger and more up-to-date Chanels: Chanel Poudre, Cristalle Verte, Coco Mademoiselle, Coco Noir, Blue de Chanel…. the scents they are advertising in mainstream fashion mags or magazines like ¡Hola! (the Spanish Hello!). June 14, 2016 at 3:29am Reply

            • kpaint: In the case of Sephora, I’d say it’s about their demographics and what sells there – and not a Chanel thing. June 15, 2016 at 2:03pm Reply

      • Megan M: Yes, I was a little shocked when the sales rep at the Chanel counter in Dillard’s at the largest local mall told me that I would have to go all the way to Dallas, I’d barely got the question out and she was already shaking her head. I was checking out them and Sephoras with a friend. Apparently they only carry No. 5, Coco, and Mademoiselle here. I am planing to try Macy’s and Dillars at another mall this week to dbl check. June 13, 2016 at 5:52pm Reply

        • Megan M: Oops, ment this as response to Mia. June 13, 2016 at 6:00pm Reply

        • Joy: I live in Tucson in the winter and have experienced what you have. Dilliards, Sephora and Macy’s do not carry Cristalle and no 19. I just can’t understand why. They are great, classic fragrances. June 13, 2016 at 10:33pm Reply

          • Mia: Me neither! Again (see above): stupid, and maybe even rude, not to offer all the non-exclusifs.

            Good luck for everyone with Chanels and all scents! June 13, 2016 at 11:24pm Reply

    • Clarissa: Megan you can also call Nordstroms and they will make samples and mail them to you. If your local one does not care them, they will find the one that does and make sure you get them June 13, 2016 at 3:54pm Reply

      • Megan M: Thank you! I will have to check them out. Looks like there is a Nordstrom Rack near the Penn Square Mall ar the center of town. I don’t know if it’s a full shop or smaller boutique but will call and ask what they carry. 🙂 June 13, 2016 at 5:59pm Reply

        • Nina Z: Nordstrom Rack is not the same thing as a regular Nordstrom with a full perfume department. You need to call a real Nordstrom department store, not the Rack (which is the outlet for discounted, old stock). June 13, 2016 at 11:47pm Reply

        • Nina Z: Call some fancy department stores in Dallas that carry Chanel perfume and tell them your problem. I’m guessing you’re not going to find the perfume in your city (if all you have is Nordstrom Rack, etc.). Try to find a sympathetic SA in Dallas, who you can buy from in the future and will help you with perfume sampling and purchases in the future. June 13, 2016 at 11:50pm Reply

          • Old Herbaceous: Great suggestion! I will say that I have had great experiences interacting with SAs in the perfume department at our Neiman Marcus. Very patient and attentive, generous with samples. Maybe you can find one like that in the Dallas store! June 15, 2016 at 9:10pm Reply

    • SublimiSomnium: If you’ve never been to Nordstrom (again, Nordstrom Rack is different – no Chanel), do check them out. They are generous with samples, and even let you grab vials from bins so you can make your own. No. 19 isn’t stocked in all of them, though.

      Shalimar is a well-established classic and should be available at any Nordstrom or Macy’s (though Macy’s does not have the same sampling policy). Good luck! June 15, 2016 at 9:36am Reply

    • Notturno7: Hi Megan M,
      I’d call Dallas Nordstrom (but not the Nordstrom discount outlet) and find a Chanel counter SA. Or if they don’t have the samples you wish to try, ask them to recommend another Nordstrom even if in another state. I’ve ordered and received free samples from Chanel from Nordstrom Seattle although I live in San Francisco area because they didn’t have what I needed in the store nearby. They have been so nice!
      If you explain that you might be a customer, and might order what you are sampling, they will treat you differently. It helps to ask for SA’s name and phone extension so they know they will get a commission if you decide to order it from them in the future.
      I just received an envelope in the mail in two days from Barneys Los Angeles store with 4 free samples from Serge Lutens in because I told the SA on the phone I’d call him to order it later if I like the fragrance. And I love what I tried so I’ll have to get one 😍 June 16, 2016 at 4:45am Reply

      • Megan M: Thank! 🙂 I wouldn’t have thought to ask for a name and number, and it’s great to hear that not all SA are unwilling to help. I will deffinatly have to give Nordstroms a call sometime. June 16, 2016 at 12:07pm Reply

  • Jenifer: I used to wear the original fendi and always had so many compliments. Can you recommend something similar? I don’t really care for the new fendi. Thank you June 13, 2016 at 12:50pm Reply

    • Lari: I loved this too. Never really “got over it”. Been looking ever since June 13, 2016 at 1:34pm Reply

    • kpaint: The newly reformulated Fendi bears absolutely no relationship to its predecessor. I don’t know that I’ve ever smelled a reformulation that was so far removed from the original source. It’s like they retained the top notes and scotched everything else. So not only does it not smell anything like the original, it’s also a perfume composed entirely of top notes with no middle or bottom.

      There is really nothing like the original Fendi, but I have smelled some things that remind me of it: L’Artisan Tea For Two, Tocca Margaux, and Alaia Paris. None of these would be a replacement for vintage Fendi, but share similar notes and structure.

      I’ve managed to find quite a few bottles of vintage Fendi at reasonable prices. Minis are fairly easy to come by, but when buying a bottle you need to know what to look for since the new and old bottles are identical. June 13, 2016 at 3:12pm Reply

      • cincobayou: I adore Tocca Margaux. BUT, it does not last very long on me, maybe 3 hours. It is the nicest of the Tocca frags but seems to be disappearing from places like Sephora.
        I recently found it on Amazon. June 15, 2016 at 12:29am Reply

    • Raquel: I also love the original Fendi but I’ve never smelled anything similiar to it, sad. I’d love to read a review at BdJ even if it’s descontinued June 15, 2016 at 9:39am Reply

  • Julie: Hello All,
    Anyone tried Morn to Dusk, just curious if is there is a lover of this line? It’s an Eau De Parfum by Eau d’ Italie… 🙂
    Sounds pretty for the summer.
    Notes are bergamot, lily of the valley,bourbon vanilla, cedarwood & musk.
    Thank you! June 13, 2016 at 1:06pm Reply

    • george: I tried Morn To Dusk (not to wear, just on smelling strip). The lily of the valley, woods and vanilla conspire to smell like cerebral popcorn. I really liked it; it was hilarious! June 13, 2016 at 1:18pm Reply

    • Lynley: Im a fan of Eau d’Italie and Italian perfumery in general. Of all the line though I would personally choose this last as a ‘summer’ scent as it is a vanilla fragrance. Personally Id choose Jardin du Poete or Acqua Decima. Apart from the fucsia fruity one though I like them all (and your summers may not be as unbearably hot as my summers! 🙂 ) June 14, 2016 at 8:29am Reply

      • Julie: Thank you…Jardin du Poete also sounds pretty!
        I haven’t tried anything from this line yet.
        Paestum Rose is one that has caught my attention too. I really enjoy this site there are so many creative ideas and thoughtful fragrant lovers to relate with regarding perfumes. June 14, 2016 at 10:00am Reply

    • SilverMoon: Julie, the Eaud’Italie line has some good perfumes. My favourite is Paestum Rose. I also like Baum de Doge, which is warm and spicy – autumnal if one thinks in terms of seasons. A nice pretty and summery one is Bateau a Capri. Hope you enjoy testing them out. June 15, 2016 at 8:01pm Reply

      • Julie: Bateau a Capri…that sounds lovely too, I will let you know if I try it out soon.
        Thank you very much for your reply, Silver Moon! 🙂 June 16, 2016 at 1:17pm Reply

  • Clarissa: What are some recommendations for chocolate note fragrances? Not sweet in your face gourmands, something that does not triple your blood sugar. June 13, 2016 at 3:51pm Reply

    • Aurora: Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule has a really nice chocolate note, I hope you wouldn’t find it too sweet and heavy, I’ve tried it in winter so I didn’t find it overpowering. June 13, 2016 at 5:17pm Reply

      • Danaki: Dear Clarissa.
        My summers in England are cooler but I’m never afraid to wear Santal Majescule because the sandalwood can be cooling, so I would recommend it in warmer weather too. June 14, 2016 at 2:54pm Reply

    • Nina Z: My favorite chocolate fragrance (and I think it is also Victoria’s) is Anima Dulcis by Arquiste. It is a dry, slightly spicy chocolate made by a wonderful Mexican perfume company. June 13, 2016 at 11:52pm Reply

    • Lari: I’m a fan of Sonoma scent studio Cocoa sandalwood June 14, 2016 at 11:00pm Reply

    • Indigo: I agree with the recommendations for Santal Majuscule – I wear it all year. The patchouli, resins and orange in Hermès Elixir de Merveilles also come out on my skin like those candied orange rinds dipped in dark chocolate. And, of course, Coromandel has a white chocolate and incense note but stays very Chanel – I don’t think I would recommend this one for the heat, though… June 21, 2016 at 10:24am Reply

  • MrsDalloway: I really like L’Air du Temps but I know it’s not what it was. Even my 2004 EDT (which I stored badly and let turn) was much better than its 2011 replacement. Has anyone in niche made something which could take its place? I suppose it would be carnation dominant? June 13, 2016 at 5:40pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I’m really curious as to what people will say (if anyone replies). Although I know I smelled this perfume in the past (a friend used to wear it), I can’t bring it back clearly enough to recommend anything. (I do have a lot of carnation suggestions, though.) It’s always challenging, though, to find a replacement for a particular perfume from the past. I just checked eBay for you, and there’s quite a bit of vintage L’Air du Temps there, and as long as you’re happy with a less fancy bottle of EdT, the prices are very reasonable. So that’s what I would do. Find more old stuff. And tell everyone you know that you’re looking for it, in case they have some hanging around. June 14, 2016 at 12:11am Reply

    • Aurora: I agree with Nina, vintage l’Air du Temps is fairly widely available on eBay, if I judge by the UK offerings, at very reasonable prices except for the extrait.

      But I’d also like to list Etro Dianthus, a soft lovely carnation, although not a replacement for l’AdT extrait which is pretty much a gold standard. June 14, 2016 at 12:30pm Reply

    • MrsDalloway: Thanks – I did get a little botle of parfum on ebay and it’s pretty but very fleeting. I think it’s relatively recent though – I probably need to try an older one. And thanks for the Etro recommendation. June 14, 2016 at 2:12pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Dianthus is very pretty (a soft carnation) and in the same vein is the reissued L’Artisan Oeillet Sauvage, though I have not smelled the recent release (Victoria was not impressed). I also quite like Laboissieres Carnation, which is not very inexpensive though also not widely distributed. But these are all more in the soliflore vein than L’Air du Temps. And I believe you can get vintage L’Air du Temps much cheaper than a niche perfume. If you read this review by Victoria, you’ll see in the comments lots of suggestions for carnation fragrances, including from yours truly. https://boisdejasmin.com/2015/07/lartisan-parfumeur-oeillet-sauvage-fragrance-review.html June 14, 2016 at 11:25pm Reply

    • Michaela: I love the old L’Air du Temps, too. Never found anything the same.
      But… see here: https://boisdejasmin.com/2011/03/fragrances-that-influenced-perfume-history-100-great-perfumes-series-2-10.html

      ‘Although its olfactory profile is not quite the same, Cacharel Anaïs Anaïs conveys the same spirit as L’Air du Temps once did—a disarming combination of innocence and sensuality.’

      The comment is about Anais Anais L’Original, close enough to the old version. June 16, 2016 at 8:44am Reply

  • Aurora: With many thanks in advance, could you recommend some perfumes you really like with cumin? I am trying to overcome my dislike of this note. June 13, 2016 at 5:45pm Reply

    • limegreen: This made me laugh out loud, Aurora. 🙂
      Fleur d’Oranger has cumin in it and I’m not a lover of cumin. It’s a beautiful fragrance. June 13, 2016 at 8:44pm Reply

      • limegreen: That’s Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger June 13, 2016 at 8:45pm Reply

        • Aurora: Thank you Limegreen! My experience with Serge Lutens, I own 3 so far, has been so positive that I will definitely seek out Fleurs d’Oranger and see if it works out for me. It’s a polarizing note isn’t it? June 14, 2016 at 5:48am Reply

          • limegreen: I have not tested FdO recently so my recommendation is based on my bottle from 3 or 4 years ago. It’s also something I wear more in cooler weather, so that might be how I don’t notice the cumin. Probably dab this one at first!
            Nina’s recommendation of Bigarade Concentree is something I carefully endorse — I only wear BC in the winter, otherwise the cumin is just too sweaty. Good luck with your cumin endurance test, you have your work cut out for you! 🙂 June 14, 2016 at 4:24pm Reply

    • Caroline: For a good dose of cumin at a reasonable price, try the current version of Rochas Femme. June 13, 2016 at 9:27pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hello Caroline, thank you so much. Yes, of course you’re right about Femme, I am familiar with the current onebut sadly I couldn’t handle it when I tried it – on the other hand, I own a large bottle of the vintage which has no cumin and is one of my favourite perfumes. June 14, 2016 at 5:51am Reply

    • Mia: Vero Profumo Rubj. For me, there is cumin also in Mito but I think it is not listed. I like Mito more, or love it actually. June 13, 2016 at 11:27pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you, Mia! I will look for Rubj, I understand it’s a ‘big’ perfume. I need to revisit Mito too, I tried it briefly and don’t remember much about it. June 14, 2016 at 5:53am Reply

        • kayliz: Make sure it’s Rubj Eau de Parfum you try — the Extrait & Voile d’Extrait versions don’t have any cumin.

          On a similar note: Salome by Papillon.

          I think they’re both wonderful but could never wear them myself — it’s the cumin… June 14, 2016 at 2:43pm Reply

          • kayliz: Oops, sorry, didn’t read on! June 14, 2016 at 2:44pm Reply

            • Aurora: I do that all the time too. Salome Papillon sounds very interesting. June 15, 2016 at 5:45am Reply

          • Aurora: Thank you for the precision, Kayliz, now I’m curious about all three. June 15, 2016 at 5:43am Reply

            • kayliz: Aurora, if you’re in Europe: Parfumaria (NL) has both Vero Profumo and Papillon, and their samples are v reasonable (5 for 15 euros). June 15, 2016 at 9:56am Reply

              • Aurora: Kayliz: Great!! Many thanks for the tip. June 15, 2016 at 10:28am Reply

          • Mia: Oh, interesting! I got the Voile and do really get cumin. However, it is so different compared to any other cumin – or ‘real’ cumin, I mean the spice – that it is almost unrecognisable, but only almost.

            It is though a mystery whether a non-cumineous (is that a word?) cumin is able to represent the note well. I am not any kind of cumin fan and it was the note that first made me hate Rubj and Mito – and, I guess, the one that draw me back to like and love them.

            Happy sniffing! June 15, 2016 at 2:34pm Reply

    • Tati: I’m learning about this note also. Fleurs d’Oranger did not work the first year, but now I love it. My new, too much, cumin challenge is Papillon’s Salome. Powerful! June 13, 2016 at 11:45pm Reply

      • Aurora: Tati, how nice to encounter someone who feels the same! Fingers crossed for Fleurs d’Oranger which seems to get a lot of love. Papillon Salome will be a discovery for me. I wish you luck with it too. June 14, 2016 at 5:56am Reply

        • Aurora: and also, your experience means there is hope for me too. June 14, 2016 at 7:30am Reply

    • Nina Z: Jubilation 25 by Amouage is a stunning chypre that has a lot of cumin in it. On the less expensive side, the new version of Rochas Femme, also a chypre (and similar in some ways to the Jubilation 25) also has a lot of cumin in it. Another idea is Frederic Malle Bigarade Concentree, which is a bitter orange perfume that has a noticeable cumin note. June 13, 2016 at 11:56pm Reply

      • Aurora: Nina, so nice of you to answer. Jubilation 25 sounds beautiful, I have two 30ml bottles of Amouage, Gold and Honour, but this smaller size is difficult to find or discontinued. Of course you’re right, Femme is the gold standard of cumin, sadly it’s not for me. June 14, 2016 at 5:59am Reply

        • Cornelia Blimber: Hi Aurora! Maybe you can overcome your dislike with Déclaration (Cartier)! Lots of cumin, and very refined (J.C. Ellena, what can I say!). June 14, 2016 at 6:17am Reply

          • Aurora: Hi, Cornelia: Great another rec! If any one can make me appreciate cumin that would be Ellena, his fragrances work for me. And I believe Declaration is a favourite of yours. I will definitely try it. June 14, 2016 at 7:45am Reply

        • Nina Z: It’s possible to get Amouage testers (they look just like the regular bottles but have no box) on fragrancenet. And if you wait for a 30 percent off sale (sign up for coupons), you can get a really good deal on a 100 ml bottle.

          But if you’re an Amouage fan, definitely sample Jubilation 25. It’s beautiful, in that complex,over the top Amouage style. June 14, 2016 at 11:14pm Reply

          • Aurora: Nina, so grateful for the info about Amouage testers, I’m in the UK but did go to Fragrancenet to get my two 30ml Amouage bottles for $30 each. The problem now is that pound is weak and more so each day with the uncertainty about the referendum. But, when things calm down I may very well go that route again and would go for a tester, many thanks for your friendly advice. June 15, 2016 at 4:17am Reply

        • Aurora: And Bigarade Concentree just got mentioned by someone else. The only thing is that I’m fearful of Frederic Malle’s prices. June 15, 2016 at 5:46am Reply

    • maja: Aaah, a tough one. I personally struggle with cumin, too, and I disliked Epic Woman, Rubj, LADDM, Fleurs d’Oranger and all other cumin-hitters.
      But I do like Rochas Femme and Kenzo Jungle Elephant. 🙂
      I swear I can smell cumin in Rose Poivree and Une Fleur de Cassie. June 14, 2016 at 11:07am Reply

      • Aurora: Maja, thank you so much for reminding me of L’Elephant! It has so much going on that the cumin didn’t bother me too much, still it prevented me from getting a full bottle. It’s too bad about l’Air du desert marocain, it was once quoted as an alternative to Trayee, I will approach with caution given your experience. Me too, I’ve had cases of ‘phantom’ cumin, I detect it while it’s not listed, it made me suspicious when I smelled Jeux de Peau where I’m convinced it’s part of the ‘spices’ used. Your comment makes me hopeful, maybe soon I will be friends with that grand lady, modern Femme. June 14, 2016 at 12:50pm Reply

      • Clarissa: There is for sure cumin in Rose Poivree June 14, 2016 at 11:23pm Reply

        • Aurora: We have to follow our noses detecting cumin, it’s more reliable than makers’ descriptions. June 16, 2016 at 11:56am Reply

    • SilverMoon: Might be worth trying Parfum d’Empire Fougere Bengal. It has a soft cumin note and is quite charming. June 15, 2016 at 8:13pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much Silvermoon, Fougere Bengale goes on the list. I love fougere and don’t have enough of them in my current collection. June 16, 2016 at 12:00pm Reply

    • Michaela: For me, cumin is nice and soft in Cartier Declaration and, for the winter, in Kenzo Jungle. June 16, 2016 at 8:49am Reply

      • Michaela: Sorry, now I see you have already tested Jungle for cumin 🙂 June 16, 2016 at 8:51am Reply

        • Aurora: Hello Michaela: No, don’t apologise it’s nice to see you agree with Cornelia re Declaration, I will test asap, and nice to see another endorsement of l’Elephant, I will give it another try for sure, as it was almost love. June 16, 2016 at 12:05pm Reply

    • Kari: I’m finding that I really like cumin:

      Serge Lutens Fleurs D’Oranger
      Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant
      Papillon Salome
      Le Labo Rose 31
      Etat Libre d’orange Jasmine et cigarette June 19, 2016 at 5:11pm Reply

      • Aurora: Thank you so much Kari! I’ve never tried Le Labo and ELDO Jasmin et cigarette, on the list they go. June 20, 2016 at 7:51am Reply

  • Kate: Hi! I love this website; it’s helped me expand my fragrance horizons a lot. I have a different sort of question. I’m from the Midwest, and I’m starting law school on the east coast in the fall. It’s a big change, and I’m wondering what fragrances give off a “ready to take on the world” sort of vibe to you? Thanks! June 13, 2016 at 10:19pm Reply

    • Tomate Farcie: Frederic Malle Carnal Flower June 13, 2016 at 11:20pm Reply

      • Kate: Thanks! I like white florals a lot. June 14, 2016 at 12:35am Reply

        • spe: Whatever makes YOU feel like you’re ready to take on the world!

          That’s a tough thing to recommend to someone.

          How about going against the East coast vibe and try California Reverie by Van Cleef. A fresh white floral for every day and special occasions.

          Congratulations!!! June 15, 2016 at 1:17pm Reply

          • Kate: Thank you! I don’t really know, so that’s why I’m asking other people what they think. I’ve been meaning to try California Reverie though. June 15, 2016 at 9:53pm Reply

    • Tati: I think I’d lean toward a “cerebral” note, like iris. Chanel 19? Iris? Or maybe something polished, like Hermes Eau Des Merveilles. June 13, 2016 at 11:49pm Reply

      • Kate: Everyone keeps suggesting Chanel No. 19 to me, so I’m convinced that I’d love it, but SurrenderToChance is my go-to and they don’t have any Chanel at all. Drat! I love the Merveilles series though. June 14, 2016 at 12:36am Reply

    • Aurora: Excellent recommendations already. Also, perhaps for the fall Hermes Caleche and Donna Karan Wenge, Annick Goutal Heure Exquise, are such lovely, poised, no nonsense woody fragrances. June 14, 2016 at 6:56am Reply

      • Kate: Haven’t tried any of those. Thanks! June 14, 2016 at 1:46pm Reply

    • Danaki: Imo, anything with leather gives of that vibe so give Etat Libre d’Orange Rien a try – I wear it when I’m searching for strength and a ‘watch it’ attitude!

      strong citrus/patchouli/spice scents can be strong too. I like Andy Tauer L’air de desert maroccain and Etat Libre d’Orange Eau de Protection Rossy di Palma. June 14, 2016 at 2:59pm Reply

      • Kate: Added to the list, thanks! June 14, 2016 at 6:50pm Reply

    • Surbhi: Frederic Malle musc ravageur in fall / winter. I would skip it in summer though.

      On big days at work I wear eau de magnolia in summer or le fille de Berlin depending or day or evening. I have even done carnal flower and fracas (ha ha) June 14, 2016 at 8:22pm Reply

      • Kate: Thanks, those all sound interesting! June 15, 2016 at 9:53pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Chypres, like Mitsouko, Jubilation 25, and 31 Rue Cambon, seem like power perfumes to me. But you need to determine what feels that way to you. If big white flowers does it for you, then you should go in that direction. You should wear what gives YOU confidence, not what you think would communicate that to others. Sometimes when I need confidence, I just wear something very uplifting and cheerful, like orange blossom. June 14, 2016 at 11:10pm Reply

      • Kate: Thanks! That’s good advice. June 15, 2016 at 9:53pm Reply

    • Lily: Agree with the other commenters that the most important aspect is how a drag makes YOU feel. That said, do you have particular ideas of what makes one ready to take on the world? Is it being put together and polished? Is it being so authentically yourself that no one can mistake your choice for conformity? Is it feeling like a woman? Is it feeling non-feminine?

      My two favorite kicking a** and taking names scents right now are Bvlgari Black (which just makes me feel like a bada**) and Agent Provocateur (original, the EDP) which is described as a super sultry boudoir skank scent but to me is powerful bc it isn’t a scent one wears by accident. I feel like I am really “owning it” when I put that perfume on – and that carries over into my mood about work, etc.

      All that said – if you are looking for a frag that just feels pulled together, confident but not flashy – I recommend going counter to current market trends, an elegant floral or (fl)oriental vs the really sweet or fruity fun bubbly stuff. June 15, 2016 at 4:34pm Reply

      • Kate: That’s all good advice! I really don’t know what makes me feel empowered, I’m kind of new to this, so that’s why I’m asking other people what they think. June 15, 2016 at 9:55pm Reply

    • Old Herbaceous: Congratulations! Will you be in or near a major city? If so, have fun exploring fragrances there; you’ll need a reason to break free from law school once in a while (I’m a lawyer). Here are some ideas: make sure to have one scent that reminds you of home. Also, law school is great but it can be stressful; have one inexpensive scent that acts like aromatherapy for you and has a soothing effect, one you can wear to class and the law library without overwhelming your classmates.
      Last, the “Ready, Set, Go” fragrance: you will enjoy having a fragrance that makes YOU feel like a confident young professional, whatever that means to you. You may want to make it one that you can actually wear to job interviews while wearing a suit, which means no “va-va-voom” perfume; or find that, plus a different power scent. Pure White Linen by Estee Lauder is a classic white floral and I love it; I often wear it to work. I don’t really do va-va-voom power perfume so I can’t suggest any! Best of luck to you! June 15, 2016 at 9:34pm Reply

      • Kate: Thanks! I’ll actually be in Cambridge, MA, so I’m sure it’s better than where I live currently! I guess I’ve considered the comfort aspect, too. I was a teacher during the school year and I liked wearing Blackberry & Bay by Jo Malone to work, so there might be something to that. I wonder how strict the legal profession is on this matter, though. I tend to wear fragrances every day, so it’s hard sometimes to know if you’re wearing one that is off-putting. I’ve never gotten negative comments, but it’s still a concern. And I don’t think I’d ever wear a “big” perfume to work, but at night, all bets are off. 😀 June 15, 2016 at 10:01pm Reply

        • Surbhi: My way to deal with it: I have let my co-workers know that I am in love with perfumes so I wear them as per my mood. Please let me know if anything bothers you and I Won’t wear it again (we work in office settings) in this building. I have never heard anything though. I check in every few weeks as part of general conversation.

          I specifically asked after I wear couple of frederic Malle perfumes (they just stay forever). June 16, 2016 at 12:17am Reply

        • Old Herbaceous: Congratulations again, as it looks like you’re headed for Harvard Law! I’m sure there are some fun places to find perfume in Boston. The legal profession can be quite conservative when it comes to style, and when you’re breaking in, it is sometimes “better to be safe than sorry.” Blackberry and Bay would be just fine; and it would likely remind you of home, which is nice. If that is also a scent you find calming or soothing, there’s your aromatherapy too! If you like lavender notes, that is traditionally considered soothing.

          Jo Malone has several fragrances that would be just fine to wear in law school or to a law firm or law interview; Wood Sage and Sea Salt could be wonderful if you like it. I also like Blasted Bloom by Penhaligon’s and that would be fine, as would some other Penhaligon’s scents. And when you go out at night, have fun and cut loose! Speaking strictly of perfume, of course. June 16, 2016 at 7:35pm Reply

          • Kate: Thanks for the tips! That’s all pretty useful advice for me. June 16, 2016 at 8:19pm Reply

            • SilverMoon: Congratulations Kate. I think there are many excellent suggestions above. I would like to add a comment from the point of view of an academic: wear what you enjoy as long as you are a student (obviously not to the point you bother others, but i am sure you never would). It is the time to express yourself and discover what you want of life. Once in the working world, there will be plenty of time to conform (and stick to no/overly discreet perfume policies). I always find those students who freely express themselves and let their personality shine through are confident and successful. June 19, 2016 at 9:58am Reply

    • Kirstyn: I wonder about something iris centered, like Prada Infusion d’Iris or something really classic like Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere. June 24, 2016 at 11:05pm Reply

  • Joy: After the recent discussion on lily of the valley fragrances, I looked on the Surrender to Chance website, or I think they sent me an e-mail with specials on muguet. They had many of the lov fragrances available in test sample kits. So I am trying them all. It has been fun. I still like Diorissimo the very best. It has a subtle complexity that makes the fragrance so pleasant. I have a couple more to arrive and will be interested to try those.
    I very much appreciate all of the suggestions that were made on that fragrance.
    I did notice that the Coty Muguet which had been sold at a reasonable cost is now being sold on Amazon for $90 +. My assumption is now that it is being reformulated some seller on Amazon has bought left over original and has raised the price considerably. June 13, 2016 at 10:50pm Reply

  • She-ra: I have only recently discovered the profound beauty of 31 RC and a new bottle from Chanel is enroute to me.

    Since this fragrance has been out several years now and has most likely been reformulated a few times, I am wondering if I should seek out, via batch code, the original formula.

    If anyone has sniffed the original and recent formulas and can weigh in I’d be much obliged.

    I don’t really want to go down the rabbit hole of trying to get my hands on an old bottle (I do like a challenge though 😉 ) but original formulas are often the most breath-taking… June 14, 2016 at 6:24pm Reply

    • kpaint: You might check the boards at basenotes. There are quite a few *deep in the weeds* threads like that, and I know I’ve read some re: Chanel batches. June 15, 2016 at 2:15pm Reply

  • madtowngirl: I’m wondering if there is such a thing as a summer, or “light” oriental. Orientals are my true love and in particular, ambers. I fell in love with Obsession in the 80’s and this became my signature scent throughout college. I still keep a bottle in my collection. Casmir came next and lately I have added Coco, L’Ambre des Merveilles and Labdanum 18 to my collection. Of course these scents are all too much in the heat and humidity of summer, but I detest fruity florals. Any recommendations? June 15, 2016 at 1:20am Reply

    • Aurora: What about Shalimar Eau de Cologne? It’s not overpowering and still preserves the structure of regular Shalimar, I wear it in summer (there is also Eau de Shalimar but I think it’s being discontinued). Perhaps also l’Eau Ambree by Prada, it has citrus that cuts through the amber nicely. June 15, 2016 at 5:52am Reply

      • madtowngirl: Thank you for the suggestions. I have not tried either of these. I thought Shalimar Initial was nice enough, but I know has been discontinued and I have only tried the original Prada Amber, which I liked, but not well enough for a full bottle since I found the patchouli a bit much. June 15, 2016 at 2:59pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: I agree! I love Shalimar EDC, it is how I was finally able to enjoy Shalimar. It is light and just delicious! June 15, 2016 at 9:17pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Oriental Lounge by The Different Company is to me a light oriental, as it it is a very soft, sheer amber (with an interesting curry note). Another idea is the spicy vanilla scent Sushi Imperiale (sushi is rice, not fish–so don’t be scared by the name) by Bois 1920. Those are the two that spring to mind at the moment, but I’ll think about it for a while….. June 15, 2016 at 2:12pm Reply

      • madtowngirl: I’ve always been intrigued by Oriental Lounge since it has notes of labdanum and was created by Celine Ellena. I do love most of Jean-Claude’s creations. I will head over to Luckyscent for samples! June 15, 2016 at 3:03pm Reply

    • kpaint: Second the Shalimar suggestion – I just bought a bottle of the Souffle to wear this summer.

      My first thought for a summer oriental was Oscar de la Renta EDT, but I would only recommend the vintage. However, Esprit d’Oscar, which came out in 2011, is an easy-on-the-wallet reimagined modernized homage to the original and really delightful. Dune (Dior) is another summery scent in the oriental vein.

      ELdO Fils de Dieu is an amber that’s very wearable in warm weather. June 15, 2016 at 2:37pm Reply

      • madtowngirl: I will have to add Fils de Dieu to the Luckyscent sample list. Lime, coconut and amber all in one?! Sounds yummy! June 15, 2016 at 3:09pm Reply

        • george: seconding fils de dieu. I would also suggest morn to dusk as a light vanillic. and also Voyage by Hermes. It’s more the Ellena unisex style, but it starts off spicy and citrusy and veers towards the woody amber. June 15, 2016 at 3:14pm Reply

        • Michaela: Thirding Fils de Dieu…
          Adding Hermes Eau des Merveilles (ambergris not amber but great for summer). June 16, 2016 at 8:54am Reply

          • madtowngirl: I love Eau des Merveilles! I happily went through a 15ml bottle last summer:) I also really liked Le Jardin de Monsieur Li when I got a sample recently from Sephora but I’m not sure if I can bring myself to splurge for a full bottle as the sillage seemed fleeting. June 16, 2016 at 11:13am Reply

      • kpaint: Reading today’s thread on NST reminds me that Kenzo Flower might be another oriental option – which also makes me wonder if Ombre Rose would work in warm weather… June 15, 2016 at 3:20pm Reply

    • sublimisomnium: There are some great and light ambers and orientals:

      Pacifica is pretty affordable and offer Spanish Amber and Tibetan Temple (oriental)

      Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess is most definitely a summer scent – and features amber!

      L’Artisan L’Eau d’Ambre is has a transparency to it, though it is a rich amber note

      L’Artisan Seville a L’Aube is a wonderful spicy floriental

      Shalimar is always recommended 😉

      I’m sure I’m missing some (I love orientals too!), so I’ll get back to you if I can remember them. June 15, 2016 at 3:07pm Reply

    • Lily: YSL cinema is a floral oriental with an am very base, and I find it works amazingly well with the summer heat. It’s not a super heavy oriental scent but the scent itself is warm, so wearing it now feels like my perfume is reflecting the sub’s heat back. Good luck! June 15, 2016 at 4:39pm Reply

    • Nina Z: I’m also going to recommend my favorite new oriental: Fou d’Opium by DSH Perfumes. What a gorgeous spicy fragrance! I’m picky and it’s total love for me. It also comes in small bottles. I bought the 3 ml bottle. I really think even in summer you can just dab on a bit and it would be fine even in the heat. It’s under these categories, so I assume most are the notes: SKU: N/A. Categories: Aldehydes, Aldehydic, Ambergris, Ambery, Animalic, Australian Sandalwood, Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Otto, Carnation, Carnation, Castoreum, Centifolia Rose Absolute, Cinnamon Bark, Citrus Oils, Civet, Clove Bud, DSH New Products, East Indian Patchouli, Egyptian Neroli, Exclusive Perfumes, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Incense, Incense Notes, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Oriental, Orris Concrete, Peach, Pimento Berry, Plum, Retro Nouveau, Siam Benzoin, Spice, Tolu Bal June 15, 2016 at 7:56pm Reply

    • Kirstyn: I am so glad you asked this because I am in the same boat! I love a bit of spice, and the soft dry down of orientals, but I need a change for the summer. So far my contenders are Vanille Insensée by Atelier Cologne, Bronze Goddess by Estée Lauder, and I have not smelled, but am haunted by the idea of Aroma M Geisha Vanilla Hinoki, which is a woody steamy vanilla. I am also intrigued by Aerin Amber Musk and Lilac Path. The Lilac Path is not spicy at all, but has a creaminess that reminds me of an oriental dry down and a photorealistic lilac element that my husband said he liked. Good luck in your search! June 24, 2016 at 11:16pm Reply

  • Pamela Abikhair: YSL Paris. Paris, Paris where did you go dear darling. I accept you are really gone but I am hoping contributors to this list may be able to recommend a 1st Cousin. I have bought 2 vintage bottles of Paris recently but something was missing. I will be OK with a power bomb and hopefully with similar notes to Paris. Thanks for reading, June 15, 2016 at 4:26am Reply

    • Nina Z: Lipstick Rose by Frederic Malle? June 15, 2016 at 2:18pm Reply

    • kpaint: Chanel Misia and Rosine Glam Rose are rose-violets in the same family as Paris. Distant cousins, but definitely related 🙂 June 15, 2016 at 2:41pm Reply

  • Karolina: Any suggestions on fragrances similar to clinique simply? Since it’s been discontinued I wear Frederic Malle L’eau d’Hiver, which I also love. June 15, 2016 at 8:36am Reply

    • Aurora: According to Fragrances of the World (have a look at the site it’s fun)
      Givenchy: Organza, Ysatis, Play for her intense
      Michael Kors: Sexy Amber (I quite like this one, a king of less potent No 5)
      Agent Provocateur: Petale Noir
      are a match for Simply. It can be a bit hit or miss but you might want to give them a shot; and keep an eye on eBay there are 17 listings on eBay uk, it might be the same where you live. June 16, 2016 at 12:21pm Reply

  • kayliz: A variation on madtowngirl’s question: Can anyon recommend something summery, creamy but also spicy? Not peppery though, and cumin is a problem.
    I love Oriental Express, but it’s sweeter and more carroty/iris than what I have in mind.
    Sable Marocain comes closest so far, but if anyone has other suggestions… June 15, 2016 at 10:01am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello again Kayliz: So glad, because Prada L’Eau Ambree, often overlooked, happens to also quite fits your brief – amber, balsamic fresh spicy, cacao – just like Sable Marocain (which is new to me and sounds delightful). I’ve worn it often last summer very happily along with Eau de Rochas which is an obsession of mine but is not what you’re looking for on this occasion. June 15, 2016 at 12:11pm Reply

      • Aurora: Oh and no cumin in sight :=) June 15, 2016 at 12:13pm Reply

        • Aurora: And the citrus is very mild in the dry down, just in the top notes if I remember. June 15, 2016 at 12:16pm Reply

          • kayliz: Aurora, that sounds tempting, many thanks for the tip! If I had more than half a sample of Sable Marocain, I’d offer to send it… Phaedon doesn’t seem to be widely sold. June 15, 2016 at 12:33pm Reply

            • Aurora: No worries Kayliz, I know a place which carries Phaedon and will ask them for a sample of Sable Marocain next time I’m there. June 16, 2016 at 5:53am Reply

              • kayliz: Oh good, I’ll be interested to see what you think! I have Eau Ambree on the way:) June 16, 2016 at 2:27pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Well, I’m going to say Sushi Imperiale for you, too. It’s a pretty low-key perfume and doesn’t actually seem peppery to me (just a bit spicy).

      Top notes are bergamot, mandarin orange and lemon; middle notes are pepper, nutmeg, jasmine, rose, star anise and cinnamon; base notes are sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, tonka bean and madagascar vanilla. June 15, 2016 at 2:26pm Reply

      • kayliz: Thank you Nina! I tried Sushi Imperiale a while back and found it vaguely vinegary, but I did wonder whether the sample was off. I’ll get hold of another sample. Would you say it’s creamy? June 15, 2016 at 3:29pm Reply

        • Nina Z: Not sure what you mean by creamy. But it does have that vanilla pudding sort of quality. Here’s another idea: Fou d’Opium by DSH Perfumes. My very favorite new spicy scent! The site has these tags on it, so most must be the notes: SKU: N/A. Categories: Aldehydes, Aldehydic, Ambergris, Ambery, Animalic, Australian Sandalwood, Bergamot, Brazilian Vetiver, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Bulgarian Rose Otto, Carnation, Carnation, Castoreum, Centifolia Rose Absolute, Cinnamon Bark, Citrus Oils, Civet, Clove Bud, DSH New Products, East Indian Patchouli, Egyptian Neroli, Exclusive Perfumes, Grandiflorum Jasmine, Incense, Incense Notes, Muguet / Lily of the Valley, Oriental, Orris Concrete, Peach, Pimento Berry, Plum, Retro Nouveau, Siam Benzoin, Spice, Tolu Bal June 15, 2016 at 7:58pm Reply

          • kayliz: We don’t get DSH over here, but I’ll definitely revisit Sushi Imperial – vanilla pudding sounds promising! June 16, 2016 at 3:24pm Reply

    • sublimisomnium: I love L’Artisan Seville a L’aube – a distinctive spicy orange blossom floriental. The floral aspect gives it a reamy feel, and it is quite assertive for a L’Artisan.

      Alternatively you can also try Parfum Del Rae Wit for another spicy floral with a little more elegance and green. June 15, 2016 at 2:36pm Reply

      • kayliz: Thank you for the tips! I think Seville a l’Aube is beautiful, but it’s somehow not me (and not as spicy as I’m hankering after).
        DelRae Wit occupies a mystical place in my mind as a scent that’s always out of reach — I’ve often heard it mentioned in international blogs, but I don’t think it’s ever been available this side of Europe (the four DelRaes that used to be sold here seem to have been withdrawn too). June 15, 2016 at 3:38pm Reply

    • DaveStPaul: In 2014 Now Smell This had a “Spicy Fragrances for Summer” post — there were many suggestions, and a lot were surprising to me (in an interesting way) — many Comme des Garçons, even a Serge Lutens (in the summer!). Worth a look, I think. Good luck. =:o) June 15, 2016 at 2:50pm Reply

      • kayliz: Ah, thanks, great tip! June 15, 2016 at 3:40pm Reply

    • george: fils de dieu June 15, 2016 at 3:11pm Reply

      • kayliz: Oh, rice! Worth a try, thank you:) June 15, 2016 at 3:42pm Reply

    • Mia: Hi kayliz, how about Etro Shaal Nur? A bit citrusy and herbal with some vanilla and very soft and creamy. For me it is summery but soft which might be what you are after and kind of hard to find genre. June 15, 2016 at 8:16pm Reply

      • kayliz: Oh, Shaal Nur, very specia!l I had a decant and loved it, but the vetiver takes it out of the soft category for me. I do agree that it’s a lovely, and unusual, spicy summer perfume, very distinctive. June 16, 2016 at 3:56pm Reply

    • Tiffany: Try Shalimar Parfum Initial L’eau. June 16, 2016 at 6:30pm Reply

      • kayliz: Thank you, Tiffany! I remember this fondly as more candy floss than cream, but I have a sample that I’ll revisit. June 16, 2016 at 8:07pm Reply

    • Solanace: Thé pour un Été? June 18, 2016 at 5:47am Reply

      • kayliz: Yes, The pour un Ete, wonderful in summer! To me it’s fresh, crisp, green, which is often just what I want, especially when it’s hot. It’s just not pushing the creamy-spicy buttons… June 18, 2016 at 7:17am Reply

        • Solanace: True, it ain’t creamy. But I’m glad you enjoy it too. Delicious stuff! June 18, 2016 at 6:34pm Reply

  • Raquel: I like Clarins Eau Dynamisante for summer. June 15, 2016 at 10:08am Reply

  • kayliz: Thank you, Raquel! That’s more citrussy than the path I’m trying to go down, but it’s herbal too — something herbal might be what I’m after. Or very mild tobacco? As long as the whole thing is also creamy… not at all demanding, I know (!) June 15, 2016 at 11:53am Reply

  • kpaint: I’m looking for a jasmine. I recently bought Bobbi Brown Beach and love the jasmine in it, but it quickly gets overwhelmed by the sunscreen note on my skin and is lost thereafter.

    I’m not generally a big fan of BWFs as they’re often too sweet for me. I’ve worn Lutens A La Nuit, and find it a bit much it for that reason.

    I’ve tried Lush Lust and the jasmine note in it smells like hominy (dried corn) to my nose, which I’ve also found in some other jasmines I’ve tried (can’t remember which ones at the moment.)

    I love Van Cleef California Reverie, but I get no jasmine from it – it’s pure California orange groves on my skin.

    I’ve also worn Jasmine et Cigarette but the other notes in it snuff out the jasmine for me.

    Thanks for any suggestions! June 15, 2016 at 3:36pm Reply

    • kayliz: Have you checked out Victoria’s jasmine tips?

      https://boisdejasmin.com/2014/02/best-jasmine-perfumes.html

      Sounds as if the Donna Karan might be a good bet 🙂 June 15, 2016 at 7:00pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Songes by Annick Goutal is a beautiful jasmine that is softened somewhat with vanilla. That’s my favorite jasmine right now. Love and Tears from By Killian is a lovely fresh & more transparent jasmine (though pricey). June 16, 2016 at 4:36pm Reply

      • kpaint: I’ve put both on my list to try. Thanks! June 18, 2016 at 4:56pm Reply

  • ClareObscure: A big hello to my fellow perfume afficionados and fans of Bois de Jasmin. Like Raquel I like Eau Dynamisante in summer. I’m also wild about Annck Goutal’s Eau de Hadrian, Eau de Sud too but not as elegant a composition or sillage. Eau de serge lutens is fab too.
    On kpaint’s topic of Jasmin…Although reviews have been poor, I’m a fan of SL’s La Religieuse with its soft jasmin and incense nuance. Recently bought green wrapped bars of jasmine soap from a Chinese supermarket (Bee & Flower co) import. gorgeous and not pricey.
    For floral, wood and leather I covet Hermes Kelly Caleche. So many beautiful fragrances to try, wear and to enjoy. It’s a fascinating obsession, n’est-ce pas? June 15, 2016 at 6:32pm Reply

  • ClareObscure: Hi again, fragrant friends. this nightowl finally tamed the small print/blurry vision issue of reading all 160 comments.
    feedback to a few before bed. Loved the advice to Kate the Law student. I agree that your fragrance is mainly for your own inspiration, confidence and elegant projection. Kate, be your smartest you without the head spinning tropical seduction.
    It’s a fine line between feminine and femme fatale.
    Maria, My 2 fave tropical wow florals are vintage Oscar De la Renta, inspired by the flowers of his youth in the Dominican Republic; no 2 is Annck Goutal’s Grand Amour which reminds me of vintage 1970s Chamade by Guerlain. Heady, floral, woody and fab.
    The chat about cumin was very interesting and might explain my loathing of some perfumes I expected to like.
    Clarissa, a chocolate floral that I love is Jo Malone’s Blue Agava & Cacao. Gorgeous. Also loved byBrit actress, Emma Thompson.
    Lastly, to Kayliz, I didn’t think I would find a carnation perfume fpr me until I found Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Oeillet. Classy, spicy and suble with creamy amber. a new signature sillage for me.
    Thanks to all who have contributed to this chat. June 15, 2016 at 8:08pm Reply

  • ClareObscure: P.S. As a native of Pennsylvania who lives in Britain, I notice the time clock for this site is east coast/NYC USA or 5 hrs behind my time here of 1 am. Oh we are an international group! nitey nite, fellow fragrance fiends June 15, 2016 at 8:16pm Reply

    • Aurora: Thank you for your interesting feedback comments. I love this forum too. June 16, 2016 at 7:45am Reply

  • Old Herbaceous: My family and I will be in southern England later this summer. Any suggestions for great fragrances that are available in the UK but not readily available in the USA? I love florals but am open to all suggestions! We won’t be in London so Les Senteurs with its vast array is not an option … June 15, 2016 at 9:22pm Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: There might be a Floris – or is it available in the US? I think Penlahigon’s is – Floris floral fragrances are quite beautiful. Make sure to check out the local M&S too, they have Monotheme fragrances and the French Fragonard, and beauty product lines like Nuxe (I love Nuxe le parfum in summer) and Roger & Gallet, also for beauty products go to Superdrug and Boots you will find British beauty products. You might also find some local eau de lavande which is grown widely in the UK, The Cotswold Perfumery is great. Have a wonderful time! June 16, 2016 at 12:40pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Thank you, these are great suggestions! Penhaligon’s is readily obtainable here and I like many of theirs (love Ostara!). June 16, 2016 at 7:38pm Reply

      • girasole: Checking in on the Roger & Gallet range at M&S is a great suggestion. I’d also suggest visiting TKMaxx – you won’t be able to test anything there, but if you already know what you like, they often carry Penhaligon’s, L’Artisan and Miller Harris (among others). It won’t match the selection you could smell/sample in London, but you can do pretty well even in more out-of-the-way places. June 27, 2016 at 3:43pm Reply

    • Nina Z: Ormonde Jayne is very hard to find in the US. June 16, 2016 at 4:34pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Wow, great suggestion! Thank you! I’ll add that to my list! June 16, 2016 at 7:38pm Reply

    • Austenfan: This is a very random suggestion and probably mostly motivated by my own wish to obtain some more, but Caldey Island Lavender water is a lovely lavender. You could have it shipped to your UK address, they will no longer ship outside of the UK because of restrictions on transport of perfume, or something like that. June 18, 2016 at 7:10am Reply

      • kayliz: Austenfan, I have a still-bubble-wrapped one from my last trip over to Blighty (bought three: one for Mum, one for a friend, one for me, and decided against mine after sampling Mum’s).
        I’m in Germany — are you in NL? If so, no problem:) It’s kay dot henn squiggly freenet dot de. June 18, 2016 at 7:27am Reply

        • kayliz: P.S. @ Old Herbaceous
          Austenfan’s suggestion would also apply to samples from Roullier White online shop — they have a great range and a very good samples service.
          Otherwise I’ve been racking my brains to think of what might be in normal UK shops that isn’t available in the US… Shay and Blue, maybe?
          Aurora’s Marks and Spencer suggestion is brilliant!
          Ones to have sent could be Papillon and Hiram Green:) June 18, 2016 at 7:35am Reply

        • Austenfan: Oh you are too kind, I’m going to mail you soon! June 18, 2016 at 11:03am Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: Another good idea! We’ll be moving around a lot but I’m sure I can figure something out, as I have heard great things about it. June 23, 2016 at 7:03am Reply

  • Tina: Hi all! My favourite notes are subtle musk, watermelon and wild strawberry. I used to love “Tuscany per Donna” 20years ago, but it is practically nowhere to ne found in Europe. Any recommendations or thoughts on what could i try? June 16, 2016 at 5:13am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello: According to Fragrances of the World (a fun site) the following would be a match for Tuscany Per Donna:
      Hugo Boss Deep Red, Calvin Klein Euphoria, Agent Provocateur Petale Noir, Dior Addict, Michael Kors White Luminous Gold. Hope you will find a replacement for TPD among them. June 17, 2016 at 1:49pm Reply

  • Nora Szekely: Dear Victoria and Perfume lovers,

    Sorry for the off-topic but I promised to give you an account of the Jane Austen Ball. I asked recommendations as which perfume to wear in the February post.
    I selected Penhaligon’s Lavandula as I wanted to go for something English and delicate, ladylike. It was first recommended by Alicia and I fell in love with it immediately and ordered a 100 ml bottle. Thank you again, Alicia for this finding. It is such a feminine lavender, I smelled others but my nose links this ingredient too much to masculine scents due to recent usage. I even gifted my bottle of Jicky and sample of Gris clair to my brother for this reason. I did not use the scent until the ball as I wanted it to remember me of that night. (My fan still smells of it two weeks later).
    Now I’m inclined to continue in Regency style.

    My dearest friend,
    I have a thousand apologies to make for not writing sooner. I have had my pen in my hand to begin a letter to you almost every day since the ball, but have always been prevented by some silly trifler or other. I had the most delightful evening last Saturday and now I may at last describe every splendid detail to you.
    I’m sure you are most keen to read about my new attire. The dressmaker just about finished my gown on the day of the ball, I was in great distress as you may imagine, but in the end I could leave in time. I was wearing a turquoise blue-green silk taffeta gown with gold silk bodice. I wore white stockings and dark green shoes with matching ribbons. My long red hair has been piled up on my head in ringlets and the hairdresser tied a turquoise ribbon around it. I was delighted to wear my parure of green and white crystals at last, as you may imagine how rarely an occasion arises to put them on.
    I took my blue cashmere scarf and purple purse with me together with my white fan decorated with blue flowers. I put on my ecru gloves embroidered with pearls and white flowers. The coachman made an impertinent remark on my appearance but you know me, I’m not taken in by such conceited flattery.
    The ballroom has been the most amazing place you may conceive. The white walls decorated with gold, the chandeliers reflecting the light, a marvel to behold!
    I reunited with not less than nine of my closest, best friends, oh the joys of sharing such a delightful evening. I only regret that you could not join us for you were missed immensely.
    I had most agreeable dance partners too, even a gentleman from Australia! The party has been a cheerful one, everyone smiling and enjoying the music. The room has become incredibly hot to be sure but it did not prevent me to dance while the musicians played.
    Our host arranged a splendid dinner, tasteful but not too heavy. We had entertainment after dinner, a talented opera singer performing arias.
    The night passed away in a whim, I felt that I could not speak with all the dear friends and dance enough before it ended although I danced 15 dances at least. But alas, the pleasures most treasured by the heart pass most hastily.

    Affectionately yours,
    Nora Szekely

    Now you may recognize some lines from Miss Austen’s work and I tried to imitate a style superior to my own. 

    If you are interested, you can find some pictures at :
    Harmonyartfoto.hu/jane-austen-ball June 16, 2016 at 5:55am Reply

    • Nora Szekely: P. S. can someone recommend please a happy scent that cures post-ball spleen? June 16, 2016 at 5:56am Reply

    • Karen A: Wonderful! Can’t wait to see the photos! Hmmm, post-ball spleen, something light or something to help you hold on to the memories….. June 16, 2016 at 8:22am Reply

      • Nora Szekely: I will be wearing my dear Lavandula often, today I’m wearing Aqua Universalis by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, a light musky white flora scent that makes me feel clean in the heat we have now. I also adore la chasse aux papillons, such a joyous scent. June 16, 2016 at 8:33am Reply

    • Aurora: Hello Nora: How clever to use Jane Austen’s style to report on the ball. Well done!! And the photos are such fun. I recognized some of yours thanks to your description of the outfit, especially loved the turquoise ribbon, you look sensational! Wonderful hairdo, you have beautiful hair, and your scent choice perfect for the era. June 16, 2016 at 10:30am Reply

      • Nora Szekely: Thank you, Aurora.
        It was great fun to put together the details from scent to ribbons 🙂 June 21, 2016 at 4:49am Reply

    • limegreen: Dear Nora, I thoroughly enjoyed your post, so clever to imitate Austen’s style! Thank you for sharing the experience with us. 🙂 June 16, 2016 at 11:43am Reply

      • Nora Szekely: Thank you, limegreen. 🙂 June 21, 2016 at 4:50am Reply

    • SilverMoon: Dearest Nora,

      it was such a pleasure to read your letter recounting all the details about the ball. I am sure it was everything delightful. I wish we all could have been there. The dancing sounds both agreeable and energetic. And did the gentleman from Australia have extraordinary stories about his faraway land? Thank you for telling us all about it.
      Silvermoon June 16, 2016 at 2:53pm Reply

      • SilverMoon: PS Nora, you look absolutely lovely and like an Austen lady in the photos. i think I spotted you based on your description. 😊 June 16, 2016 at 2:56pm Reply

        • Nora Szekely: Thank you SilverMoon for your kind words.
          I too, wish that all of you could have been there. Some of the dances are indeed energetic but we had such fun that I did not even felt tired by the end of the night.
          The Australian gentleman told us fantastic stories about animals that jump up and down carrying their babies in their pocket. Can you believe it? 😉 June 21, 2016 at 4:52am Reply

    • Tati: Thank you for this. The photos are such fun. Now I’m dreaming of attending a Russian ball like in the scene in Anna Karenina! June 16, 2016 at 4:23pm Reply

      • Nora Szekely: There will a Sissi ball evolving around the Habsburg era (2nd haf of the 19th century)next year in Budapest. Just saying 🙂 June 21, 2016 at 5:30am Reply

        • Tati: Well, now, THAT is something. My mother is from Hungary/Slovenia, and I’ve dreamed of going to Budapest. What an occasion to go there. June 21, 2016 at 12:54pm Reply

    • kayliz: Oh my goodness, I’ve just spotted you from your description: WHAT a dress! And you look absolutely gorgeous.

      Post-ball dip: I’d be going for a comfort scent, I think, something soothing and enveloping, but still elegant so as to bask a little longer in the afterglow. Cuir Beluga, or Bois des Iles.

      For just happy: that coconut one by Honore des Pres? June 16, 2016 at 8:38pm Reply

      • Nora Szekely: Hi kayliz,
        Thank you for the compliments 🙂 I will try the coconut scent as I really find the smell of coconut comforting. As for the Chanels, they are not sold in Hungary but I will try them next time I’m in Western Europe. June 21, 2016 at 5:32am Reply

    • Michaela: Congratulations, Nora, for your excellent report! I’m happy for you! You made such a beautiful travel in time. June 17, 2016 at 8:42am Reply

      • Michaela: Beautiful pictures, too! Thank you! June 17, 2016 at 8:43am Reply

        • Nora Szekely: Thank you Michaela, I’m glad you enjoyed my report. June 21, 2016 at 5:33am Reply

  • Chin C.: A wonderful account above!

    I’m also here to report back my search for the perfect green / fresh, floral scent.

    I start to grow fond of Jour d’Hermes. It smells all grapefruit to me at first, but after smelling it perhaps for the 30th time, I start to get the white floral… But still it was all very abstract. But after that the other day I smell the JdH absolu and was then blown away by the lush flowers! It was very elegant, classy and feminine to me. Jour d Hermes was just right for me as I’m looking for a more unisex floral scent.

    Un matin d’orage was wonderful as well. It has an interesting mushroom note to it. A bit too feminine maybe…

    Now exploring…
    The pour un ete
    L’ombre dans l’eau June 17, 2016 at 10:37am Reply

    • kpaint: I love green florals, too, and am always on the lookout for more. I’m not sure what’s been recommended to you thus far, but some that fit the bill for me in the green floral category are Balenciaga Paris, Cartier Baiser Volé EDP, Carven L’Eau de Toilette, and Kenzo Parfum d’Ete.

      In the green and fresh genre, it might be worth trying Atelier Trèfle Pur, Hermès Muguet Porcelaine, Ormonde Jayne Sampaquita, and Tauer Carillon pour un Ange.

      For straight up green but not necessarily fresh or floral, vetiver is a solid route (I like Lalique Encre Noir, Atelier Vetiver Fatal, and ELdO Fat Electrician.) And while I’m not a fan of it myself, Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil is quite green. June 18, 2016 at 6:02pm Reply

      • Old Herbaceous: I’m in love with Muguet Porcelaine, based on one sample! Now saving/hoping for a full bottle! I’ll start dropping birthday hints early … June 23, 2016 at 7:09am Reply

  • Kari: This isn’t a question so much as a report back on my fragrance adventures, a little more than 6 months in.

    Kenzo Jungle L’Elephant continues to be my special favorite.

    Serge Lutens is the fragrance house I feel most at home with. In the winter I wore 5 o’clock au gingembre, un Bois Vanille, and Jeux de Peau a lot. I also fell in love with Chergui. As its warmed up in spring and early summer I’ve gravitated to Fleurs D’Oranger in a big way, and also La Fille Berlin and A La Nuit. I got a sample of Arabie that I’m crazy about and want to get a full bottle this fall.

    Out of the huge collection of samples courtesy of Karen, Mitsouko is the fragrance that kept me coming back to it. At first it felt like I was trying on someone else’s clothes, unsure if they suited me, but it was so alluring. Something clicked one day and I found the right mood for it. I carefully scouted out some small vintage Parfum bottles that I’m treasuring.

    I still regularly turn to Etat Libre d’orange Afternoon of a Faun, Like This, and Fils de Dieu.

    I got a small sample of Papillon Salome and LOVE it. I bought a small decant to tide me over while I ponder a full bottle, and am awaiting a decant of Tobacco Rose.

    I’ve found that cumin and cloves, though perceived to be challenging by many in the fragrance community, are usually a natural fit that I love.

    I excitedly got a sample of Alaia but was left cold by it. It’s kind of cloying on my skin. I need to try it again in a very small dose.

    Most of Le Labo is a bit flat on me, except that I love Rose 31.

    This has been a very fun journey so far! June 19, 2016 at 3:11pm Reply

    • Kari: Oh, and totally forgot about one more that I fell hard in love with: Yosh Stargazer. Be still my ginger loving heart! It’s a gorgeous ginger and stargazer lily. June 19, 2016 at 7:59pm Reply

  • Heather H: Hello,

    I am probably too late to ask for a recommendation, but I will try. I am looking for a beautiful, sparkly summer fragrance. I love rose and gardenia. I also love lemons and oranges and vanilla too. Any suggestions? Thank you! June 24, 2016 at 11:41am Reply

    • Victoria: How about Marc Jacobs for Her or Annick Goutal’s Un Matin d’Orage for gardenia? June 24, 2016 at 12:47pm Reply

      • Heather H: Thanks Victoria. I can’t wait to try! June 24, 2016 at 2:25pm Reply

    • Sofie: Hi Heather, I wore Jour D’Hermès Gardenia throughout summer (winter now in my part of the woods) and really enjoyed it. Beautiful, slightly retro feel, a prim gardenia, not overwhelming. June 27, 2016 at 5:25am Reply

      • heather h: Thank you for the suggestion. This perfume sounds lovely! June 28, 2016 at 11:54am Reply

    • kpaint: Beautiful and sparkly summer fragrances for someone who loves lemons and oranges makes me think of Van Cleef California Reverie, Atelier Bergamote Soleil, and Eau De Cartier Zeste De Soleil. June 28, 2016 at 3:27pm Reply

  • Elena: Dear friends, I am on the hunt for a perfect floral with sweet touch. Ideally I would love it to stay long and have an elegant cloud or trail. My no-no notes are lily, tuberose, gardenia, geranium, patchouli. I love transparent but warmish sweetish variants. With some yellow flower touch maybe. My signature is Kenzo D’ete. I also adore Rajasthan by Etro. June 25, 2016 at 3:37pm Reply

    • Elena: Thank you so much for this web-site, Victoria and the team. This is my comfort zone 🙂 June 25, 2016 at 3:44pm Reply

  • Aurora: Have you tried Lancôme Poeme? It’s a lovely sweet yellow flower (mimosa) scent, it’s long lasting and has good sillage. Cinema is also a mimosa and amber. Or maybe Prada Infusion d’Iris or even the Absolue one which is sweeter but perhaps a little dense and you want transparent. Also, Guerlain Terracotta le Parfum might be an option: white floral (orange blossom and jasmine but no tuberose or lily) and coconut, very nice for the summer. You don’t mention what you think of fruit but I’ll recommend 2 fruity scents: Annick Goutal Quel Amour and Cacharel Noa l’Eau (a big favourite of mine) just in case. June 28, 2016 at 8:56am Reply

    • Elena: Thank you so much for your recommendations. I indeed love Poeme but I am little self conscious to wear it. Iris is not particularly my cup of tea. The other options sound like I may pull them off. Thank you! July 7, 2016 at 4:55pm Reply

      • Aurora: Hello Elena: thank you so much for your answer! I’m familiar with the feeling ‘like it very much but not quite me’ you have with Poeme. And if you don’t find a perfect fit with the other scents, don’t hesitate to query again in the next thread, you might get more answers this way. July 8, 2016 at 3:49pm Reply

        • Aurora: Hello again Ellena: I keep thinking of your request, so if you’re still reading…

          For summer but maybe not the hottest day: Chloe l’Eau a bright citrus over rose, violet, peony and patchouli; no lily (but there is lily of the valley which is very different)

          For hot days: it might be interesting for you to try some of the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria fragrances: they have Herba Fresca, from the permanent collection, a very good green herbal scent, very original, Nerolia Bianca which I wear a lot at the moment, it’s an orange blossom scent but not too sweet (I hope this one is still available it’s from last year but they discontinue the fragrances really quickly unless they decide to keep them in the permanent collection), and from the permanent collection, their very well known Pampelune (but for that one you have to like grapefruit a lot). Also, Eau de Guerlain is very good for summer, it’s a classic. July 11, 2016 at 7:11am Reply

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