The cherry blossoms in Central Park are not the only signs that spring has arrived in the Big Apple. When I notice that New Yorkers shed their habitual dark uniforms and incorporate a splash of color into their wardrobe, I know that winter is finally over. I start taking my lunch outside and find small open air coffee shops to enjoy some sunshine and people watching—one hour of la dolce vita, if you will. As I was observing a beautiful redhead in a pistachio green coat and pink shoes, I realized how energizing colors can be. I myself was dressed in grey jeans and a black sweater, hardly a dazzling color combination.

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If you would like to discuss your favorite discontinued perfume, please email me at editor at boisdejasmin dot com. 

My “Long Lost Favorite” series has received a couple of requests for Giorgio Armani Mania. I am glad it is one of the fragrances you are curious to replace, because it has been among my favorite perfumes.  Armani has several Manias on the market today–Armani Mania Pour Elle, Armani Mania Pour Homme as well as a numerous summer flankers, but none have the sultry character of the 1999 original Mania. Created by Jacques Cavallier, it included notes of bergamot, orange blossom, green notes, clove, nutmeg, saffron, amber, white musk, incense, and vanilla. After the shimmering citrus and cinnamon notes, Mania revealed a velvety heart of incense and amber. Unlike most fragrances that rely on rich woods and amber, Mania was radiant and easy to wear. It felt like a silk wrap, rather than a fur coat. Why on earth did Armani discontinue it?

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Indie perfumer Mandy Aftel’s new perfume Sepia was inspired by her explorations of California’s Gold Country ghost towns. During the Letters to A Fellow Perfumer series on Nathan Branch’s blog, Sepia went from a fantasy of a lost world to a perfume. It is includes notes of cedarwood, yellow mandarin, pink grapefruit, pink lotus, strawberry, jasmine grandiflorum, cocoa, coffee, tobacco, oud, indole, ambergris, cepes, and labdanum. I decided to ask Mandy a few questions about her perfume and the creative process behind it.

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The Fragrance Foundation has announced its top ten finalists for the FiFi Awards 2012. A list of all the nominees can be found at www.fragrance.org  > FiFi Awards > Nominees. The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on May 21st.

Luxe Women

ANGEL Eau de Toilette by Thierry Mugler – Clarins Fragrance Group

Beyoncé Pulse – Coty Inc.

Bottega Veneta – Coty Prestige

ELIE SAAB Le Parfum – Beauté Prestige International

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You know that the summer is coming soon when you see more citrus themed summer editions on the perfume counters. Besides L’Artisan Parfumeur Mandarine, there will be another sweet citrus perfume to try–Donna Karan Essence Mandarin. It includes notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, petitgrain, jasmine, neroli, oakmoss, vetiver, and styrax. Donna Karan Essence collection includes Lavender, Jasmine, Wenge, Labdanum, and Iris. $95-100 for a 3.4oz Eau de Parfum spray. Via Neiman Marcus