I’ve gendered that silly word above, but feel somehow it’s still not right. Oh well.
I started a new job last week. For thirteen years, I’ve been at the chalkface / whiteboard / interactive digital medium, facing pupils / students / a learning focused (ha!) client base. Now, instead, I’m working in a… but this isn’t what the post’s about, so I’ll save that for another time.
What’s curious is that for the fragrantly obsessed, any opportunity can be given over to scented rumination. My colleagues are very bright, articulate enthusiasts who love to do a good job but who, with one or two exceptions, know diddly squat about me. And in Britain, you generally don’t ask a whole heap of questions to a newbie, even if you’re gagging to. I’ve already put my neck on the line by commenting twice on people’s scents (for the inquisitive, a trace of Prada on one, an unnamed chypre on another). So, for the moment, or at least for as long as I can keep my flappy trap shut, I’m an enigma (apologies to March), an aporia (and again), a tabula rasa.
When my head isn’t whirling with its induction hurricane – hello, there goes the house, Dorothy and Toto; here comes the pointy faced old bat on the bicycle – I’ve given some long and hard thinkage to what scents to wear in my first few days on the job. Alongside two other priorities of course – a) working out how to access the posse at work given that the office is an open-plan, hot desk style thingamijig; b)actually doing some work. It’s important to me that I don’t overpower my new workmates with a potent fume-arama, but they’ve gotta get used to the idea that I smell different, every day, and am likely to for the next 50 days, at the least. So here’s what I’ve worn so far, and possibly why.
Day 1 – If I was to take all my scents, and attempt to extrapolate a core identity from them, it’d probably say ‘favours spice more than not; favours orientals more than not’, if nothing else. I don’t only wear scents of this kind, but I seem to have more of them than anything else. So, for my first day in the office, I opted for Costes, a lavender and spice melange that is light enough (that Giacobetti touch truly is the equivalent to choux in the pastry chef’s world – her perfumes seem beaten with air) to be a transparent suggestion of scent even whilst, on me at least, it lasts and lasts. And it’s as ungendered as you can get – in fact, to the uninitiated, it probably smells soapy clean and classy, and that’s something I’m happy to be associated with on my first day. It was, at least recently, half price in Barney’s.
Day 2 – sticking with the soapy clean thing, I wore Bvlgari pour Homme. Created by Jacques Cavallier – more famous for Stella, l’Eau d’Issey, M7 and the uber-synthetics, Ultraviolet Man and Woman – in 1995, this has Bvlgari’s trademark tea notes alongside a blend of citrus and musk. On their website, Bvlgari claims this has a ‘strong masculine personality’, but it doesn’t really, at least not in the conventional sense. It’s a disappearer-repeater, seemingly having left without a trace one moment, only to reappear a little later. A crystal clear perfume of high quality, which makes you feel unscentedly scented.
Day 3 – you know, I can’t remember. What, you expected me to make notes?
Day 4 – I read somewhere once (probably on another blog – sorry for not remembering!), about how citrus scents are supposed to make you seem like a go-getter type, with your eye on the ball. Inspired by all the Nicolai talk in these here parts and maybe that thought (hey, I might trick myself into believing it!), I wore Balle de Match. I love how this starts in grapefruit and.. is that blackcurrant? Something else… before drying down into a mossy, woodsy blend. It’s what to wear when you don’t know what to wear.
Day 5 – the secondhand Dior suit was pulled out the cupboard: I had a presentation to do to a sceptical audience of 150. I looked smooooooooth. Dior Homme, naturally. Now, this is a POWER aroma – no more than two sprays under the shirt for faint wafts of cocoa- and cardamom-dusted iris loveliness all day long. Those cynics ate out of my hands. If you go somewhere like Basenotes, you’ll see the mixed response this fragrance has received. I can only say I’ve had some of my best work days wearing it, even if I am smelling like a make-up bag.
Day 6 – sticking with the Dior theme, Bois d’Argent. I love this stuff. It’s got iris, honey, incense and myrrh. There’s a woody quality to it too, but once again, it stakes its ground firmly in unisex territory. I was initially irritated by the size of the bottles when I bought this – how’s a scent addict going to get through 125ml of anything? 2 years later, only a third is left. So much for my irritation. It’s not an overpowering scent, but it does last all day, wafting waves of golden green goodness (I don’t get the silver of the name so much) wherever you may roam. And I can’t sing its praises enough, even though no-one in my new job has yet to do the same. We’re British, what can I say?
To win samples of these ‘induction’ scents, leave a message below telling us what you’d wear to a new something or other, and why. I’ll announce the winner in next week’s Fourplay.
Mon. 1st day in court on new case–French Lover, formal
Tue: 1st day in court as defendant (!) Avignon, innocence
Weds: lost the case– Voleur de Rose or Mandragore, to wallow
Thurs: Back on appeal– Noir Epice
Fri: interview new client: C&S No 88
I’m intrigued…
Hi Lee,
Best of luck in your new venture…I’m thinking it’s in the academic field? I’m sure that you will get tons of wonderful attention based on your fragrance wardrobe:)
My choice for the first day on the job or first interview is probably Le Parfum de Therese for it’s vintage/modern yet classy feel. For a formal event, I always end up getting a new perfume to match my new outfit (does anyone else do this?). My latest addition is Cadjmere by PG to wear to an outdoor function. Otherwise, my fragrance is based on weather and mood more than anything else:)
Looking forward to an update on your job!
I still have to sniff Cadjmere at some point – I’ve been a bit sloooow on latest releases.
It’s not exactly academic, though there’s lot of research involved. I guess it’s closest to educational consultancy. Kind of a crossbreed of the two…
Interesting post!..
I would probably wear Chanel gardenia as a ‘first day at work scent’ as its pretty but safe or maybe UN Lys with a light hand (for the same reason)..But if things threaten to get too floral for me..I would probably sneak a dab of Poivre on a little nook of my arm for secret sniffs…
Actually I do this all the time- I have multiple scents on my arm (not layered) so that if I get bored in the course of the day I can entertain myself with furtive sniffs ..*grin*
please enter me in the draw..(if I am not too late)
I’m with you on the furtive sniffing – and I love Poivre…
A few days late, as always…You are making *me* want to wear Bois d’Argent! Mmmmm…
Funny thing about scents at the office. I wear something different almost every day (obviously), but people hardly seem to notice. I’m overly cautious with application, but certain scents especially are simply just *there.* You know the world can smell you (hello, white florals!). The only two perfumes anyone commented on (favorably) were Weil Zibelene and L’Artisan Dzing! (Dzing! because I spray and spray, I can’t get enough). All this to say: the people who get noticed around here as far as scent go are people who wear scents A) that are easy to recognize and B) who wear the same scent every day. I wouldn’t say they over apply, necessarily, but they have “scent personalities.”
I’ll stop rambling now.
I think I’d entirely agree with your A and B. I like a ramble!
Heresy!
Actually, there are quite a few days where I’m close to unscented, but scent in a new job is something of a comfort blanket for me. I’ll get there soon. Probably be invisible like Grenouille though.
Being a panicky, nervous sort of person, I would wear my ultimate snuggle-me-and-smell-like-my-mommy scent, which is ‘Tocade’. It always makes me feel ‘safe’ 😀
First non threatening/fun thing- I’d wear ‘Lipstick Rose’. Oh JOY!
My comfort scents are all a bit weird. I maybe need to get that checked out.
Hi Lee
Haven’t you thought of doing – the first day or so- a zero thing, getting folks the chance to see Lee naked, undiorized, just for once so they can start from point zero? *as always too late with his comments, sneaking off*
See post 36!
I’d love to be in the drawing–I haven’t tried a single one that you talk about.
My newest lovely (but not weird enough to make anyone’s brows raise) scent is 06130 Lentisque. I haven’t heard “boo” about it in the blogs, but it’s nice and woodsy, ambery, and floral all at once. Wears close enough to the skin that someone needs to get right up next to me to smell it–that can be good too in a business setting.
You’re in!
Another one that’s new to me!
Maria, you’re giving me the nerve to weigh in even though it’s late. Dior Homme would be lovely — just tried some on. For a first day at work, I’d wear the Cuir de Russie; it stays close to my skin so probably wouldn’t offend anybody. Subsequent crisp fall days call for Passage d’Enfer, so wonderfully woodsy-winey. For my first day of being 64 years old, which happens tomorrow, I’m going to wear my soul-scent: Fresh Patchouli Pure, recently from The Perfumed Court.
(Thank you ladies of the Court).
Happy Birthday! Hope you do something lovely and don’t have too many people singing the Beatles at you.
Thank you, Lee. Funny you should mention it. On the way out to dinner last night, DH popped that Beatles CD in the player and we drove along laughing and singing. For one month here, we’re both the same age. When that song first came out, we loved it, and walked the floor with our (very) colicky first baby to that song (and especially to “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends.”) So that’s a song with special memories. Good luck on the job — what’re you wearing today?
First date: La Chasse
First day at new work: Jolie Madame or O de Lancome (depends on weather)
Meeting the parents: 24 Faubourg Eau Delicate
Presenting in front of cynical audience: Cabochard
Wedding day (first and last, I hope): La Chasse or maybe Olene
Wedding night:Shalimar
First visit of a real Japanese garden: a dab of Kyoto
First day in really gorgeous high (HIGH) heel killer stilettos (when I finally learn to walk in high heels): Paris. Or Musc Ravageur. Depends of the rest of the outfit.
Great list!:d
I have to say my first day perfume is always Coco Mademoiselle, it has this lovely bain du rum soaked watermelon on me. It seems to put people at ease and remind them of their hedonist trip to Jamaica in college. Of course then it would be followed w the classic Bois d’Ile. Then for a lurid evening I would wear Must de Cartier which is Moscow’s white nights wrapped in an amber glow. For a slightly more casual or spring date it would be Bond’s nuit de noho. I don’t think I’ve ever smelled Dior Homme or actually more accurately I’ve smelled it but since it’s never been in the style of the man in my life never really given it much note. So I’ll have to put that on my list of sniff’s to test out. And Costes is lovely but I could do w a review. I change all the time in what I like. That’s the glory of evolution and revolution.
PS Can you add me to the sniff list lotto aussi?
Of course I can! Excellent choices by the way.
I’m quite late responding, but I didn’t get a chance before now. You smell wonderful, Lee–even if your co-workers are not consciously aware of it.
I’m wearing Eau des Merveilles today, and it’s been a pleasant experience even if looking out at a sea of apathetic faces isn’t. I can see how Costes would be a good one for a new job. It’s understated. My DH recently tried a bit of our sample, and it was interesting at first, but then it became less so. I haven’t tried it on my skin yet.
Please put me in the draw. I would have commented anyway. I dashed to the computer as soon as I could. 😡
You’re in the draw of course. Sorry about the apathy – you’ll turn em around!:x:x
I’ll put you in the draw for them, my sweetness. Mandragore is a great choice, as well as Passage d’Enfer. But Timbuktu, much as I love it, is potent brew on me.
Lee, I don’t know if you’ll see this reply or not, it’s so late (I was driving yesterday afternoon … ). I, alas, have perfume-eating skin. I had no idea that Timbuktu could overpower. On me it just settles down into something yummy and very close to the skin. OTOH, many other things settle down into nothing. Musc Ravageur barely maintains a whiff of vanilla. Sigh. At least it’s lovely vanilla, which so many aren’t.
I like Maria’s comment. I’m sure your co-workers appreciate your, ah, smell, whether they are explicitly aware of it or not.
In my present job, I could wear anything, even those few things that keep screaming after I’ve applied them. The reason — I have a coworker who must bathe in Allure Sensuelle every morning. You can smell her through hallways and probably entire buildings.
I love this kind of post, too!!! Me three or four!!!
And since my present contract ends in exactly two weeks, I’ve been pondering the question of what to wear for the next round of interviews. Scent-wise, that is. Right now, I’ll probably follow Tom and wear Hadrien, or maybe Mandragore, which is enough more interesting on my skin to keep me happy, without tending to overpower. But it depends on the interview. For the artier or start-up types, I could go for Passage d’Enfer, which settles me so nicely, or Timbuktu, which is a recent love of mine. There’s the need-to-be-elegant me, too, who would probably reach like several others for Chanel CdR (less likely BdI, but it’s a possibility).
Costes, Dior Homme, here I come! I haven’t tried them, and now I must.
see below. Oops.
Balle De Match, yes, perfect when nothing else is quite working. I think I’ll put that on right now!
Baby, you smell good…
I usually stick to the ultra-lights, like Hadrien. Or a bare spritz of Eau de Sud. I wait a few weeks before pulling out the SL’s.
BTW- that was the last Costes at Barneys you got. They said they aren’t carrying it anymore. I didn’t even steal a drop! Aren’t you blinded by the glare of my halo?
You want me to send you a drop of the Costes?
Maybe in the next exchange..
There will be a next one. right?
Fo sho!
Hi Lee!
Just wanted to say hi and send you good wishes for your new job. 🙂 I bet you’re the best smelling person they’ve ever encountered!
Hugs!
Thank you!
Not sure, but think on PoL they use perfumeo (?) I like perfumisto better.
Couldn’t agree more w/ Balle de Match as what to wear when you don’t know what to wear.
Enjoy your new job!
Perfumisto is MUCH better…
Thank you.
When doing the first time meeting of people I usually stick to scents that have a light clean musky quality to them (this seems to be the combo that loves my skin): Bvlgari pour femme, Pure Grace, Egyptian Goddess, Ivoire, Les Couvents des Minimes Orange Blossom, Omnia, Green Fig by Body Time.
And I bet people just linger in your presence sniffing it all in. I know I would…
Lovely post, very provocative and inspiring.
I’m afraid I’m a slave to the seasons. In this heat, I would choose something that made a very soft and clean aura around me without creating much sillage, so that when people lean in to shake hands they are pleased by the fresh air that surrounds me. Perhaps The Different Company’s Sel de Vetiver, which never seems to emanate from my skin but just to accompany me. Christiane Celle’s The would also be a good choice for me.
In winter cold, something cozy and yes, foody, applied veeeeerrrry lightly so that it isn’t overwhelming. In cozy weather I do like to … what’s the fragrance equivalent of glowing? I like the fragrance to radiate from me. Spices or better yet, chocolate. I am one of the lucky folks who can get away with CSP’s Amour de Cacao without coming across as if I am smuggling donuts under my coat– or perhaps Pilar & Lucy’s The Exact Friction of Stars, which surrounds me with alternate whiffs of hot chocolate with orange peel, cinnamon-vanilla candle shop, and gun oil.
Sel de Vet – that was my day 3 scent. Thank you!
Oh, I like that winter sensation too – and I reach for Ambre Narguile. Heavenly.
excellent – I would love to try your picks. especially the delicious sounding Dior Homme. Maybe I could just call it “Dior Hmmmm” instead, being a lady and all.
For a first relaxed day I would wear Micallef Gaiac for its sweet subtle woodsy-ness that makes me thoughtful, or maybe Chergui for its warmth. For a wide-awake go-getter day, I’d wear L’Occitane Verveine or Demeter Basil, though people might think I smell like a garden.
You hmm away!
And what’s wrong with smelling like a garden?
Congrats on the new start! It sounds like you’ve got a handle on it. I think “perfumisto” is the right word, BTW. I use “perfumista” on occasion.
As someone who used to wear Poison to work a looong time ago, I’m in no position to opine on a good work scent. But you’re doing an excellent job on your own… maybe stay away from the things we’ve described using the word “buttcrack”?:-?
How about: Eau des Merveilles, Courtesan, and Fig-Tea. And any really light cologne, I think — Bois d’Argent, the Chanel one, Guerlain vetiver…
I should give Merveilles a go for sure, though it will be a while before I spritz MKK and CB’s Musk with gay (no less) abandon. Not that I wear musky stuff much. Though I am craving Musc Ravageur – autumnal desires and comfort, methinks.
Whether I’ve got a handle on it – honestly March – the induction process is a mixture of Buddhism, new age gimcrackery, psychobabble and sound educational analyses… Try piecing all that together.:-“
To the first day at a new job, or to a job
interview, I would wear Chanel number 5. This
is because it’s recognizable by many people
as expensive and good, and I would be afraid
to “surprise” people that I have to live with
with a scent that might challenge them too
much.
Yeah, that’s a sound point. I wonder what the male equivalent is. Eau Sauvage, I guess…
How timely this post is. I started at a new job yesterday. It’s just me in my office for now and since it’s still pretty warm I’ve just been wearing Eau des Merveilles. I figure it won’t kill those who I do make contact with…and hey, maybe the citrus-y parts will make me seem the “go-getter” type with my eye on the ball. We can hope!
Best of luck with the new gig and please sign me up for the samples. 😡
Of course. And keep that citric eye on the ball. Good luck to you!
Now that I have developed a perfume habit that rivals my cousin’s coke habit, I typically plan my perfume before my outfit for any situation. But for the unknown …hmmm
Job setting : I don’t officially work, but if I did, I’d wear 24 Faubourg or Chanel Cuir de Russie Bois des Iles. These are elegant, delicious and have just that hint of “I will dominate you!” The Anne Boylens of my perfume wardrobe.
Unknown meeting with a man for romantic interest: Mitsouko or Enlevement au Serail. New Femme. Sexy, seductive with a bit of mystery
Unknown Social event: Various Guerlain’s Jicky. The lavendar citrus skank thing soothes and surprises. Unless I’m going to a wedding. Then it’s Fracas. The florals and bit of salt are perfect.
Good Luck with the new job Lee! I’m sure they wonder who smells so terrific!
Lovely comment – thank you. You sum up how multilayered scent can make a person…
And thanks for the kind wishes.
Gosh, Lee, I wish I had collegues that were not only as cute and smart as you, but that thought about scent at all! My one fellow cute-teach is very young, usually smells of bike sweat (he rides to work), but dabs on FCUK (Patty:note the need for careful scrutiny of metatheses… 🙂 -and smells yummy. The kids smell of Axe-blech. Or no-bath-um…
For a don’t-be-noticed much day/comfort needed, I wear Bois Farine to work. For an I-just-don’t-care-about-you’re-delicate-nose days, I wear a drop of Tabac Blond, or spritz of Blue Amber (note these are wintery scents-I’m off for summers. For meetings-Bois des Iles. Feeling grown-up.
For a warm-to-hot date, I stick to my reliable Black Cashmere, or for a very close friend, Perfect Night.
Yes, that Axe/Lynx aroma…. Yukadoodledandy. I’m definitely not missing that! Do you get those boys who spray it just before coming into class? Headache alert! Headache alert! I’d rather the no-bath-um, cept where its a little too hoboish on occasion…
Your cute teach buddy sounds yummy. I feel the need to meet him.
:”>
And thanks for the date stuff. I go with Nuit Noire nowadays when I’m feeling earthly desires.
Now, darlin’, my cute young bud would be thrilled to meet you, too…but we need to get you here (so many reasons for that visit). Tonight I take him for his special 20 something birthday dinner. Fragrance? BC with a tiny touch of Perfect Night!
Hmm. For my first day as Girl Lion Tamer, I’d wear a leopard sarong and a generous dose of Dzing.
For my first day as a tart in the Combat Zone, I’d wear a stretchy black dress and a load of L’Air de Rien.
And, last but not least, on my second day as the abovementioned tramp, I’d get arrested seducing a hot undercover cop, and I’d hop in his car wearing not much more than Memoire Liquide 211 (Cafe Royal) mixed with a dash of 212 (Bisou de Chocolate).
Can I be your friend, multitasker?:x
Absolutely!
Oh, what fun! I never used to wear scent to work. In a mostly male tech setting I didn’t want that kind of attention. But, now that I’m a sniffaholic I do it every single day.
First day – that’d depend on if it’s my rent job or my art work. For a rent job where I wanted to have professional presence without attracting sexual attention: Chanel #18, or Joseph Statkus Eau de Parfum. For my photo work, meeting a new client or talking to a gallery, I’d want a strong presence with just a hint of erotic mystery. Cuir Ottoman would do that, as would Bois d’Argent (which is rather sexy on me & also, as a friend who equates sex with intellect said, smart.)
Speaking of, I think I’m falling in love with Bois d’Argent but can’t figure where it’s sold. Help?
If you run out of B&M options, you should be able to order a bottle through Neiman’s website. Yum!
Wah, it’s “not currently available”! B&M options? What’s that? I did get my sample from PerfumedCourt, but I’d really like a full bottle …
Sorry-Brick & Mortar-as in the old-fashioned way to shop! Have you tried Saks? Did Neiman’s give you a date?
Oh duh, geez lol. After crapping out online I tried Bloomies Soho, haven’t gotten uptown yet to Sak’s. Maybe this week. The NM site had no date posted.
You’ve inspired me to try for sex appeal at work.. Santal de Mysore, methinks!
Hope you get the BdA. It is glorious.
Sex appeal is a dicey attribute at work. Art stuff is different. I have a rather quiet demeanor when I’m new-ish & given that my art work is about sensuality I think giving a few subliminal scent queues would show that I’m woman enough for the task 😉 Not that looking at the photos wouldn’t make it clear but you know, it’s nice to have that certain presence thing going on. Good luck w your sexy self, let us know how that goes or if they go all Brit on you & make no notice.
Oh, do disclose more info, don’t be so stingy on us, says Inquisitivo here. 🙂
You’ve got some great choices there – love Dior Homme and have recently warmed to the super-ultra-subtle Bvlgari PH, which you described perfectly. For a new anything, I’d wear something iris, like L’homme de Coeur, or a formal spicy citrus-patch like CK Contradiction. Stacked among hundreds of samples in the two giant shoeboxes I got for my bday from a scent fairy, I discovered a stunning 80’s, sadly dc/d fougere (not usually my type) – Francesco Smalto PH, a rich herbal/mossy goodness with a soft leather drydown. I’d happily wear it anytime, anywhere. If I could find me a bottle, that is. Have you tried it?
And have fun in your new job! 🙂
l’Homme de Coeur – definitely! Though recently that’s been disappearing on my skin within a few minutes… And it’s upsetting cos I love it so. In fact, I’ve been debating not replacing it when my bottle runs out…
And no, I’ve never tried the Smalto…
I stress out about going into new work places. I am not so good outside my comfort zone and when I have to present myself as confident and sophisticated…! I recently did a stint doing just that and found myself reaching for Chanel’s Bois des Iles and Cuir de Russie. I do love Chanels, they are both elegant, familiar, and comfort all in one for me.
I have Costes coming in the post so I am glad you mentioned it and have just put on Bois d’Argent in your honour. I’d forgotten how nice it is:x thank-you.
It is lovely, isn’t it? Unlike you Amarie, I’m a born show-off. Sometimes, I wish I had an off switch…
Lee, good luck with the new job, and with remembering even half the days!
I guess it would depend what sort of new situation. I agree with someone else about if its a meet with creative types, then I would wear what I like, so back to Black Orchid or the Musc Rav when it arrives (yes, I fell for its charms hook line and sinker, and the sample was not enough).
Parents evening with daughters new scary teacher, probably going to do either Stella Sheer or Paul Smith Rose.
Other than that, have come to the conclusion you are all much more considerate than me. I wear what makes me feel good, and gives me the most confidence in new situations. I know with Black Orchid to play it with a light touch, but I’ve generally always been tight with my fragrance so hopefully never overpowering. But just going off to hang my head in selfish shame :”>
A light touch probably excuses you! I imagine a light touch, but I always end up doing four sprays most of the time, as my minimum. Dior Homme, this week excluded…
I mean ‘I imagine I have a light touch…’
Still subject to reading between the lines!:o
At the start of a new job, I’d wear Carnal Flower, albeit more sparingly than usual, because it’s not only the perfume that fetches me the most compliments, it has the amazing ability to elevate the mood: not just my mood, but the mood of everyone around me. By its sheer beauty, it seems to command the kind of respect that, well, I don’t manage to command by my somewhat shy personage alone. 🙂
Y’know, I think scent can only bring out what’s there, latent or otherwise, anyway. You’re delightfully modest!
I have a bottle of Shalimar edt that I wear on occasions when I have to keep it on the lighter side. It goes vanilla very fast on me and it stays close to my skin. I get a lot of complements when I wear it so I suppose others like it. Luckily, I do not have to worry about my coworkers, they are used to the fact that my scent changes on a daily basis–It is my mother’s nose that will be the death of me. I see my mother almost every day, we live within minutes of each other. Besides going without scent completely(which I cannot do even for the one who gave me life), there’s nothing I can do. I haven’t found a perfume that lady likes yet and I have been trying for about fifteen years. Oh well, another reason to buy more. Like I need one.
I meant compliments 8-}
Is your ma, allergic, contrary or just pernickety? Still, she must love you, even if she can’t bear your sillage.
Wonderful description. For first day at work Bois d’Iris or Caleche, for presenting in front of cynic audiences, Paloma Picasso or 24 Faubourg. But now I have to go and try out Dior Homme, the notes are my favourites and if it works that would be my first attempt on masculine marketed scents.
Well, if you win the samples, I’ll let you know, powerful chypre woman!
Inspired by your description I made a beeline to Dior Homme on Wednesday at the airport. It was all the good things I was expecting but with a fleeting additional accord of shaving foam. Too masculine for me. What a pity. I have to recommend it to men I know so that I can still enjoy the scent. As a consolation I reached for my bottle of Daim Blond. Of all my perfumes this brings me most compliments and made a couple of male collegues swoon. Whether this is the effect I am after professionally is another matter. And yes please, do add my name to the draw.
I am starting school today, and I am deciding among Diorling (probable winner), Chanel Cuir de Russie, and Doblis. Do we sense a theme here? Maybe also Tauer Orris.
I hope your day went as well as you scented it!
I, of course, am thrilled by hearing you wear Diors! That puts me in the state of aporia. :)>-
… and I always think of you when I do…:x
Hello, baby !
What lovely choices you made.
[The new schoolboy off to his big adventure…I can see you in knee-socks, and short pants, spit-shined new shoes !]
I guess, I’m a ‘mood-setter’,in those sorts of circumstances.
Chanel # 19,Rykiel Woman,AL Silk- these don’t threaten anyone, and tend to put folk at ease, without putting them to sleep …
If I’m in artsy circles, I wear what I want.
If I’m with the ailing, I go for soothing- Farnesiana, Cuir Beluga, Mimosa Pour Moi- the more soporific, the better.
Dior Homme is a great one to wear- I’ve worn that, too- when I want to smell pretty, but not intimidating.
Love you !
These circles are a little too esoteric to be artsy, but I’m sure I’ll be digging out the Lutens and ugly orientals before too long.
*pulls up socks*
😡
Lee,
Your posts always give me goosebumps. I can just picture you there, all suave and Diorified. Wicked cool. I never wear scent to an interview…though it kills me…to a first day, I tend to choose lighter scents too….like En Passant. I also have worn Arpege pour Homme (before I couldn’t hold back any longer and broke out the Carnal Flower power). Both garnered praise, with the CF demanding much, much more attention. I love Dior Homme too, by the way…..wow, we have one in common!:o
Joining the Arpège/DH fan club, but I can’t do Arpège in summer for its overwhelming spiciness. Hey, when are you posting your pic? We’re waiting, drumming fingers and all… 🙂
I promise, next time I post….:”>
I’m sure we’ve got more than Dior Homme in common – I wear Arpege on occasion too – that’s such a bargain scent to pick up – everyone should own it. And thanks for the compliment.
If I were walking into a completely unknown situation, I would like to wear my version of “what to wear when you don’t know what to wear” – Max Mara, cool and fresh with birch sap and herbal notes, it will offend no one but will also stand out as something not everyone else is wearing. It is firmly a unisex scent IMHO, though marketed as a feminine.
Oh, and Lee, anyone who can work in a reference to pate a choux and use the term “tabula rasa” in the same post has my undying admiration. ^:)^
Glad to be of service.
I’m adding that ‘fume to my ‘must sniff’ list.
To a new anything: Chanel No. 5 because, believe it or not, it is the perfume with which I have received the most compliments ever – my chemistry does love the Ernest Beaux Chanel’s! Thanks Lee for great insight into perfume for a new job.
I bet you’re seriously elegant!:)