Hey, everybody! Happy fifth of July! There have been a lot of festivities this weekend, mostly outdoors. I found myself wearing less perfume than usual on those occasions. Those big, sweet tuberose and jasmine scents seem to make me bee-licious, although personally I don’t think they attract insects in general. In fact, I’m never the primary target for mosquitoes if there’s someone around (like the Cheese) who’s more appetizing.
We had a few cooler days, then warmer ones. I’m giving my majmua a run for it. I’ve decided that the melted beeswax adds something to the scent I really like, so I got Masha to send me the recipe and I’m going to try making my own solid. I want to do a separate post on those attars and hear people’s reports — should I do that or Manoumalia on Weds., I wonder? Probably Manoumalia, I don’t want to rush the attars.
I’ve been on here working on some site cleanup. You likely wouldn’t notice it unless you went into the archives, we’ve been deleting random characters that got inserted into some posts, along with tidying up the homepage (deleting broken links etc.)
I have no idea who’s around today, which is a big travel holiday for some of us in the U.S. and not for others. Let’s have a Random Monday open thread — I’ll drop by, anything you want to talk about is fine. I personally have been experimenting in our extreme heat (upper 90s for days on end, fairly unusual here) with the Really Heady Stuff. Montale Jasmin Full I love so much in this weather — a truly ripe jasmine that I don’t wear in small enclosed spaces shared by non-perfume-lovers. Carnal Flower and VC&A Gardenia — big, big hits in this heat. I also love my sweaty scents like Amaranthigh and Worth Courtesan in the heat. Bal a Versailles is wonderful on a super-hot day. The only huge fail I’ve had in the heat was Teo Cabanel Alahine, a big scent on my skin that was an almost instant scrubber. I’m thinking the ambery aspect of it? Really, it made me gag. Weird, because I know one of you commented on how much you loved it on sultry days. So if you’re reading this and you live in a hot climate and you think we’re out of our minds: give it a whirl, you might be surprised. After all, when are you supposed to smell jasmine? On some sultry night in a tropical clime, yes? Yes. Has anyone worn … hmm, how about Angel? Angel would kill me dead under regular circumstances, it seems like even a worse idea now. OTOH I’m toying with trying out either my vintage Dior Poison tomorrow (it’s supposed to be 99) or Gucci Rush, what do you think?
So: floor’s open. Any perfume-y stuff on your mind? Any great new purchases or wants? Anyone want to place any solid bets on whether I loved or hated Manoumalia?
image: photo I took last summer of the bees on the echinacea. I found it in my photo archives and it made me smile, so I’m using it again. Yes, if you are curious: Hecate is still petting bees, and she almost never gets stung now.
late as usual, but since i’m wearing angel la rose today and wore angel liqueur to bed last night, i thought i’d chime in. it’s hot and muggy as usual here in houston. i mean, you stand outside and you start dripping. you don’t have to do squat. anyway, angel is working out great – the patchouli and musk (i caught more musk in it than normal today) keep it surprisingly cool.
i’ve been enjoying some fairly heady fare, from musc ravageur to john varvatos to caswell-massey musk oil to opium. have also worn clair de musc, and that is glorious in the heat. the florals really pop, and i even smelled a touch of MKK in it!
have also revisited a love from the ’70s – O! de lancome. it’s delicious, and so much richer and more interesting than most eaux.
Big travel, indeed. 2200 or so on the trip odometer. Miles, not kilometers. I am cured of road-trip-ness for a while. Though it was good.
I loved coming back to the Posse to find the bee/echinacea picture. So many full circles. I remember the bee post quite well…and it’s fun to rejoin the chatter after a week of disconnect–which, btw, was also lovely.
Don’t really have a scent of this summer, yet. I have a split of something that was sent to me unlabeled, and I of course forgot what it was, so have been enjoying its lemony-ness and waiting to see if it will come to me. Meanwhile, that’s the closest I’ve got.
Man-o-Manoumalia. (Does anybody else hear Sammy Davis Jr. say this in their head???)
I’m probably too late to this party– but I love reading how much fun you all had. Yesterday, drove from Oakland to LA in Honda Fit with DH, two kids, the dog, luggage, dh’s art equipment, books, musical instruments, etc. Today, drove back alone, cuz I have to work while family has fun at Grandpa’s. But, first I drove myself to LuckyScent and hung out with the oh so cool sales rep and customers, smelled everything on the list, and came away with a large bottle of Odalisque-(thanks to the Perfume Posse cowgirl who encouraged me to go for it) and a small bottle of Nuit de Tubereuse, because, yes, I understand now. I soaked my self in it and drove all the way home periodically smelling my wrist and stopping for drive through diet cokes. My goodness, it is lovely. Also stopped at Raffy’s duty free shop, and stocked up on my beloved Nocturnes at a bargain price. And, the antique store on Ventura had a bottle of Vol de Nuit Cologne, sealed, just waiting for mama. Rice and beans are on the menu this week, but that’s ok. That’s ok.
Hey Mary, sounds like you had quite a delightful trip, despite having to drive back by yourself. All those great stops — you know how to get the most out of a road trip. You sound like a woman after my own heart. I’m with you on the Odalisque (love that stuff) and also the Nuit de Tubereuse — I’m springing for a small bottle of it just as soon as I get a job (living on samples in the meantime). And don’t worry about the rice and beans: It’s a small price to pay for that amazing mother lode of scent you snagged! Enjoy!!
Thanks Ann! It would have been perfect if I had an ovenight stop with wine, caesar salad and a view of the ocean– but still, ok!!Thank you for encouraging me on the Odalisque! Yes, it is love. I feel like a dragon hoarding a cave of treasures right now. I have a feeling the economy is picking up–I’m sending positive energy that you start work soon at a job you really love. Take care Ann! :)>-
Thanks so much for the good vibes, Mary, I can really use them! Maybe one day, when I get back to visit my beloved San Francisco, we can meet somewhere for coffee or something and have our own mini Sniffapalooza. Anyway, take care and enjoy your amazing stash!!
Would love to get together for coffee and mini sniffa palooza. That sounds hecka fun, as we say in Oaktown :)>-
Okay, where have I been that I missed this?
I have been wearing Beyond Love during the day and Rose de Nuit at, um, nuit. And…hold on to your hats…vintage Rumeur because I just feel like it, dammit.
It’s not that hot here, luckily. I was wearing MKK today, which I think was a nice counterpoint to my t-shirt, madras shorts and topsiders outfit. Perfect for the glamour-stuffed afternoon of having the oil changed then changing the air filter and washing the filth off of my car.
Now I need to go and soak in a warm tub with a glass of white wine. :d
I love you, Tom.
Everyone got me in a tizzy about Tauer’s new LotV scent.
Like I need anutha tizzy!
Perfume gets me such a state, gotta have gotta have it:”>
It’s looking up over here in Wa., sun’s peeking out right now..
Hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th,
my girls still smell like gunpowder ha.
It’s cool here today…for Dallas…in July…. (i.e. not quite 100, low nineties actually). Am heading to Hawaii next week and contemplating what scents to take (samples and decants only, for variety and to save space and avoid the risk of spoliage or breakage en route). Wearing Dior’s Escale aux Marquesas today, very similar to Escale a Portofino, IMHO, but to me that’s agood thing. Currently in love with Le Labo Neroli 36 and scheming to find a bottle, somehow. I did note that the local DWS had Fall boots on display (their sandals went on display when there was still snow on the ground!) which made me think Fall scents won’t be too far behind… Advice for my trip, anyone?
I am not well adapted to the early appearance of the next season’s clothing. By the time actually feel like shopping for winter clothing – it’s gone! Oh, well – more $$ for perfume, I guess. :-)
Pacific Wakiki Pikake is lovely, absurdly inexpensive and the pretty little solids would be very travel friendly.
If I was going to Hawaii I’d take small samples of Ormonde Jayne Frangipani,L’Artisan Chasse Aux Papillions and Annick Goutal Eau de Sud cream that does double duty for scent and skin softening. And I’d throw in a teeny sample of Bigarade Concentree ’cause I just can’t help myself.
Hope you have a wonderful trip.
HEHEHE. NIGHT BLOOMING JASMINE.
It would be a cold day to most of the folks on here I guess, 28c ,but to me it’s humid and very hot ( well I am English). So out comes the Amouage attar that contains lime and Frankincense I think it’s called “Bahjah” but the labels fall off the boxes and it’s not on the bottle. It’s either that or “Une Rose”.
March, I just love your flower and bees photo! It looks like a painting, really.
I’m wearing BK Back to Black today. This does NOT, however, count as testing it in the summer heat: it is 100 degrees outside, as I’m sure you are well aware, and I am resolutely staying INSIDE, where it could be winter in the AC.
Nevertheless, I am finding that I like BtB a lot more in the summer than when I first tried it several months ago. Honey and summer really go together, even if the honey is a dry and smokey one. Thank you, BK, for the superb L’Oeurve Noir exploration set!
BTW, I read on NST that a new BK oud will be coming out and that five ouds are planned. That exploration set would be my true HG.
Hey March –
I’ve been meaning to write you for some time, and today’s open-thread seems like a good time to contact you…..
Just wanted to THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for turning me on to PdN’s incredible Maharanih. You wrote a such wonderful things about the fragrance not too long ago, that I bought a bottle (unsniffed, mind you) and have gone through half of it already…..in fact, it has become my summer “stand by”…..I must wear it 3 – 4 times a week. I never really believed in “Holy Grail” scents (well, to be honest, I don’t believe in anything “Holy”), but Maharanih may be the closest thing to a HG that I ever find. It is absolutely wonderful (even that slight bit of soiled panties in the beginning…).
Thanks again!!!
Marko
Oh, so glad you liked it!!! It always frightens me when people say they bought something unsniffed based on a review of mine … although I’ve wound up with a few of those bottles if/when they hate it. But Maharanih is such an amazing scent. And those small bottles are so reasonably priced.
that is def one of the PdNs I love.
xo
I am waiting for August- I LOVE Miel de Bois in the heat and humidity. (In Florida, that’s guaranteed in August. The other day, I decided on Shalimar. Heavy perfumes are fine for me in the heat, it’s spicy ones that I can’t wear in that weather.
Miel de Bois is wonderful in the heat and humidity, for sure!
P.S. Hey, I have a new avatar…
REally? It’s different?
Yep — not frowning as much, but the hair is worse…
Bit of a scramble getting to work today, so arrived without any perfume on. Now wearing J’Adore from the Emergency Work Perfume stash…
heheeee, I love those emergency work perfume stashes!
I TRIED TO GET ON AT THE POOL using Big Cheese’s iPhone. What a freaking PITA those things are, how does anyone do it?!
Okay. I’ll be on again shortly.
Oh and Shaal Nur. Can I just say how much I love Shaal Nur? Particularly on these sumemr nights. Will be applying the body milk to my sunburned shoulders before bed tonight after a tepid bath.
LOVE the shaal nur bodymilk for summer! It’s got more dirt and vetiver, and just a little bit of lemon peel peeking in.
I’ve been leaning on Sonoma Scent Studio the last month, either champagne de bois or sienna musk. Linear, simple, pretty, warm without being amber-sweet. They make me happy. I also got some great jasmine absolute in jojoba oil that does the big fruity banana carmen miranda dance. Rub it in my hair and I get little poofs now and again for the rest of the day!
Fruity banana Carmen Miranda! I love it.
A belated Happy Canada Day and Independence Day to all.
It’s been high 90s in Ontario and I’ve been taking a more traditional route with Eau de Cartier, Bois d’Iris and Bigarade Concentree which I crave like a drug these days. My question to all the Canucks out there is: where can I buy Big C and not pay a king’s ransom in shipping? In a moment of weakness I started to order via the Editions FM website but the shipping was going to be as expensive as the three travel refills. Anyone, anyone? Bueller?
I’m pretty sure Holt Renfrew in Vancouver carries the Malles, so maybe the Toronto store does too?
Good luck!
if you can’t find it there, email me (click on my link)
xo
March: Manoumalia.
Wait. If I recall, this was the stuff that just about killed me dead with some rancid powdery-ness. I don’t recall any moss or vetiver. Just a bunch of flowers and powder and grease, oh my!
I’m betting you hate this like a mongoose hates a snake.
xo
Powdery grease?!? Urgh. I think I have to try it anyway.
hehe
oh. I cannot wait. Mals, get with it asap, then please report back. Please?
xo
ps. I’m thinking Grease= Good. Have y’all seen the Taco Bell bacon spot? It coul’ happen!
Oh dear. Ohhhhhh dear.
I’m not thinking grease. Exactly. Okay… ssh… it smells like BIG WHITE FLOWERS (which I expected; which is fine) plus, um, Dear God, how to say this:
You know how after you give birth there’s a… discharge? And it has a sweetish, meaty-but-not-quite smell? THAT.
Ohhh dear.
OMG, I am laughing so hard…I do know what you mean, and by association, I’ll never think of Manoumalia the same way again.
I was rather horrified. Checked with my two older children – “Hey, what do you think of this?” – and they both said something like: Flowers. Nice. We like it. “You don’t get anything… weird in that? Odd? No old lady smell?” (I know they’re not going to get my reference.) Them: No, Mom. Flowers.
They didn’t get anything weird in Nuit de Tubereuse either, while I was about to DIE from all the rooty-earthy-mildew stuff in the top.
No powder. Zero powder. Big honking white tropical florals. No damn powder. What the tarnation is wrong with your schnozz?
NOT powder. GREASY powder. It’s the grease, more than the powder. What Mals said only I don’t quite get that – but it’s a um…discharge-y kinda….oh, you know. That’s the rancid, powdery grease (greasy powder) I get from it.
Maybe they should change the name to Afterbirth?
xo
Afterbirth, with Flowers!
Sigh.
Oh, I think you should definitely bring out your vintage Poison! I sniffed the newer stuff recently and it doesn’t seem the same; I think it’s been de-clawed. I’ve been craving some heavy hitters myself: Hypnotic Poison (which is still a big honkin’ dose of vanilla and almond, thankfully), Shalimar EDP, Vetiver Oriental, and even Daphne. None of my lady-like perfumes are cutting it for me these days.
I put on the Poison (just a dab) to go to the pool. Yes, I am just that strange. It was nice but not as toxically wonderful as I expected. OTOH I have the skankiest jasmine on right now, it’s hilarious.
I think I’m about to give up on that whole cologne thing… it’s just Not Me. Even in the heat. I broke down and bought a mini of Mandragore, and what do I do with it? Nothing. I never wear it. (My 15yo swiped it anyway, so the point is moot.) That bottle of Labyrinthe Libertin – a nice herbal/green cologney scent? I pick it up and say, “No, I want flowers.”
But then, when do I NOT want flowers? I think I’m just ready to embrace my anti-cologne nature, and not feel guilty about it anymore. I don’t care that much for citrus; vetiver bores the pants off me; traditional colognes leave me waiting impatiently for them to wear off so I can go put on Real Perfume. There’s a time to stretch your boundaries, and there’s a time to decide that Enough is Enough, I have so much perfume I’ll never wear it all, and I might as well wear what I do love.
So what am I wearing? Rose, that’s what – every rose frag sample in my to-be-tested box, one after another (Rose en Noir, Le Maroc pour elle, Coup de Foudre, Rose Poivree, Tauer Une Rose Vermeille, Rocher Rose Absolue). And white florals: SOTD is a sample of Kate Spade. I love that Vamp a NY, too. And Carnal Flower I should get out and try in the heat.
Oh, and re Alahine, which I love – I did get it out last week at bedtime and give myself about a quarter of a spritz on my left inner elbow. And it was lovely to sleep in. But the thought of going about during the day wearing goodly spritzage makes me a little queasy.
I’m going to get out my Manoumalia sample this pm and see what I think. I’m betting I love the flowers but the moss & vetiver do me in. But I could be wrong…
Eh. Bail on the cologne. It’s not your thing, right? Nothing wrong with that, not a freaking thing. Maybe in a year or ten you’ll decide you want something cologne-ish. About that rose I will say nothing. :d Kate Spade vintage or new? I loved the old one with LOTV. And yeah, it’s 99 now and the thought of busting out the Alahine is disgusting.
OMG! I LIVED in Kate Spade for about 2 years! Wore the body creme with the little sparkly bits in it, too. I just came across an old sample vial of the stuff – must see if it’s still intact. That was some BWF, wasn’t it? I always found it interesting that (IMO) her eponymous fragrance seemed so juxtaposed from her handbags – the bags always suggest to me something like Clinique Happy or Tommy Girl (or something marine-y). KS the fragrance smells like the current crop of Balenciaga handbags look.
Okay, I sound ridiculous. I’ll stop now.
xo
Meee too! Homage and Ta’if and RdN, oh my!
Yay! Another Bee Whisperer. I have been petting bees for yonks. They don’t seem to mind it and it calms my po’ heart down.
We have had weird weather. Near-90s, followed by some peltifyin’ rain that brought out a bazillion flies. Our front porch is covered with flies – we tried to eat outside yesterday but it just got stupid, there were so many of them. I amused myself by whacking them with the flyswatter but it’s like cleaning up the Gulf oil disaster with a cotton ball.
I think I am going to challenge myself today and wear Lelong body creme. High 80s with a chance of more rain later – it can work in either situation.
For those of you who have today off, Happy Hollerday! I’m grateful for the day off – not for me (We Never Close) but the fact that 99% of all of my customers are off today means I can focus on piled up paper, etc…
it’s the little things..
xo
OH MY HEAVENS No. The invasion of the flies. Horror movie time. I am a freak about flies, I can’t stand them. We always go through this two-week period in Feb (?) when they hatch IN THE HOUSE and I want to move out. ugh ugh ugh.
Lelong!!! Hope that works out. Yes, enjoy the quiet….
Well….I just couldn’t do it. My nerves are shot (long story involving contract workers too lazy to read the IRS info I print out for them and/or too dumb to simply tell me they don’t understand it) – I just couldn’t handle the latent musk in Lelong. So I went with another heart-calmer. Agragia Bitter Orange. Layered with that Sanguine stuff. And topped off with FM Big Concentree. I’mo file these timesheets, then have a nice liedown.
xo
Oh, the bitter orange is a great choice. We all neeed those in our arsenal. I have a habit if spraying myself with Mandragore in those situations.
Could be worse. Could be rats and roaches like last year. Why is it always something with you, huh?
wait. I’m confused (as usual) which one of us?
Me, I don’t got no rats and roaches – all my invaders are (usually) way larger. Last year it was frogs and toads – literally hundreds of them. And chickens. And the occasional deer hightailing it through the front yard.
And a squirrel.
xo
March had rats. And cockroaches.
EWWW!
I did not know this.
Ew.
I’ll stick with my flies.
And my chickens.
And my squirrel.
xo
There is a fly in here the size of a Buick, but it’s too hot to open the damn door to let it out. It’s so huge and slow Dash almost caught it, but it’s a wily bugger for all that and now it’s staying away from him. I could probably just do an Obama catch, but it’s 102 today and even with the a/c blasting so hot I don’t have the energy to lift my hands above my keyboard.
OH EM GEE, I just caught it! It didn’t even bother to try to move, just sorta lay there, waiting for me to grab it. I opened the door a tiny crack and released it into the wilds of the Upper West Side.
I must get out my decant of LLpf… it and Amaranthine are two of a kind, in my book: bosomy and flirty, but not sluttish.
well honeypie, das bosoms are in da house today, let me tell you!
I agree with you about it being a bosomy fragrance. Silk sheets and a satin nightgown. And those little satin slippers (but not with the maribou).
I wore the creme today – it held up well in the stifling heat, though it’s run its course now (or maybe that’s just me).
Apres-bain, it’ll be something minty.
xo
Hey Musette,
I’ve been looking at these awesome bee paintings on Etsy. I love them. Thought I’d share with another bee lover…
too fabulous! thanks for the info!
xo
Girlfriend, you KNOW what I want to say about that body creme….:d
I forget sometimes what it was like to live in the country with all those bugs and stuff – sure there are plenty of them around here but it’s still the city. I used to be scared to death of June bugs because of the noise they made – when I was a kid I was convinced they were out to get me. Of course there is nothing more harmless, and even endearing, than a June bug, but they are just so darn BIG.
The other day I happened to be out in the back yard when a very large swarm of bees flew over; pretty sure they were honeybees looking for a new home, but I could not quite tell, and I thought they might be yellow jackets instead, so I froze like a statue until they passed over. Kind of a cool thing to happen, just to remind the humans who is really in charge.
Yeah, Nature is ….well, let’s just say it wasn’t until I moved to the country that I realized just how much Nature there is… it’s both wonderful and very disconcerting. Nothing like a flash flood to really put you in your place.
I bailed on the creme yesterday – too challenging. But am feeling way better today so I’m thinking either Lelong or Carnal Flower. But in your honor, I think I will creme up with Lelong. It is beautiful, innit?
We’re putting skeps in once we get all the construction done (addition to the back of the house and removal of a dying 30′ trash elm). And some bat houses.
xo
I realized I am a big chicken when it comes to the bigger frags for summer after reading this. Definitely lean towards lighter scents and those with not much sillage.
Like Rosarita above, bees, mosquitos and chiggers LOVE me. It often seems I am the only one getting bit despite the use of insect repellents. Our screened porch is my haven this time of year.
My fingers are in my ears when it comes to the attars….LA LA LA I can’t hear you….
Other than being bitten on the bee-hind recently by something ghastly (I’m still waiting for those to heal! TMI?) mostly bugs must think I’m gross. Everyone was slathering on the OFF last night and nothing came over to bite me.
I’ll probably do the attars next week! Oh, wait, Masha was going to be gone. Ohnoes!
Oh gee, Masha’s gone, must delay the attars, bummer. Hope Masha decides to stay extra long wherever she’s off to. The credit card and my budget will be all that much happier. :d
I sat on a bee once in a bikini (I was in the bikini, the bee was nekked) and my butt swelled up to three times it’s normal size (I be allergic to bees) and I couldn’t get my shorts on and I had to go to the emergency room in my tiny little bathing suit. Where was Hecate when I needed her?
*its*
It’s nearly 90 degrees here in Northern VA, at 10 am. I’m grateful to be indoors but also wishing the guys we hired to build our deck would get a move on and get it done. Don’t have SOTD yet, but the idea of Rush is both intriguing and frightening. I sprayed on YSL L’Homme before bed last night and I am really liking the lingering effect of that. Why are the best ( and by best, I mean, longest-lasting) citrus scents always marketed for men?
Intriguing and frightening — must be Monday on the Posse! I’m looking out the window and it’s already getting that weird gray tinge to the air out there. I’d like to water my hydrangeas, but I don’t think I’m supposed to.
Man-scents I think are longer-lasting (generalizing) because they’re more linear and have those musky bases. That’s my guess.
Carnal Flower! Yay, baby! I love wearing that during the heat–and I spray it big time. But normally this summer, I smell like sunscreen or a more neutral perfume. Chanel Bel Respiro is fantastic for freshness, or the lotion form of Chanel No. 5 or Hermes Eau des Merveilles. Still, if truth be told, I find myself “forgetting” to put on fragrance half the time. :o Too consumed by deadlines. And my head is turned more by dresses and bangles as I get ready for our roadtrip coming up next month–a five week tour of the midwest and northeast down to Washington.
Which brings up a question! What fragrance, and in what form, to bring? We’re driving to about seventeen cities (boyfriend is doing a book/reading tour), which means that stuff will be left in the car in the summer heat as we move from hotel to hotel. I’m thinking I shouldn’t take my bottle of Parfum de Therese or No. 5 Eau Premier since it could spoil. Right? What about Chanel No. 5 body lotion and body cream (and powder!–I’m addicted to this scent right now)? Would those spoil?
And–the fashion question. Does anyone have recommendations for cute sandals that will look good with dresses (think wrap dresses, from sportif to more feminine) but also be good to walk in. I got a couple of danskos, but I’m not sure…. Thinking of getting a pair of wedges or such. Opinions??
Hi Catherine! What a fun trip! Stuff left in the car? Not good! Not good! What about bringing sample vials or small decants of stuff you want to wear and carrying them in your purse? I wouldn’t recommend bringing a large bottle at all. Any bottle of perfume baking in a hot car for five weeks will most definitely be altered. And why take the risk? Powder should be fine, not sure about creams and lotions – they might separate in the heat?
You need a decent pair of cute wedges, and IMO those Danskos are a bit too clunky, but that’s just me, although I own them. I wear wedges with skirts (in lieu of shorts) all summer. My favorite pair are a Clarks Artisan, they’re great walking wedges, but the styles are different this summer. Also, let me email a friend, there’s a classic wedge that always looks good and I can’t remember the name! She has them.
Well, there are many ways to go with the scent. You use *one* which becomes the signature of the trip in your memory, which is fun. Or bring a buncho little samples and atomizers. I generally don’t try unsniffed scents on vacations (too unsettling) but again that’s just me. And … actually I agree with you. I wouldn’t want to leave a single large bottle of scent in a hot car, and I think the lotion would melt?
THESE. I remembered.
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/P6.jhtml;jsessionid=4BKYOIKTR03MECQAAJ5RABQ?itemId=cat24750739&parentId=cat000199&masterId=cat000149&navAction=index
They’ve been around forever, IMO you want the Ava classic in natural. They look amazing on, very clean and sophisticated, and they’re really comfortable. Although I’m kind of wanting that brown too.
Okay! These are just perfect! I need to research the company’s sizes; I don’t know if I take a 9 or a 10. But I’m absolutely going to get those Ava’s in natural. Those are simple chic–and thankfully not over the top expensive. Thank you, March!!
Ugh. Perfume in the heat. I don’t know what to do about it all, particularly as I don’t want to decant and lug it all in the bag. Besides, I don’t own decanting supplies anymore! Chicago is one of the first stops, and I’ve been thinking of either hitting Barney’s for some travel bottles of Therese OR hitting the new Hermes store for their travel bottles of Hermessences–or just beg for samples–and then suck it up and lug them around. Decisions, decisions. Of course, I could take the easy way out–a couple of sample vials of Onda. That would last, the stuff is so strong!
Sarah said to order the smaller size, they stretch.
Also: I’m gone 27 July – August 3 (?) To Santa Fe with the girls. Any other time I’m here. Do you have my email addy?
Oh my word! March, those shoes you linked to are hitting me with a major blast from the past! I remember wearing a similar style in the ’70s (think we called them buffalo sandals back then). Very cute and very comfy. Thanks for a fun memory!
And Catherine, I agree that 2 or 3 small decants of your summertime faves (carried in your purse) might be a good way to go. Hope you have a wonderful road trip — sounds marvelous!
They remind me a little bit of Famolares, although the Fams are more goofy retro. I swear (maybe it doesn’t look it in the pic) but they’re so simple and the straps are so wide, they’re very chic on. And they have been around for some time. I find it hilarious that Neiman sells them, although you can probably find them cheaper elsewehre.
Ooooh! Famolares! Famolares!
OMG Hello 1975, or was it 74 or 73?
I wore those in college. Went to a school with a huge campus, where crossing from one side to the other for a class could be over a mile. IF you were dumb enough to schedule back-to-back classes on opposite sides, which I only did once, you had ten minutes to get there. I wore those shoes out that quarter.
I think they actually were made of some kind of east Asian buffalo hide, and if you got them wet, the straps became loose. I imagine they’re made of regular leather now. I remember seeing a re-run of “SNL” once with Gilda Radner wearing them…really took me back, as does that photo of them, obviously.
Also, when you’re in DC, give a shout if you want and have time. We could all maybe meet up somewhere? No pressure.
I would LOVE it! Maybe even take in the newest French Chanel movie? Would you be up for taking in gorgeous clothes and moaning in delight over white shirts and pearls again?! :d
Unless a reading or radio interview comes up in Philly, we’re spending three days in Washington–although one day will include some time in Baltimore. I’m really eager to see some art on the Mall or just dally about looking at pretty things. So I will give you a shout!
There’s a great show on right now at the NGA:
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/daleinfo.shtm
Really, blockbuster material if you like classicists.
Ooooooohhhh. I love the description of the exhibit and the paintings listed. That’s two-thumbs-up!
I’ll be in DC Aug 24-26. The 24th is my boyfriend’s event (Politics and Prose), so I’m flexible the other two days. I’ve attached an email address that is functioning (!) to THIS comment–so if you want to pass me your email, absolutely! Otherwise, facebook is awesome! Easy email that way!
Catherine, for shoes, I have these really cute sandals made by a company called Spring Step. Comfortable, too. Here’s their website:
http://springfootwear.com/
Oh! They have some really UGLY shoes, too! The cute ones are here:
http://springfootwear.com/showcase/regular.asp?div=A-SS&dpt=SUMMER&ctg=5+PICANTE&WebFormat=&PW=120&PH=120
The Azelia in RED is so cute! These are just darling! I really need to keep my eyes more open–I’ve been stuck in Trippen and Dansko mode so long that I forgot how cute sandals can be!
Thank you!
Note there are six pages… :-)
LOL I like the red ones too.
I love Clark’s sandals, too. Here’s a pair I’ve been thinking about:
http://tinyurl.com/36oocvo
This in RED is FAB! And the price is definitely right. Thank you! I think we have a Clarks store in the big-ass mall (Mall of America) just down the road. I’m definitely checking this and their other shoes out.
You live near there? Would you laugh if I told you I always wanted to visit it? We’ve even watched that Mall Cop reality show set there. (hides face)
Oh, jeez! I didn’t even know about the show until my boyfriend told me while we went shopping. Now I stare at the mall cops, wondering if there are secret cameras somewhere.
I’m a teensy bit embarrassed by how much I go to the Mall of America to shop–but I’m still new to town, and they have TWO places for Chanel makeup and a place to get fab BCBG dresses. What more can I ask for? But really, it doesn’t strike me as *that* big. I think Printemps and that other great magasin next door (oh, it’s been too long… Galleries Lafayettes?), if you joined them together, would have more great stuff and even feel better. But there is a roller coaster!
…. and I like that one!
Hi March,
On the scent front, I dug out my Rose Ikebana and I’m loving it right now. It’s also been hanging around a lot more…weird because all the Hermessences (with the exception of Ambre Nargile) go south on me about an hour after I apply them.
Other than that, not much else to report. It’s hot as Hades here and the new A/C is definitely doing the trick. :d
Blech, the Nazgul. That on a summer day? Or any day, really. (makes sign of cross) Rose Ikebana, I think I remember you loving that before? It would really work now.
It’s too darn hot. I love living in Maine most of the time, but when we get temps in the 80s and humidity I want to move to Canada. Maybe a summer home on Hudson Bay or something. I wish I could afford something like that!
I’ve been completely focused on the World Cup for the last few weeks, so have been perfunctory about perfume. This week there are only a few games and several days will feel empty without them. I’ll even find some time to exercise… if the heat allows.
I was wearing Habit Rouge yesterday, to church and then in the afternoon. I still haven’t made up my mind about all the versions of it. I have a bottle of the EDP, one of the EDT, and a little one of the (vintage, I guess) EDC. They all smell slightly different, and I’ve been wondering if the proper procedure isn’t to layer them: use the EDP as a base and pour EDT over it.
Maybe I just have too much perfume?
Don’t know what I’ll wear today yet. I move slowly at these temps. I need to sit at the computer and write (there’s a book in progress), which is not particularly appetizing. What’s the right smell for that?
Hey, what are you writing? (I ask, all NosyParker, because I too have been working on a novel for quite some time now… would love to get it DONE and start seriously editing by the end of the year.)
And I think whatever focuses your mind would be the right smell for writing. No. 19 and its kicky boots work well for focusing my head. Or Jolie Madame.
Well, I am working on something called “The MAA Guide to Groups, Rings, and Fields”. Which is about abstract algebra. We mathematicians have this tendency to use ordinary words to name strange objects.
Until yesterday, I was also working on a booklet for math teachers on using history to help teach middle-school students. I was doing revision on that, and have shipped it off to my co-author. And then maybe it’ll come back for more revision. Editing with a co-author is very good.
What I really need is a perfume that’ll cool me down. A mentholated body wash, maybe?
Ooh, SERIOUS book. I am officially impressed. Also, now I get why writing is not the fun activity it is when writing for leisure. But how wonderful to use history and math to tie disciplines together for students! I was always happy to make that kind of connection on my own and often wished someone would help me find them.
Isn’t there a Dr. Bronner’s mint liquid-soap thingy? Someone will know.
Serious writing is fun too! And much easier than doing mathematics. That would require more concentration than I currently could must up.
As for history and math, yes, I think it works well. There’s this book out there called “Math through the Ages”…
I might go for minty when the thermometer goes above 80. But would those around me be able to stand it? Aye, that is the question.
Probably (to answer the mint question). In 80s I get a ton of compliments on CyLeaves, which has that lovely mint note. I dunno about the 90s – somehow it doesn’t seem to want to come out and play.
The Dr. Bronner’s is peppermint. And notorious. I have a friend who summed it up best: “It’s tingly and fun, but you have to be careful around your tender bits.” ;)
:-? hmm … “summed up” … \:d/ get it? :d Fernando, math book?… /:) Okay, fine. Limited funny. But I’m back from the road, and the funny bone is worse than ever.
Fernando, I’m interested in your books. Seriously. Teacher self and own self.
Maaaarrrrrch! The faces still won’t work for me! :(( (That was “wah” dude…)
What is this “too much perfume” of which you speak? 8-|
/:)
Another Mainiac! I had nooo idea. And I too have been watching the World Cup (much of it taped and watched later) I was rooting for Ghana and the Netherlands, so I got half my wish.
HR is good any old way, as far as I’m concerned.
Well, you’re one up on me, since I was rooting for Brazil. (I’m a Mainiac born in Brazil.) They demonstrated (once again!) that raw talent doesn’t take you all the way: you actually need a coach to organize the team.
I ended up trying good old Azzaro Homme today. It’s pretty nice, perhaps a little too heavy for a day that is as hot as today.
I think HR is good any old way too. My wife was less certain last night. She claims I was stifling her with wafts of HR. It was a pretty warm night, at least by our standards.
Totally into World Cup this year. Helps that both children went nutty for it. I’ve been a Brazil fan from long ago, but Son the Older was rooting for Netherlands…only one of us was going to be happy.
I’m also in Maine, but I’m enjoying the sultry heat. Normally I don’t like humidity, but last summer was so cool & rainy, I craved hot weather all winter.
I’ve been wearing Amaranthine a lot–it’s marvelous is this warm weather. Even DH noticed it. His compliments generally fall into three categories–OK, pleasant, or too heavy. Amaranthaine scored a pleasant–highest praise. He was especially intrigued when I mentioned that it’s nickname is Amaranthigh. :)
I hope it works in cooler weather. I wasn’t sure enough about it to order a full bottle, but my small sample is nearly gone so I got an 8ml decant from TPC. It shipped yesterday so I should have it soon.
Anyone wear Amaranthine to work? On MUA, some rate this high in skank, but on me it’s sweet & spicy.
Ann C.
Some people get no cumin/skank note from Amaranthine at all, just sweet and spicy. I’d say you could wear it to work if you don’t overapply (although remember who you’re talking to here.) It’s fairly dirty on me to start with, but the way it dries down all cuddly makes me laugh. And I thought it was amazing in colder weather, a great comfort scent, so it could be a year-round wonder.
I had no idea they were having hot weather in Maine as well. I always think of Maine as cool.
Amaranthine is pure 19thC New Orleans whorehouse on me, but I mean that in a good way…. (I love the stuff.)
Love that phrase! I dug out my Lumiere Noire pf the other day when I was wanting a similar effect – Amaranthigh, as much as I like it, has no raunchiness on me.
I went to a lovely barbecue yesterday. We ate inside because of the heat and the bugs, so I didn’t want to get too crazy with the fumes. I spritzed on quite a bit of Jatamansi, and that seemed right. And I finally got around to bathing the dogs before we went, so they smelled good, too.
Yes, there’s hotdogs and then there’s hot dogs … my pooch needs a bath! Jatamansi sounds perfect for your barbecue.
OH, and we had wonderful hot dogs, too, specially imported from Rochester NY. Can’t get ’em in the city.
Ooh, Jatamansi AND hot dogs! I wore Cote d’Amour the other day; not sure which of those BIG bottles I love more.
I’ve been scentless the past several days as I’m a mosquito (deer fly, bee) magnet. Big White Florals just aren’t my thing but I like *cool* feeling incense in summertime: Bond 9 Silver Factory, Etro Messe de Minuit, YSL Nu. Today is hot & humid already, perfect for breaking out a little smoke.
Gucci Rush is wonderful on hot summer nights! It’s got that big, sweet, fruity/sultry thing going on. My husband loves it 8-| which kind of cracks me up; it’s so not *me* most of the year but I adore it in July…..
Hah! Seconding the Gucci Rush! I had the same thought about it, that big sweet fruity thing makes me think of cheesy carnival rides and sno-cones and cotton candy… honey, LOTS of straight men love Rush on women. 🙂
I did the incense a lot last summer, but for some reason it’s just not calling out to me so far.
I thought I would try incense (of a sort) yesterday – Armando Martinez Kitsume on one wrist and Romea d’Ameor’s Emps of Japan on the other.
I was back in the shower in 10 minutes.
xo
Ha! March – when you said “open thread”, I thought, “ah, testing out the limits of the new blog host, eh?” ;-) Hope it holds up!
I’m in the northeast – Maine – and we’ve been getting that heat. Humid 92 yesterday, and 70’s last night, and now supposed to be high 80’s for the next few days. No breeze either! Guess it’s time to bring out the air conditioner for the bedroom!
I’ve been wearing Eau de Sisley #3 – my new summer favorite. Love it! Great hot weather scent. I sound like a broken record, but wearing Nuit de Tubereuse in the heat made me buy a bottle of it – a large one. Hmmm…maybe I’ll try something sultry today, though I don’t know if I can take it. This air is SO heavy. Like breathing molasses. Ugh.
In addition to the NdT, I broke down and purchased bottles of the EdS and Mandragore. A few weeks before that, it was Azuree. Need to shut down my credit card for awhile now!!! In fact, I’ve started to wonder – do I have a problem with this??? Am I getting out of control??? Do I need to go into REHAB??? ;-)
You DO realize you are talking to all the enablers on here, don’t you, Karin?
We’ll all wind up in rehab together.
Ha! Yeah, I know, I know! Reminds me of the fluff movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, where she shows up to a rehab meeting, and excitedly talks on about needing to purchase something or other, and everyone in the group starts encouraging her – very funny scene. I could totally identify with it from a perfume perspective!
I think we’re good on the blog volume, and today isn’t a bad day to test it, I’m guessing things will be fairly quiet. I hope it holds up too!
Hot days in Maine, eh? And yes, everyone’s feeling the NdT love in the heat. I’m trying not to let it wear out its welcome. Have you tried the Mandragore? It’s nice in hot weather too. Refreshing.
We belong to a neighborhood pool, but I can’t deal with it in this heat. I told the kids that if they wanted to go, we had to do it before the afternoon.
Yes! Love Mandragore in the heat! My rationale for purchasing all three bottles – if I wait, summer will be over, and I’ll be thinking of fall scents. ;-) I was a bit lean on summer scents. No longer!!!
Prolly not. Sounds like you are in Perfumista 1.5. It should settle down shortly. Step away from the credit card. Stuff’ll be there when you get back.
Reading about the heavy air – several of us in this area (me included) are suffering from what feels like walking pneumonia (but it’s not). The air is very heavy – our lung capacity is considerably diminished and exhaustion is constant. Anybody else out there having this problem? I can’t take most allergy meds (hurts my heart) so I’m making do with steam. Seems to work but I lie down a lot. When that happens it’s either Guerlain Vetiver or Imperiale, bless their hearts.
xo
Oh, Musette! I hear you about the heavy air–it’s like that even in Minnesota right now. I stay on the couch (since thankfully I work from home). Take care of yourself!
We’ve got high-90s temps, sky-high humdiddy and this dang inversion (air quality index reading says “Breathe, you fool…g’wan we DARE you”) and I feel like I’ve been sucking on an exhaust pipe for two days.
Tomorrow the queen hits town (no, not *a* queen, *the* queen) and it’s supposed to hit a hunnert. Suck on that, Your Nibs!
I can quit anytime I want to. LOL. That’s what I tell myself.
I’ve been doing loads of outdoors sporty things of late (unemployment offers sooo much leisure time), and have been scentless.
However, I have also been playing a good bit, and have been leaning toward the Big Florals, along with the crew here. I’m going to echo Jillie on the BBW Velvet Tuberose-the cream and spray are very easy to wear, when I don’t want to make a big entrance (they worked great for a baseball game last week : )
Datura Noir has made a seasonal reappearance, along with Carnal Flower, and a sudden, mad crush on Amaranthine and Gardenia Petale. Surprises the heck outta me how much I love the flowers.
I’ve also enjoyed the woody incenses-Ceremony and IUNX L’ether are great in the heat, sometimes layered.
Ah, and Le Maroc pour Elle just sings in the heat!
Sounds like I really need to try that BBW! I haven’t been in there in forever. And yes, this is the weather for Datura Noir for sure! (hope your a/c is holding up? Did you look at the weather report?!? Diva just screamed.) Amaranthigh must smell amazing on you.
Tried Goutal’s Ninfeo Mio yesterday, and at first loved it and really liked the coconutty element of fig (reminding me of a lighter version of L’Artisan’s). Trouble is, later on I kept thinking “has one of the cats weed in here?”, and then I realised it was me! Looked back at your review, March, and discovered your warning about the “urinous” element! How right you were! So, sadly, it’s not for me, as I will always worry that guests might think that our feline babies are incontinent.
On a happy note, I am pleasantly surprised to find B&BW’s Velvet Tuberose to be quite wearable in our current scorching weather here in the UK.
Ditto! At least it started off smelling lovely on you. On me, it was ALL cat pee.
Thank the perfume goddess and fingers crossed, I just don’t get as much of that urine-y note as some other folks do. Or maybe it doesn’t bug me as much? Although Guerlain AA Pamplelune is terrible that way to me.
On first try, I got a tiny bit of cat pee, a note that I don’t like at all. A couple of winters ago, I picked up that note everywhere–I wondered at the time if it was Sensuous, a fragrance I was sure I’d love given the notes, but turned out I can’t wear.
I’ll test NM again, because other than the slight urinous note, I liked it. As others have said, though, I have so many fragrances that I love, I doubt I’ll ever do more than finish my sample. O
Carnal Flower? Yes, definitely! But I also like Une Fleur de Cassie in the heat and for a jasmine – Rubj is so wonderful!
Alahine has always been a winter scent for me, so I’m not surprised, but now I’m curious about wearing Incense Rose today…
When I’m not up to a big sillage on a hot day I’m happy to grab my husband’s Geranium pour Monsieur, serenity in a bottle :)
I’m looking forward to your Manoumalia post, March; I love the beginning and then it goes all sweet macaron on me – I would have liked a vetiver-y grassiness! :(
Oh, let me know if you wear the Tauer! I wonder how that would be in the heat. Great or terrible? And the geranium sounds perfect on a hot day when you don’t want something difficult.
I have been wearing GpM meself, when I’m not in the mood for Marc Jacobs’ Lemon cologne – that’s been a big go-to. I still do some heavy white florals in the heat, like Carnal Flower (a proven winner) and Jasmin Poivee (not so much). Charmes & Leaves doesn’t do well in extreme heat, which is fine – I have run through an entire bottle of the stuff and need to give it a rest.
Anyhoo, the GpM is a nice alternative – it’s got an elusive floral heart that is nicely brought out in extreme heat and the minty aspects keep it all cool.
xo
Yes, March, I’m wearing IR – sparingly applied, mind you – and it’s no scrubber but I probably won’t do it again. It turned a bit sour on me and after a few hours it got on my nerves. After adding a tiny spritz of Amouage Gold Women to make it a bit more – likeable? interesting? endurable? I now get lovely and strange whiffs alternately. These two are much better working in cold weather, at least for me.
:-&
Well, have to dash, washing them off after all…
I’ve been wearing Incense Rose all summer (it’s been in the 90s for over a month) and judiciously applied, it’s wonderful. Ditto LADDM.
I liked the Geranium pour Monsieur for a recent sweaty day, too.
I want to know aaalllllll about the attars, anything you have to say.
Everyone’s wearing the big whomping tuberoses, and the only one that’s worked for me is Carnal Flower. It only works part of the time — the rest of the time, it smells like shampoo. Maybe I should use more of it.
I used to love Secrete Datura in warm weather. Don’t know what happened to it; maybe I should get some more.
We are in a Whomping Tuberose moment for sure. I used to mildly detest it, not sure why the sea change. Yes, DEFINITELY more Carnal Flower. :d Shampoo? That’s odd. It smells like a florist shop to me.
I wore Carnal Flower yesterday- I’m all about it in the heat. Rock it. I really want to try out that Jasmine Full, too, because I still have yet to smell a properly indolic jasmine. Sounds like just the ticket! Gosh, and writing this, too, I’m reminded that I need me some Maharanih in a full bottle. Today is Turtle Vetiver. It was hotter than the dickens, so I figured a nice marine vetiver would work (and it did!). Mixed with the Une Rose I just had to spray on myself to remind me what ROSE smells like. I’m really on the fence as to how you felt about the Manoumalia, March. I loved it, but I could see you going either way with it, thanks to the vetiver-y grassiness playing alongside those milky tropical flowers.
Wait … Une Rose!!!? Hahahhaaha. And you didn’t DIE? Hmmm. With the Turtle?
Oooh, i wonder how Maharanih would be in this heat? Probably incredible.
I forgot that you aren’t a fan or roses either! I was your nightmare.
We are STILL waiting for summer heat up her in the Northwest – it’s a chilly and cloudy Fourth, although that does not stop the idiots with their illegal firecrackers, scaring all the animals. It is supposed to get seriously hot starting Tuesday, once the long weekend is over of course!
When it does, I have a few things I want to test out in sultry weather that I have not had a chance to do – Mecca Balsam for one. I think it’s going to be fabulous. I also like to trot out the AG Gardenia Passion, Carnal Flower etc. in hot weather, but I can’t take it to the office. I also have some vintage stuff that I did not acquire until last fall, and I really want to see what My Sin does on a hot night. Yes, I am EVIL. :d
I am really enjoying my lilies and roses right now, since the cooler weather has resulted in the flowers lasting a long time. Tomorrow I will pick a big bouquet before the heat hits big time. My ‘Summer Ice’ Daphne is perfuming the entire front yard with delicious spice, which should get even better on a warm evening, and the Nicotiana sylvestris is taller than I am and blooming its head off. I planted it near a window so the aroma drifts in after dark.
I can’t wait to hear about your adventures with the attars! :x
Wow, we are apparently getting ready to have a string of almost 100-degree days.
My Sin on a hot night?1?! You have a twisted mind, my friend. (Now I’m thinking about it too.) It’s so powdery on me, I’d be afraid. Although you have definitely given me an idea with the Mecca Balsam! Maybe that’ll be my SOTD, what would that be like in the heat? I like how it’s not churchy, a whole different direction.
I love the smell of nicotiana, I can’t even tell you. My mom grew it. I too remember that smell drifting in the open windows at night, and the moths that visited.