Yes, this is one of those posts. Random, a little ADD, and we have some stuff to cover.
First, a reader needs your help. I am terrible at the “I really like this fragrance, what else would work for me” game. I think all many of you guys are great at it! Caroline loves the fresh tones of DKNY Original and Davidoff Cool Water” and is looking for something new and fresh but with a similar scent as these. Ideas for her? If anyone else has one of those questions, e-mail me and once a month I’ll throw them all out there to get some better help than I am.
Winners of the Lily of the valley Sample sets – Tora and Ella
Winners of the Wedding Perfume Sample sets – Gina and Jamie
Click on the Drop us a Line at the top of the blog of send an email to patty at perfumeposse dotcom, tell me your address, remind me what you won, and I’ll send you a quick got it e-mail sos you know I received your e-mail, and then I’ll get it sent out to you! Congrats, and enjoy!
Also in my little bag of mounting samples are some samples I was sent to do drawings on, and I just haven’t had time to fit them in somewhere. We have five carded samples of Andy Tauer’s Noontide Petals – which is really lovely! – to give away. We also have five samples of Histoires de Parfums Olympia Music Hall Le Parfum – also yummy and lovely! – to give away. To be entered, just drop a comment helping Caroline out or telling me you are as bad as I am at doing that “if I like this, what’s close to it” game.
OR!!!
Can we talk Mr. Selfridge series on PBS? I’m not normally a Jeremy Piven fan, but he is so good as Selfridge, and I”m three episodes in and completely entranced with the series. Anyone else watching it and obsessed with the window designer, Le Clere? (sp on the name) and want to be besties with Agnes?
Last on my random list of things I have to tell you about is how the 3D television obsession has turned into the unending money pit. My sister has a 3D TV, which I never thought I really needed until she plugged in Life of Pi in 3D. Now, to say I’m a little obsessed with the Life of Pi is an absurd understatement of my rabid love of that movie. I watch it about two times a week since I got it on DVD. Then I saw it in 3D. ZOMG, people. If you haven’t seen this movie, just see it in 3D, don’t bother with anything else. If you have seen it, you still need to see it in 3D to see how it was really intended to be seen. It is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen … even BEFORE I saw it in 3D. So I went shopping for a 3D TV. Heck, my TV is about seven years old, time to get a new one! Even though it is working perfectly. Well. Yeah. Finally get it, after long shipping times, then waiting another four days before the trucking company could bring it to me, get it all set up – bad stand that needs replaced, but it’s secure – plug in the Blu-ray and get
black screen. Huh?
Now what? Harry was over helping me set things and quickly Googled while I kept restarting everything, thinking somehow I’d get a different result, and informed me I had to have a 3D Blu-ray DVD player. Argh!!!! Luckily they aren’t expensive, but it gets here Wednesday, along with my other HDMI cable that’s longer. I.am.dying. I haven’t seen LIfe of Pi in two weeks, and I’m jonesin’ for some Richard Parker action. I swear, this 3D envy has gotten expensive! Have you ever done that? Well, perfume, definitely, but something else? Pick any topic and feel free to comment as randomly as you like and get entered to win one of the samples!
Mr. Selfridge — altho not as great as Downton Abbey — is plenty of fun. I loved the accuracy of their perfume counter. If you looked carefully you could see the bottles & logo of 4711 (my grandmother’s favorite) and signs for Roger & Gallet. Was there really a Miss Selfridge scent? I looked on their website and couldn’t find it. If it was made, it makes sense that it would have been lily of the valley, as that sent could not really be reproduced until aldehydes were formulated — around the turn of the 20th Century. (Or so I was told.) Also, I loved it when Mr. Selfridge was quizzing the shopgirls about their perfume preferences. One of them said she used Yardley. If anyone knows any more about the Miss Selfridge scent please let me know!
Caroline – a couple of suggestions: Byblos edt and Ramon Monegals Lovely Day
I love the matching game but I’m useless on this one since I haven’t tried either of these. It’s also fun as a spectator–I lean so much from people’s suggestions
I’m not completely familiar with Cool Water, but what comes to my mind is Light Blue by D&G. It’s nice in the spring and summer and anything by Acqui di Parma might appeal!
I am really bad at that game as well! Recently I was thinking about it, and it occurred to me that it isn’t perhaps not a good game to play anyway? If you already have a perfume X that you really like of a certain style, wouldn’t you want to branch out a bit and find something different to fill in a hole in your perfume wardrobe? But like I said, I am really bad at that game 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
A couple more ideas: Annick Goutal Mandragore and Eau d’Hadrien. Also if Caroline has an Anthropologie nearby, she should go there and see if they still have the Novel Collection (I think that’s the name of the series). Each scent in the series is done by a different perfumer and the boxes look like library books. I’ve tried a few and they all seem to be clean/fresh scents. And they’re priced pretty reasonably, I think around $50 but you can sometimes find ones on clearance for $15 or $20.
And on the Anthropologie track, I don’t know if anyone else has mentioned it, but Ineke might be worth checking out too. She might like the Floral Curiosities line. And of the main line I’m specifically thinking of Balmy Days or whatever the B one is, and Derring Do.
Caroline – try Jennifer Aniston’s scent – it’s affordable, fresh, and pretty. Or – in a very different direction – try Chanel’s Eau de Cologne – also very fresh and perfect for summer!
Patty, I love your random posts! I absolutely CANNOT do the “if I like X, then I should try Y” game. I just click right by those posts because I know I will be no help at all. I think it’s because I cannot isolate notes. I’m always in amazement when people post 3 or 4 fragrances they love, and then someone says “well obviously the common denominator in these is ___”. Seriously, how do you do that? So Impressive.
I don’t have TV, so I don’t know what you’re talking about. But now I have to look it up. This is my bane in life. When someone raves about something, I have to try it. I wish someone would rave about cleaning their oven, or mowing their yard, or weeding their flower beds. That would be seriously helpful to my little curious cat brain.
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m always happy to sniff something new 🙂
I’m going to guess that Caroline might like some of the Guerlain AAs, and that’s as far as I’ll go (I don’t want her to hate me, after all). I’ve loved Downtown Abbey but haven’t seen Mr. Selfridge yet. Wonder what Jeremy Piven would be like in 3D?…
Perhaps Caroline would like Phaedon’s Coton Egyptien? It’s an interesting take on the “fresh” scent.
I love both Jeremy Piven (and as someone who knows what it’s like to look fine but feel awful, I appreciate the lack of “thermometer” jokes) and costume dramas, so I’m really enjoying Mr. Selfridge. Like Downton Abbey, it isn’t high art, but a delightful period melodrama. And I second the request to know what perfume your niece chose.
I’ve worn and really liked Cool Water – Women, but I can’t think of anything out there right now that smells like it.
Thank you for the drawing; please include me!
I’m not a big fresh fragrance girl but I recently was given a sample of L’Artisan Cote d’Amour. It’s got that ocean fresh feel to it. Well, it does to my nose. It might be worth a sniff if that’s your thing.
Would love to try the Tauer, would love to be in the draw. And hey, I’d love to know what the beautiful bride ended up wearing!
try chanel chance eau fraiche-lovely and fresh .
im not too familiar with the DKNY but I will throw out the suggestion of Eau de Cartier, one of my summer faves. Now you are making me want to revisit Life of Pi in 3D. I only saw it in 2D because i hate wearing the 3d glasses over my own glasses. Ang Lee’s movies are always worthwhile and so eclectic. Thanks for the draw, especially the one for noontide petals!
Patty, I LOVE these kind of posts. As Portia perfectly stated above “fabulously eratic.” I haven’t seen Selfridge but may now have to do so. Sucked in, eh? The same thing happened to me with Dexter. I hadn’t seen it and my son convinced me to do so a few of years ago … and what ensued? A marathon viewing of 4 seasons in order to be up to date with the new season that was starting in a few weeks. My friend got a 3D TV last year and it is pretty awesome. Enjoy it!!! Bisous!
Oops … “erratic” even. 🙂
Hi, I would like to suggest two of my all time favorite fragrances: Tresor by Lancome and Princess by
Very Wang…
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
L’Artisan Fleur de Liane might be worth a look too.
the FdLiane body cream is sooo pretty!
Ooh I like this game! I haven’t tried the DKNY and I’m honestly not sure if I’ve smelled Cool Water before.. maybe, but I don’t remember.
Anyway, what springs to mind for me is the Hermes Jardin series (Un Jardin en Mediterranee, Un Jardin sur le Nil, Un Jardin sur le Toit). They are all on the light and fresh side of things and readily available if you have a Sephora nearby. Jour d’Hermes might also be worth a shot, as well as the Atelier Cologne line. I’m thinking specifically of Trefle Pur, but there are others in the line, like Vetiver Fatale, Grande Neroli and Oolange Infini that might work too.
I’ve been wanting to try Noontide Petals and would love to be in the draw. Thanks!
I haven’t smelled either Cool Water or Dkny Original but Caroline may enjoy Guerlain Eau Imperial. Patty, I also need to know what the bride wore, it was such a fun picture.
Yes, yes, I’m loving Mr Selfridge!!! I was fasinated during the episode when they were making the signature Selfridge scent, even though they were skimpy on the details! I am though, peplexed with Mr. Selfridge and his dilly dallying with Ms. Love when he expouses such love for his wife, Rose.
I’m not great with fresh aquatics, but I love the Scent Map (http://www.scentmap.com/) I checked, and Caroline’s DKNY original and Davidoff are not on it, but it’s a great resource for people to explore, as it makes suggestions based on a central choice and then you can make it more warm, more classic, etc. Requires Java to run, but fun.
As for Selfridge, my local Starbucks had a card with a code for the pilot for free on iTunes, should others want to check out the series. . . 😀
Last, Life of Pi–I adore this film! It is the most beautiful thing I saw in the theaters last year. I was so delighted when it took Oscar awards for cinematography and visual effects. I saw it in 3D, reluctantly, and fell wholly in love with the images. Breathtaking. Seriously. I haven’t been able to purchase it for my home screen, as I don’t think the experience will compare to the theater, but I probably will, because I loved the story so much. It stuck with me for days. I hope you get your 3D tv functioning, and can recapture the magic, Patty. Be well.
hahahahaha, your post is the exact level of ADD I am feeling this morning 🙂 For Caroline, I would suggest Bobbi Brown Beach, Issey Miyake L’eau d’Issey, or Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio. I would love to be entered into the drawing for Histoires de Parfums Olympia Music Hall Le Parfum! Thank you!
Loved Life of Pi but haven’t seen it in 3D and now I am afraid to.
Like Mr Selfridge but still have a hard time with Jeremy Pivens. That smile makes me cringe!
What did the bride wear?
Caroline, I’m afraid I haven’t smelled either of those, but I’m still going to throw some names out just for fun. So don’t take my suggestions too seriously! Cartier Eau de Cartier, Annick Goutal Eau du Sud, Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline, and LAP Mure et Musc. Hope you find something you love!!
Patty: WAIT! What did the bride wear?!?!
I awful at recommending scents and it has been ages since I smelled Cool Water (have never smelled the DKNY) but Mr Hulot’s Holiday is similar in that it’s afresh, outdoorsy scent. Same with Bond’s Fire Island, Kenzo Air and Creed’s Silver Mountain Water.
And apparently I am also awful at proofreading…make that I am awful at recommending.
I’m also hoping Patty will soon tell us what the bride really wore.
I would recommend Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Light Breeze or Chanel’s Cristalle or Lancome’s O de Lancome. All Fresh scents. I have not seen Life of Pi, but now I want to. I have not seen the Jeremy Priven show, but I like him, so I will check it out. I would love to win one of these samples. Good Luck with the 3D. I’d also am dying to know…what did your niece wear on her wedding day?????
I’m a sucker for period pieces and started to work my way through Downton Abbey and do have Selfridge recording on my DVR. When I’m first started watching Downton Abby, I couldn’t help but think that they must have been wearing Jicky then after WWI, it must have been Mitsouko. We quite come to Chanel no. 5 yet. I love that time period because so many classics come from that era but they were revolutionary for that time.
I also cannot help with Cool Water. My BFF used to wear it in the summers when we were teenagers, but I can’t really remember it. I do remember her wearing Gucci Rush very fondly, though! I have almost convinced my husband that it makes sense to buy a new house, so your 3D TV seems like a huge bargain.
Unfortunately I’m another one who can’t help with the Cool Water question. I just don’t get that one. Maybe Vetiver by Guerlain if you’re into the more masculine scents, its cool, earthy woody citrusy type thing.
Oh yeah, perfume! Can not help with the Cool Water question because I dislike that fragrance.
Was watching Mr. Selfridge and hubby came home from work and started watching it with me. It wasn’t holding my interest and I told him I was going to delete it. He told me not to because he liked the harstyles and clothes. You could have knocked me over with a feather as they say. I always watch all my PBS stuff alone as Mr. SciFi has never wanted to. Twenty years of marraige next month and he still surprises me sometimes!
I am horrible at “what is like this” game unless it’s in my wheelhouse of gourmands, but Cool Water? Ack!! So out of my element ( ie total lack of experience – so much still to learn as a perfumista!!). Patty, did I somehow miss the great reveal?? What DID your niece wear to her fabulous wedding – I’m dying to know!!
Ooh, a 3D TV! It had not seen ANYTHING 3D until I saw some sci-fi thriller at the theater a couple years ago. Now I can’t even remember the name. Sigh. And, I’ve not seen Life of Pi, but I read the book when it was first published. Did Ang Lee direct the film? He does beautiful movies. Not familiar with Mr. Selfridge, but I understand TV series obsessions since I’m personally obsessed with Downton Abbey. OK, I am no help with recommending a perfume for Caroline. I’m still a newb at perfumes. I’d love to win me some samples. Thanks for the draw.
When I’m trying to help a perfume seeker, I sometimes go to basenotes and enter their favorite notes and see what comes out. For Caroline, I entered “calone, orange” and it threw out Pure Mariposa by Ramon Monegal. I haven’t sniffed this one, but the bottle is pretty and the notes listed make it sound like it would be spring-y and nice.
I haven’t seen Life of Pi yet, so I’ll try to seek out a 3D version. I’m a bit leary — sometimes 3D makes me queasy. I had to leave in the middle of Spy Kids 3D years ago and run to the ladies’ room. You get the picture!
I am watching Mr. Selfridge. I don’t like it as much as Downton Abby, but it’s still enjoyable. I agree with the people who like the costumes, hairstyles and period features.
My mom has a thing for these fresh, citrus-laden scents… so, if it can be of any help to Caroline: Versace ‘Versense’ is nice, Bvlgari ‘Au The Verte’ (“green tea”), ‘White Citrus’ by Bath & Body (I frowned on these “pop” scents for some time, but really… some of them are well-designed), also Bvlgari ‘Aqva’ for men is a nice aquatic which I tend to like better than ‘Cool Water’… as well as Armani’s ‘Acqua di Gio’ which another commentator mentioned- both of which could be worn by women as they have a unisex vibe. ‘Ichnusa’ by Profumum Roma I find very refreshing, “green”, and enchanting- if she wants to splurge… I know there are lots of others, but my knowledge of this class of scents is rather limited.
For the reader I suggest Truth by C. Klein, or something L eau d Issey, or Ael-Mat, or Inis by Fragrances of Ireland.
I won the Lily of the valley sample set? Wiiie! You just made my day (after having to wave goodbye to my lovely warm double shot latte which was still standing on the platform when my train rolled away… doh!) Thank you so much!
Joshua is right to point out GIT, it has the same skeleton as Cool Water, but where Cool Water is blue, GIT is most definitely green and with a more refined dry down. If you like green, GIT is highly recommended.
I don’t know what DKNY smells like. I also avoid playing the “I really like this fragrance, what else would work for me” game. I started searching that way and it wasn’t a particularly fruitful strategy.
I wasn’t aware of Mr Selfridge. Something to look out for.
I saw Life of Pi as it was meant to be seen, in a cinema theatre in 3D. Breathtaking.
Being poor restricts impulse buying 😛
I usually love playing the ‘what will I like’ game but it has been ages since I smelled Cool Water and I don’t think I’ve ever sniffed the DKNY original..although when I read fresh I thought immediately of Ormonde Jayne for some reason..Osmanthus? Or Zizan?
I’ve tried Tauer’s Noontide Petals and I must say I really love it… and I think it would be great for Caroline too as it has this fresh and zesty start as well as the warm and creamy feel afterwards, which I guess is a bit what Cool Water does (though Noontide Petals is completely different, of course). Thanks for the chance to win this Patty, as I’d like to be introduced to Histoires de Parfums, and good luck with your search Caroline!
I’d recommend Creed’s Green Irish Tweed which I find to be an improvement on Cool Water while being remarkably similar.
Well, I went straight from Downton Abbey into Mr. Selfridge and even got the SO to watch it with me, so #winning. For some reason the Aqua di Gioia (sp?) came to mind as a possibility for Caroline. Maybe Infusion d’Iris? I’ve noticed a lot of clean/fresh lovers seem to like it when I wear it.
ooo I can’t smell Cool Water at all- someone will spray it and its just not there to my nose. Sorry no help there. I did try Sand and Sable the other day in W mart and later in the week I sprayed on some Chasse Aux Papillions. No of course its not the same, BUT nice tuberose in both of them. And if you want something cheap for summer thrills Sand and Sable is cheap fun tuberose. Love PBS!
I love Sand and Sable. “Wino pulls a bouquet of tuberose out of his pee-stained pants” (that’s a good thing)
xoxo
Oh heck, I’m another perfume newbie, and wish I could offer some knowledgeable help. I have a bottle of Banana Republic W for women that I bought back before I knew anything about perfume because it was described as being great if you want a fresh clean scent. I personally don’t like it on me, (at that time I didn’t know I should actually test a perfume out before buying it!) But maybe it would work for Caroline
Oh and I do love Jeremy Piven, so I will be checking out selfridge!
Don’t recall trying either the Cool Water or DKNY, but it looks like they both have a citrus/orange note. Maybe try Hermes Eau des Merveilles, it has some woods, salt and sand with the orange. Hope this helps. As to Mr. Selfridge, I confess I kind of lost interest after the second episode. Downton it’s not, although I certainly understand that it’s not meant to be, I just did find it that compelling. I love Call the Midwife, though; my PBS station runs them back to back. Thanks for the draw!
My watching habits are like yours, rosarita. I loved Downton Abby, love Call the Midwife. I am watching Mr. Selfridge because I know one of the actors in it, but I’m not impressed with Andrew Davies’ screenplay this time. Did you see the recent The Bletchley Circle, also on PBS? It was really excellent. Four women who had been code-breakers in WW II try to solve a serial murder case using their analytical talents. Very well done and suspenseful.
Oooh, Dina, thanks for mentioning “Bletchley,” Must see this as I loved the movie “Enigma.”
I always meant to watch ‘Enigma’ but always forgot. Have it on my list now.
xo
Today I was wearing Caron Aimez-moi from a sample and suddenly realized, “Hey, this is a lot like Parfums de Nicolai Violette in Love.” I turned a friend into a perfume addict and was able to lead her down the dark path trough “if you like this, you may like…” So I’m not too bad at that. However, I cannot help the reader with the Cool Water question. My husband tried it on in a dept store, and driving with him afterwards almost killed me.
I’m sorry about your 3D TV problems. Perfume is my big splurge weak point.
We’ve had a Netflix copy of Life of Pi sitting around for a few days. Now I’m very excited to watch it! I remember enjoying the book, but it’s been years so I don’t remember a lot of details beyond the basics.
It will be very difficult to coose for someone else a perfume based on what else he or she likes.I personaly am not good at that.It doesn’t soud difficult but I seem to fail most of the time.May be it’s because people have different scense of smell and what I get from two fragrances alike is different from someone elses perception.Scent is also involved with memories so it’s personal.I’m defenitely not good at that game.
Hmm… I don’t believe that I’ve smelled either DKNY Original or Davidoff Cool Water, so I’m afraid I’m no help there.
I had not watched Selfridge’s, but now I’m intrigued.
And finally, It’s been a while since I’ve had a major impulse purchase. I come from a long line of nerdy planners and I tend to over research and over think. It saves me money, but oh, I envy you the fun of the impulse. Possibly the last one I succumbed to was a lovely orange coach purse. Colorful and it made me happy all winter. Enjoy your 3Dness
I’ve only just begun my love affair with perfume so I’m afraid I would be terrible at suggesting something to wear. Almost everything is new to me, but I recently purchased my first bottle of Shalimar EDP because I tried it at a duty free airport shop and I could not get it out of my mind (nose!)! I struggle with a severe anxiety disorder and I’ve found perfume to be a great tool to relax, to get out of my head (so to speak), and to just be in the moment. Now how’s that for a testimony to the power of scent?!
Just wanted to say I agree! Scent is such a wonderful tool for relaxing!
For Caroline I would have her try Versace Versense or Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche both are light fresh scents. I saw 3D and am really looking forward to trying it once it is in my price range.
I have some of that Versace Versense, and I agree with your suggestion. Very fresh, sometimes I wear it to workout.
No idea about either a suitable frag or 3-D TV, but I want to talk about Mr. Selfridge. Got sucked into it when they showed a promo featuring him proclaiming that perfume would be moved to the store’s entrance, and with that I was hooked and had to watch. I love seeing “the shoppers” pick up and handle the bottles and the employees placing all the stock out. Now I’m hooked on the relationship between Selfridge and Rose, and how furious he was about her painter. I love how expressive both of their faces are. I love the beautiful clothes and the Gibson girl hairstyles. Lady Loxley horrifies me with her casual amorality.
DNEM but I love you being so fabulously erratic. I am smiling broadly from reading and can’t wait to meet you at SCENTSATION!! I hear there are only about 5 seats left!! YAY!
Portia xx
Patty? Erratic? Naaaaw………;-)
xoxo
I’m still such a newb that I’d be a bad person to ask..maybe someday! Would love to try the Tauer! Good luck with the 3D!
Giiiirrrllll!! I am horrible as well at this and that thing. Like for reals!! I’m a fan of cool water for men. And to me M. Micallef Royal Vintage is like Aqua Velva, and Cook Water combined. And I LIKE IT A LOT!!
I like Royal Vintage, too! I think of it as a glammed-up Aqua Velva!
xo