Share your thoughts: Giveaway roundup

I’m going to turn the tables a little on you today, darling Posse peeps, and put the ball in your court, so to speak. You get to be the reviewer today for our giveaway roundup.

giveaway roundup If you’ve won a sample or samples from us in the past couple of months or so, we’d love to hear your thoughts, good or bad, on what you received. And also if you liked it enough to get another sample and/or decant, or even enough to spring for a full bottle.

Or let us know if you’ve sampled something because of a review or mention on the Posse. Come on now, inquiring minds want to know. What new love did you discover because of the Posse?

I confess, I’m every bit as tempted as all of you every time Patty and company pull out something new for us to drool over. And it’s often frustrating for me because I’m nowhere near stores that carry the latest and greatest fragrances. I know it’s the same for many of you.

The Posse blog love for Chanel 1932, Maria Candida Gentile’s Sideris and Frederic Malle’s Dries Van Noten had me craving those big-time and I got samples/decants ASAP. Luckily, those are holding me for the time being and keeping my poor little wallet safe for now. And way before that, Patty and Musette carried on so about Amouage Interlude Woman that I had to get my mitts on some of that as well. And plenty more that I can’t think of right now.

Sometimes I just have to put my hands over my ears and chant to myself, “You can wait to try this; you can wait to try this” to keep the lemmings at bay. Or get up and do something really intense and detailed to distract myself.

Looking forward to hearing what you guys think.

  • Boriana says:

    Way too late, but wanted to chime in. I won a sample of Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle, and really like it. The thing is, for me it seems too close to another favorite Malle – Dans Tes Bras, that I have a full bottle of, if not exactly the same scent, it gives me that huggable quality. So I guess I would wait. Thanks again for your generosity!

  • Susan J. says:

    The only thing I ever won was tickets to the Superbowl, utterly useless! I do have a generous perfumista friend who brings her samples over and we sit and sniff every couple of months. I fell in love with her vintage Diorissimo and her little sample of De Profundis. Why must I know of these things?

    • Ann says:

      Susan, I hear you on the Super Bowl tickets; isn’t that always the way? So nice that you have a sharing perfumista pal to spritz with. Great choices there, especially the Profundis (as it’s easier to get these days).

  • kizzers says:

    Well, I can blame the Posse Peeps for my swoon-worthy bottle of Kenzo UFO. The harder it was to find, the hungrier my Lemming got!

    But I think I can blame the Posse for most of my recent collection: Amaranthine, Seville, De Profundis to name but a few – the list is a long and very happy one 🙂

    And those Notes Guides? Don’t get me started ! (Pipe down back there Lemmings, Mummy will feed you soon…)

    This blog is an amazing place for encouragement (and enabling!), and it’s the only site where I look forward to reading the comments just as much as the articles themselves. Even if you guys have a less than positive review to give, it’s always delivered with a little ‘tongue in cheek’ and the encouragement to go and try something out for yourself (old and new, niche and mainstream). The impartiality and respect shown for everyone’s opinions is what makes this site an amazing resource and a home for a wonderful community of lovely, friendly Perfumistas.

    The Perfume Fairy Godmother and Swapmania features are just brilliant too.

    xxx

    • Ann says:

      Too funny — your “Mummy” comment had me ROFL!! We’ll happily take the blame for so many good scents that you’ve acquired. And so glad you’re enjoying the Posse; it’s definitely a crazy, fun, fragrant place to be.

  • AnnieA says:

    This has been a big sample month, and I didn’t even have to leave the house. I won a sample of Musc Tonkin. Sadly, it didn’t work for me; I spent the whole morning asking myself what that musty smell was. Pretty sure the intention was *not* to make a perfume smelling of mothballs. Cute decant bottle, so am tempted to keep it just for that.

    Everybody was so generous and popped in extra items. A perfume fairy sent me some Mauboussin Histoire d’Eau: interesting if too cookie-like for me.

    Also got some fancy samples from a European traveller. The Francis Kurkdjian Absolue Pour le Soir smelled…like pee (sorry if I am being unladylike) and I had to scrub it away. The much-vaunted NV Trayee was also unpleasant: hard candy from the home of a cigarette-smoking granny.

    It’s great to try things even if they don’t work out, especially if they are wildly expensive. It is extremely interesting how vastly different reactions can be, so I will have to remember that one person’s rave might be another person’s pyew…

    • Ann says:

      Amen, Annie! Thank goodness for samples. If we don’t like something, we pass them along to be someone else’s rave, as you said. And it’s nice that you didn’t have to go anywhere to try a bunch of scents.

  • thegoddessrena says:

    Am loving the perfume fairy posts–can definitely see getting Opardu and Must de Cartier and possibly also Amaranthine that I only tried because they were sent to me (one as a bonus and the other two from a reverse fairy godmother)

    • Ann says:

      The FG posts are great, aren’t they? I love the Opardu and the Must as well (but which one did you get — the new one or the old one?).

  • hajusuuri says:

    Posse Peep hajusuuri reporting. I won a sample of the By Kilian Flower of Immortality and it will remain a sample forever. What can I say? A nice peach burst at the opening…and then…wait for it…wait for it…NOTHING. It is supposed to be an EDP but it smelled and lasted (or not, in this case) like a watered down body mist. Harsh, I know, but my wallet thanks Perfume Posse for letting it rest a little.

    I like the variety of postings, writing styles, educational/informative/reference pieces. The giveaways are a very nice feature, too. I also like giving back via the Perfume Fairy Godmother thread.

    The Oriental Lace “review” will be next, once I’ve tried it on skin — it definitely passed the initial sniff test!

    • Ann says:

      Aw, thanks — you’ve made my day! Glad you’re happy with the Posse, and glad you like the Oriental Lace so far. Do let me know how you like it on skin. BTW, last night I broke down and tried the FoI. Well, I’m in the same boat with you. Pretty burst of peach, fading quickly off to stage right. Oh well, money saved, as they say. I’m happy it’s working for some other folks though. Hope you have a great week!

    • I felt about the same about Flower of Immortality. For something so expensive it seemed awfully weak. However, it does layer nicely with SL Bas de Soie. I had read about peach and iris being a particularly good combo, and after trying that layering scheme I understand why.

      • Ann says:

        Oh, that’s good to know! I do love me some Bas de Soie, too. I think the FoI may be one of those scents where it really works beautifully for you (like Masha, above) or it doesn’t.

  • Ramona says:

    Well, my most recent Purchased due to Posse Persuasion (and have to adnit, have seen it mentioned on other blogs as well, so The Posse Peeps cant be held totally responsible) was Anne Pliska. Sampled it due to reviews, Loved it, and Purchased it as its so affordable. Home Run! I would love to get the parfum but cant find it anywhere and was finally able to find it EDP at Luckyscent. I am thinking of buying a back up as it seems to be getting scarce.

    • Ann says:

      Yay, Ramona! That is a great scent, for sure, but it sometimes falls under the radar. Glad you got a FB to love. And glad the Posse’s off the hook a little bit, too 😉

  • poodle says:

    I blame the Posse for a lot of purchases, too many to remember. I am also happy that the Posse saved me money. I won the samples for the By Killian Garden of Good and Evil scents and was smitten with the packaging. I almost bought one blindly because of it. Then I won the samples and tried them and found out that they were not for me. That saved me from a costly mistake.
    Recently I won Oriental Lace though and I kinda like that one. I need to spend more time with it but I could see at least a decant in my future. And Ann helped rekindle my love for Ombré Rose so that might get purchased as well.
    I don’t mind the chatty, relaxed feeling here either. I’m glad to be a Posse peep.

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Poodle! Isn’t it funny how that works? The Posse can be a pain in the wallet, but it can help, too. I’ve been spared a disastrous purchase a time or two myself that way. Glad you’re happy with the Ombre Rose again and liking the Oriental Lace; let me know if you want a bit more. And so happy you’re enjoying the Posse; it really is a great bunch of people!

  • Sherri says:

    Not only have i been inspired to try countless new perfumes by the Posse, but I now can’t walk by the handbags at Nordstrom’s without fondling the Balenciagas, thanks to Patty’s post. (Good thing she doesn’t do handbag posts too often; I’d be seriously broke!)

    • Ann says:

      Too funny, Sherri! And we thought perfumes were pricey — yikes! Talk about going into the poorhouse — that would send us for sure!

  • MariaA says:

    I haven’t won anything but the new perfumes I tried lately are Jo Malones Osmanthus Blossom, Dior’s Gris Montaigne and Elie Saab. Liked them all three and am anxiously waiting for the new Aqua Allegoria!

    • Ann says:

      I like those as well, but have not tried the Gris Montaigne. What did you think of it and how would you describe it? Thanks!

  • Dina C. says:

    The most recent purchase I’ve made that was influenced heavily by the Posse was Hermes L’Ambre Des Merveilles. I seem to remember it being on Musette’s list of top scents for 2012, maybe? Well, someone raved on about it. Then I read “Floating Gold,” the book all about ambergris, and I really wanted to sniff something with an ambergris note. So, I tested it out and liked it right away. Has a salty, amber, ambergris and vanilla blend that is lovely to smell. Thanks ladies for your good tip! 🙂

  • I’ve been fortunate enough to have won two giveaways here at Perfume Posse. One was Patty’s musk perfumes guide post giveaway, which was a *lot* of samples. It was definitely a crash course in musks, which I had not explored in any real depth up to that point. It was fun going through all of them and seeing how many different varieties of musk there are. The second was a post giveaway from Musette, which I just received last week (I think it was last week). That one included Huitieme Art’s Poudre de Riz and Heeley Cardinal, among a few other things. All of the samples were from lines of which I hadn’t tried anything yet, so it was a nice introduction.

    As for lemmings spawned, well most of the stuff I’ve tried in the last couple of years since I fell down the rabbit hole has either been because of the Posse, NST or Bois de Jasmin. When I read very positive reviews, it piques my curiosity and I want to know what all the fuss is about. I tried Seville a L’aube because I had heard so much about it, as well as NVC Mohur. They don’t always work for me (Seville being a case in point) but at least I know what everybody’s talking about.

    • Ann says:

      Wow, Jennifer! Sounds like you hit the perfume jackpot. Which musks did you like best? That Poudre de Riz I thought was especially nice. Sorry the Seville didn’t work for you, but here’s hoping the Mohur did. And you’re so right, love the scent or not, at least after you’ve sampled it you have a reference point for what everyone’s saying about.

      • It’s hard to say which I liked best… For one I would wear on a day-to-day basis, I really liked Parfums de Nicolai Musc Intense, which is really more roses and something that smells like osmanthus with a hint of violet than musk-centric to me (and I normally don’t like violet but somehow it works here). I also really love Musc Tonkin and MKK, but those are ones I don’t know that I’d actually buy because I don’t know when/if I’d ever wear them out of the house. I also found Jar’s Ferme Tes Yeux oddly compelling and, while definitely weird and undead-ish, not as filthy as I expected (maybe I’m anosmic to something.. I don’t know). I think it was enough just to try that one, though.. I don’t think I need more than a sample. And with JAR prices, I’m kind of glad.

        Mohur definitely worked for me. This does not make my bank account happy.

        • Ann says:

          I love Mohur, too, and my wallet is quaking, curled up over in the farthest corner of my purse!

  • Beth says:

    I have a mile long wish list over at STC that I’m slowly working through, and most of it has come from reviews on PerfumePosse. I’m with Elia on the vanilla note article … that spawned a ton of wish list items.

    And I have to say, I love the tone of the Posse. It’s like a bunch of friends getting together, talking about perfume. It’s accessible and doesn’t put you off if you’re new to the subject, and it’s fun. I don’t care much for lofty, pretentious or stuffy. I’d rather be embraced by friends and entertained in the midst of lives that grow increasingly difficult and harried. Love you all!

    • Ann says:

      Beth, I’m joining you and Elia in that choir — some days you just can’t beat a good vanilla scent. And thank you for your kind words about the Posse. I, too, love that it’s a friendly, chatty community that welcomes everyone, no matter where you are on your perfume journey.

      • Elia says:

        btw, my favourite vanilla is not listed in the vanilla note article. I should add a comment to it really.
        I love Cenobite by Solstice Scents

        • Ann says:

          I’m not familiar with that one, Elia, but if it’s your fave, I’ll definitely need to try it. Thanks!

  • Elia says:

    I won a sample of Flower of Immortality by Kilian. It’s pretty enough but I’m going through a phase where I’m not liking any berries in my fragrances. I’ll have to revisit.
    Of course reading about perfume always adds to temptation, whether it be here at the posse or elsewhere.
    Reading through the vanilla note article threw up several interesting scents I’d like to try.

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Elia. So you got berry in FoI? I’ll have to look for that when I try it. Have fun exploring scents from the vanilla post; there are some yummy ones in there for sure.

  • odonata9 says:

    I requested and received a sample of FM Dries Van Noten based on Posse review several other mostly favorable review in the last Fairy Godmother post (which is genius and I love taking part every month!). I wasn’t terribly taken with it as all the reviews noted it was quiet and sweet, while I got something not so nice. I like quiet and sweet, so I’m holding on to the sample as I’m pregnant, and figure that hormones or wacky skin chemistry may be the culprit!

    • Ann says:

      Isn’t the Fairy Godmother program genius? I love it, too — both participating and even just reading about all the kind, generous perfumistas makes me feel good. Sorry the DvN didn’t work, but maybe later it will, If not, you can always be a FG.
      Sending you a big congratulations!! When are you due?

  • Amy Bella says:

    I was the lucky recipient of an Amouage Beloved Man sample. As a previous commenter noted, it smells like class in a bottle! Shortly after I got the sample I rented “Somewhere in Time”, sprayed generously, and watched the movie that inspired the fragrance. <3 Good times!

    • Ann says:

      Amy, that sounds just perfect! I love it when a scent and a movie mesh so wonderfully together. Is there a decant or FB in your future?

      • Amy Bella says:

        I’ll definitely get another decant when I run out. If my husband ever starts wearing fragrance (Ha ha – not likely!) I would spring for a FB and force him to wear this one. In the meantime, it is a good thing I enjoy smelling like a man!

  • HemlockSillage says:

    The divine Mrs. M wrote a reivew of Cartier’s Les III Heure (L’Heure Verteuse), that made me long to try it. I stalked it about three times at my local Saks, spraying liberally, and adored it. To quote Bull Durham, “I’m too strong and powerful to get lured.” I accept full responsibility for my purchase of this lovely herbal lavender fragrance. It is so weirdly medicinal, it will not be to everyone’s taste, but I adore it. It has become my favorite calming scent. I wear it often at night. . .actually I had some bad news today, and if I weren’t wafting clouds of Papyrus de Ciane already, I’d reach for Heure Verteuse to calm me. It’s wonderful. Thanks for inspiring me to try it 😀 Be well.

    • Ann says:

      Oh, dear, hope everything will be all right — will be thinking of you. So glad you’re loving the Verteuse ( and double bonus points for being a calming scent). Must try that one night before bed. Hang in there!

  • Rene Groyer (@ReneGroyer) says:

    I won a sample of Puredistance Opardu on a perfume blog,loved it and am tempted to order a small bottle of it but living in South Africa,shipping is very expensive plus the conversion of our currency makes it unaffordable 🙁

    • Ann says:

      Oh, Rene, that one is so lovely. It’s already an expensive bottle and such a shame that the shipping makes it even more so. Maybe you could make do with a small decant? I would love an FB, too, but instead I am hoarding several little sample vials of it, used very sparingly.

  • mridula says:

    I received so many samples the two times I participated in Fairy Godmother sweepstakes. Yes, that how I think of it – as winning the sweepstakes. I have tried many Lutens, fallen hard for Bois de Violette, 9got myself a decant), tried By Killian’s Rose Oud with the same results – fallen hard (but no decant yet), tried FM’s Portrait of a lady and have my completely in line with the idea this is my anniversary present in July, tried Premier Figuier Extreme and edt and Phylosikos and become completely confused. I am to receive a full bottle from kids for Mother’s Day except I don’t know which way to go on this one. Help! Yes, I am a newbie and hooked in part because of Perfume Posse, in part because of the endless generosity of your readers. I love this site and read religiously.

    • Ann says:

      Thanks so much for your kind words. Perfumistas are so unbelievably generous — it really is like winning a sweepstakes. As for your fig dilemma, you’ve got a delightfully tough choice on your hands. 😉 Perhaps try spraying the L’Artisan on one wrist and the Philosykos on the other, and see which one you seem most drawn to as the day goes on (and which one garners the most compliments). That’s worked as a tie-breaker for me before. Good luck!

  • Tiara says:

    I haven’t won anything recently, but that hasn’t stopped me from adding stuff to my “want to sample” list. Seville a L’Aube, Dries van Noten, Chanel 1932, Grand Bal (plus some others) were all added after reading about them here. I blame the Posse and the folks at NST for the enabling.

    • Ann says:

      Tiara, it really is like being a kid in a candy store sometimes with so much to choose from. But you’ve got some great ones there to try; I love them all but am especially fond of the Grand Bal — such a gorgeous jasmine!

  • shaney says:

    I was lucky enough to win the sample of Oscar de la Renta Oriental Lace from Ann. Oriental Lace was a very well-behaved, gourmand oriental, and though I agree that there is a bit of Coromandel in there, alas, it was too sweet for me. I do like Oriental fragrances, but I need them to be less sweet to work well for me. I’ll pass the remainder along, though, to someone else in a swap! Perfume posse has given me sooo much information and led me to quite a few perfumes. The ‘best of’ lists are my favorites, so comprehensive!

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Shaney! The Oriental Lace does skew a little sweet on me, but my skin amps the patchouli and Coromandel effect more, so that helps offset it. Glad you’re enjoying the Posse — I love those lists, too!

  • susan says:

    I won a sample of 1932 from the Posse. I like it. However, I can’t help but think it’s ultimately a bit too clean and well-behaved for me to truly fall in love with. I like my jasmine a little rougher around the edges. We’ll see. I’ll spend some more time with it. Thanks for letting me try it!

    • Ann says:

      Susan, you’re right — although lovely, it’s not a growly jasmine by any means. But it might be a good one for events where you want to be on your best behavior. I’m attending a wedding next month and can see it working quite nicely there.

  • Kathryn says:

    I’m very grateful to the Posse for sending a sample of Dries van Noten my way. Although I don’t love the raspy opening, I’m completely smitten with the luscious sandalwood that follows. The sample is long gone, I’m well into the decant I ordered after that, and a full bottle is definitely in my future. Thanks Posse!

    • Ann says:

      Ah, another happy customer! We aim to please 🙂 Glad you’re loving it; that sandalwood really is nice, isn’t it?

  • Merlin says:

    I won something just very recently and am waiting eagerly!

    • Jamie says:

      Me too! I can’t wait to try the scents in the samplers I won. They sound like great curated collections. Will definitely report back.

      • Ann says:

        Merlin and Jamie, hope your goodies arrive soon. Do let us know what you think of them.

  • Barbara says:

    Meant to type – would have ordered a sample ANYWAY if I hadn’t have won it!

  • Barbara says:

    I was the lucky winner of a sample of Frederic Malle Dries van Noten. Was very excited because I love me some Malles and would have ordered a sample but it was WAAAYYYY to sweet on me. Oh well, money saved.
    The Posse is responsible for far too many purchases for me to even remember! I’ve always loved fragrance, but the Posse was one of the first blogs I started reading when I first fell down the rabbit hole. No one I know is obsessed with fragrance like I am (“Your hobby is perfume ? WHAT?”) so it was wonderful to find people talking about it. It has also led me to movies, books, and countless other things so I thank all of the commenters for that also!

    • Ann says:

      Hi, Barbara. I can see that on some people the DvN might be a little sweet. But as you said, money saved. Very few people I know “get ” my fragrance obsession either, so it’s beyond wonderful to connect here with other like-minded souls. Thanks for being a loyal reader!

  • mim says:

    Most recent sniff, will retry and maybe get a decant: Dries Van Noten. It smells like a cuddly rainy day. Plenty of others throughout the years which I’ve sampled… have not bought a FB in a while though, am in the paring-down phase of perfumistahood.

    • Ann says:

      Mim, that is such a spot-on description of the Malle. BTW, I’m thinking along the same lines, about paring down. But it’s easier said than done, at least for me.

  • Jackie b says:

    The perfume reviews at the Posse are so evocative, and accurate, and have been responsible for sample of Seville a L’Aube, which then went on the Christmas wishlist. Best Christmas ever.
    Bottega Veneta, same, except I bought it myself.
    Miriam, unsniffed but totally exactly as described and love it.
    Next…Opus VII
    Thanks for the ongoing sniffing education and Perfume Godmother opportunities!

  • masha7 says:

    I won a sample of By Kilian’s Flower of Immortality and fell head over heels for its peachy goodness! It seems to be a very simple perfume at first, but by the third wearing, I was hooked. I’m saving for either a hefty decant or a full bottle.

    • Ann says:

      Hi, lady! Glad you found a Kilian keeper. This one sounds better than the earlier ones in this collection, from what I’ve read. My Saks SA slipped a sample of FoI to me the other day, so I need to find it and try it. Although for my wallet’s sake, I’m kind of hoping that I don’t get hooked. 😉

  • Ella says:

    Still waiting for the sample pack of lily of the valley scents that I won recently (wiiie!), but given that I, like many others, live in a land sadly devoid of interesting perfumes, the Posse can be held accountable for me running around Paris like a bewildered pilgrim, the smile of a mad woman plastered on my face, sporting sillage the size of a small city block…

    • Ann says:

      Ella, that mental image of you in Paris is absolutely priceless! I would be the same way. Hope you enjoy the LOV samples — so perfect for spring!

  • Oh My! The Perfume posse has a LOT to answer for. L’Artisan, Lutens, Amouage, Malle, Piguet, Caron, Acqua De Palma, Heeley, di Orio, Kern etc etc etc. If I didn’t want it before you all wrote about it then I definitely did after. Gladly I am a Peep and a Guy, I like it modern thanks, it feels like I’m talking with my crew and family.
    Portia xx

  • rosarita says:

    I won a sample of Chanel 1932 on the Posse and it’s a pretty spring jasmine, probably worth a decant. I’ve been sampling lots of florals lately, stretching the limits of my comfort zone, and there are always great suggestions here; thanks to Musette I even gave Carnal Flower another try and didn’t hate it. Progress, right?

    • Ann says:

      Hi, lady! Hope you’re doing well. So glad to hear that you’re making strides with Carnal Flower. You might even come to like the body butter or hair mist in it. I like pushing my comfort zone a little, but not too, too much, ha!

  • Red says:

    I have received a test amount of Spritieuse Double Vanille by Guerlain and Santal Mysore by Serge Lutens from two very kind hearted perfumistas here. They’re amazing but I ca’t afford a full bottle of it. and would love to want some more. They may be winter perfumes but hey, a spray or two makes it suitable for spring and fall as well. I wish I can have some more of these amazing two perfumes.

    • Ann says:

      Hey, Red! Glad you found two more to love. BTW, did you ever get the package I sent to you as a winner of the Oscar Oriental Lace? Wasn’t sure how long it would take, but I hope it’s there by now.

  • Elena says:

    I won a sample of Musc Tonkin, and my dog who has never cared a whit about perfume was profoundly interested. I guess they did a good job of recreating natural animal musk! I loved it, too, and it was totally different from anything I’ve ever smelled. I am considering a decant, but probably not for spring/summer. It makes me want to try MKK, because it just purred to me from the get go, no weirdness to get over, it just smelled good. I have been inspired to get untold numbers of samples from this blog and others (Bois de Jasmin and NST, mostly).

    • FeralJasmine says:

      My dogs are assiduous about licking civet off me,but they ate indifferent to synthetic musk. It’s interesting that your dog responded to Musc Tonkin.

      • Ann says:

        Ladies, thanks for sharing how your pets relate to your perfume. I currently do not have any pets, but would love to find something that would keep the squirrels away, ha!

        • poodle says:

          Me too! I’m finding out this spring that the GD squirrels and chipmunks ate all my tulips and most of my crocus bulbs. All I have are holes in the ground and a few half eaten bulbs.

          • Musette says:

            Oh, Poodle! I am so sorry to hear that! I am fortunate to have two bitey dogs and I also keep the squirrels in field corn. Chipmunks don’t come in this garden – the dogs would rip them to shreds. There was a bunny who hung out over winter – and I let him so I could track how he was getting in – we now have the entire perimeter of the fence bottom grated in (blessed be, we are awash in scrap chromed stainless mesh). I also used that as a cover for my bulbs – I made little hoophouses (just cut and bent the mesh and secured the little coverings with brads). I would’ve been squooed had something decided to munch from below, though!

            xoxoA

          • Ann says:

            That’s it! I’m getting a bitey dog to send the critters packing! Move along, little troublemakers. I have no garden for them to ruin, but once you’ve suffered with squirrels racing around in your attic at inconvenient times, you join the high-blood pressure club! 🙂

          • poodle says:

            I too, am awash in mesh and chicken wire. I’ve always done it to keep my critters in and others out and I went haywire last year after that skunk dug under the fence and chicken wire and introduced himself to the dogs. So I reinforced the perimeter with more mesh like a woman possessed. Hubby thinks I’m nuts. I’m glad you do it too.

  • Martha says:

    I suspect that I most of the fragrances I’ve sampled are because of the Posse. Since I started participating in the Perfume FG swap & sample sprees, I’ve sniffed some lovely, and not so lovely, perfumes. One perfume that has really grabbed me is Mohur. Oh my word, but I am practically in love with that scent! I’m also smitten with Trayee. Not fond of L’ Ambre des Merveilles though it seems there was a lot of discussion about it last fall right here at Perfume Posse. Also found Sideris to be “interesting”, but not something I would like to wear more than once.

    Probably I am more interested in niche and luxe perfumes because of the Posse. It seems that there is an emphasis on those types of fragrances on this blog. Mind you, I am not complaining.

    I consider myself to be a newb. My ability to sample is hampered by the fact that I live 30 – 50 mi. from any major shopping centers so I can’t just hop on over to Nordstrom’s or other upscale dept. stores that would stock high quality perfume. There are many more perfumes out there that I want to get my nostrils on, but I usually have to order from a sampling/decanting service and that depends on discretionary income. Not a huge expense, I know. It’s worth it if you’re strongly considering a bottle that is priced around $300 or more. Now we’re talking about discretionary income. So, thank goodness for generous perfumistas who just want to spread the good smells. Seriously.

    OK, I’ll stop now 🙂

    • Ann says:

      Martha, I am definitely joining you in the choir praising Mohur. It’s gorgeous (as is Trayee). And I feel your pain on living some distance away from good perfume shopping. Seconding the thanks to generous perfumistas (especially those on the Fairy Godmother posts). At least between them and the decant services, we can get a little taste of what everyone’s talking about, even if FBs aren’t in the cards (and they aren’t for me either).

  • FeralJasmine says:

    I won a little vial of Amouage Opus VII from Miss Musette’s post and just tried it this morning. A rush of delicious pepper followed by three hours of delicious leather scent, perfect leather scent. I am very surprised to read that some consider the leather note subtle. On me it was pure leather, the scent of a lovely hand bound book. I’m in a phase of hyperfeminine perfumes, so tomorrow’s project is to spray this one on my husband. What fun.
    With regard to artcraftcultire’s comment, I love the fact that there are all sorts of writing, and all sorts of people, on the Posse. Thanks for giving us all a comfortable place to hang out.

    • FeralJasmine says:

      Oh, and should add that after three hours I did a messy job in the garden and had to scrub up to the elbows. It was going strong and should have been fine for a while yet.

    • Ann says:

      Oooh, lucky you to have tried the new Opus already! And what lasting power, eh? It’ll be interesting to see how it does on your husband. And thank you for your kind words. We try to make the Posse a fun, informative place with something for everyone.

  • solanace says:

    I was lucky enough to win a sample of Amouage Beloved Man. What can I say? It is class in a bottle. Class and sex appeal. I want a FB for my husband. But that price… Oh, but that juice… I guess I’ll just have to save my pennies for this one – it costs about four Lutens, ouch!

    • Ann says:

      Mmmm … that one is divine. Did you sample it, too, or just your DH? A little decant could tide you over while you’re saving up. I need to try this on my hubby; now where is that vial? 🙂

      • solanace says:

        Oh, I don’t want to waste it on myself, it really does smell that gorgeous on him. I’ll definitelly get a decant. And a big one of Gold for myself. 🙂

  • eldarwen22 says:

    Right now, I just ordered my mother her mother’s day gift. She is not a perfume fanatic like me, so I can’t quite give her the bottle of Noontide Petals that I just ordered unsniffed. I think that it is the second bottle that I have ordered unsniffed due to the Posse. I did get her a couple cutting boards and a room diffuser. I know that I am lame and boring but her birthday comes a week later so that’s when I know what she really wants.

    • Ann says:

      Hi, lady! I’m sure your mom will like her gifts. I so enjoy a nice room diffuser and am over the moon when i get one as a gift. Hope you like the Noontide Petals; it really is lovely.

  • artcraftculture says:

    Wow. I’m not a “guy” or a “peep” and the reason I fell in love with Perfume Posse is because the writing was adult and sophisticated and non-cutesy-bloggy. When did that stop?

    • Ann says:

      Thanks for stopping by! Do drop in later in the week when there’s sure to be witty, sophisticated commentary aplenty.

  • spiker says:

    I’m blaming the Posse for introducing me to Serge Lutens. While I haven’t yet tried the new Fille de Berlin, I got curious and looked at your old postings. Five O’Clock au Gingembre turned out to be one of my primary scents this winter. I finally broke down and got a FB.

    Now that I think of it, I believe you all talked me into Seville a L’aube, too.

    You’re not doing my pocketbook any good, but my do I smell pretty!

    • Ann says:

      Congrats on getting the Five O’Clock and the Seville; they are great, aren’t they? And I hope you’ll like the Berlin when you try it. Just watch out — that pinkish-red juice stains a bit — as I found out the hard way!