I don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but there’s record heat expected across much of the southwest for the next few days. It reached into the high 80’s in the lovely Hills of Beverly, so I decamped for the beach.
Not the real beach. mind you since sand and I don’t mix well. More like the mall near the beach. First at Santa Monica Place (fogged in) then to the Malibu County Mart (partially fogged in.)
Eventually I did return to my apartment which was warm. Very warm. My sofa was like an embrace from someone you don’t like much who hugs just long enough to be uncomfortable.
Summer does mean dusting off some of the lighter summer favorites, like Eau Sauvage. Eau de Sud, Guerlain Vetiver and Hermès Eau d‘Orange Vert (especially handy in the moist towlette version.) Newer favorites include Escentric Molecule 03, Andy Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin and Smell Bent Debonair Eau Dandy. I’ll still go for some of the heavier hitters, especially if I know I’m going to be in heavy AC (which I LOVE), but if I know I’m going to be out and about I love how refreshing some of the lighter ones are. Especially those Hermès towelly things- On hot days I’ll grab a couple. I case of imminent schvitzing I duck into the nearest loo and wipe my torso and the back of my neck. Bliss..
So what does summer make you reach for? If you’re on the other side of the equator and heading into winter what’s calling your name? Let us know in the comments..
Picture of a foggy Malibu from my iPhone
Hi, Tom! I’m seconding Emily above on the AG Nuit Etoilee — its minty-pine-orange-y goodness seems to be hitting the spot right now! And I have to thank the lovely Hajusuuri as well for this, she is quite the generous soul! I spritzed a bit and am sharing some with a dear friend for her perfume newbie pack.
Now I really have to try this..
I have a sample of Tauer’s Reverie au Jardin, but I haven’t given it much of a chance. Maybe I ought to bring it out again in the heat! I’m wearing loads L’AP Seville a l’Aube this year, AG Eau du Sud, and a newer warm-weather favorite is Atelier Sous le Toit de Paris (courtesy of our lovely hajusuuri!) Last week AG Nuit Etoilee seemed to be hitting the spot too. Stay cool!
I have never tried Nuit Etoilee. I must rectify that.
Living near “Hotlanta”, I have to say the summer is a great time of year. I’m originally from South Texas, so the summers here are downright breezy compared to there. For summer months, I’m a fan of Guerlain Vetiver. Smells great!
It does!
It’s over 100 for the second day in a row here Tom! One of my favorite go-to scents in the heat is Chanel’s Cologne. I wore Ormonde Jane’s Tiare today though, and it felt just right.
They say it’s going to drop considerably by tomorrow. For your sake I hope so!
I’ll trade either of you for Phoenix’s 119 yesterday. All I want to reach for is the car keys, to drive up to Alpine, where it is a frosty 85!
Oh, kid! I remember visiting when it was like that. There was an outdoor mall (very exclusive) in Scottsdale and I remember thinking “what idiot thought this was a good idea?”
Forecast for the weather here in the California desert is a sizzling 111 degrees – tomorrow, we’re looking at 115. I’m staying inside with the curtains drawn and the swamp cooler on high, and spritzing Honoré des Prés Nu Green every hour or so.
Ooof! 111? I’m shutting up now..
Texas…really f-in’ hot. This is the time of year when the cats insist on going outside, then melt into little furry puddles two feet from the door. O de Lancôme, Eau Sauvage, Un Jardin Sur le Nil, anything Diptyque, Derring Do, Kyoto, that grapefruit thing from Fresh, a splish of 4711.
Oh, that grapefruit from Fresh! Perfection!
I’d like to see Kansas STAY in the high 80’s this summer. That would be a blessing. Yesterday we had 88F with 72%humidity at 1030am. Oy! Like breathing through a wet blanket. I was sampling O de Lancôme on one wrist and Spiced Citrus Vetiver by SSS on the other. I am beginning to like vetiver now for its refreshing properties. I just had to find a less masculine rendering of it. Those two samplings were the “cool spots” in an otherwise muggy, swampy day (oh, and the A/C I found at every opportunity).
I wish we’d STAY something as well. Preferably in the high 70’s. But we’re only in the high 80’s with humidity we don’t usually see, so I’lll cope. At the Library, the beach and the Beverly Center, sucking up free AC.
Hi Tom! Perth at the moment is sunny but quite chilly, so today I wore Le Labo Patchouli 24. I love this stuff. I first tried it (without warning) last summer in about 40C and it nearly killed me so I’ve been waiting for cool weather just to wear it. Lately it’s been Cuir de Lancome, Ambre DES Merveilles, lots of Amouages, and Terre d’Hermes for some freshness.
Those towelettes are great. I use 4711 ones, and L’occitane used to do verbena ones which I loved.
Portia- so glad you liked the elephant- I try to initiate all my loved ones into the joys of that stuff! 😀
I love Patchouli 24- my old job had the AC at about 12 degrees so I could wear anything I wanted during the day (going steadily on the application, mind you) Until I re-enter that corporate world I think I have to lighter..
I actually do the reverse in extreme heat. You know….like….EPIC! Or Tribute attar. It’s due to hit the 90s a bit later in the week, I’mo bust out those gals and smoke everybody out!!!
xoxoA
I do that sometimes when I’m in the mood. An epic spritz of Fermes Tes Yeux or MKK on a hot day can be kind of fun. And can sometimes clear a bus. Really.
What a great idea, scented wipes. Who else makes these?? So here it is cold, and I am wearing Nasomatto Absinthe this morning and my first foray into Ubar tonight…visiting my sister and trekking the perfumeries in Melbourne. Fun.
I don’t know anyone else does- how great would an Eau Sauvage or Hadrien wipe be? If you’re in Melbourne then you have to visit Fleurage- Emma’s a total genius.
280 PARK STREET
SOUTH MELBOURNE
VICTORIA 3205
Tell her Tom from Beverly Hills says Hello!
In Poland the heat of OFF at the moment 😛
That could be a good thing- it was pushing 120F in Phoenix today..
Oh my!
Right now I have Amberess by Anya’s Garden on Tom and it’s an excellent choice for the cold and wet of Sydney, warm and cuddly. Yesterday evening I spritzed Hermes Un Jardin En Mediterranee to lift my winter dolldroms and it worked a treat and during work time I tried Kenzo Jungle Elephant for the first time (What a knockout!!). That morning saw me bathed in Futur by Robert Piguet. So it’s been a bit of everything over the last 36 hours.
Portia xx
PS I’m glad you’re loving the Hermes swipes.
I do love them! I’ve had them for years and they’re completely brilliant (I still have some from a friend who worked at Hermes in SF and sent me a big box). I love your comment how it’s like a posh version of the ones at KFC..
Wow Tom, I should have headed through the canyon into Malibu Beach today, it reached 100 in the shade at our little abode in the woodland. Yikes! Thankfully the central AC makes things bearable. My fave fragrance to wear when the weather is dreadfully hot is a refreshing Eau de Cologne, in this case Blossom.
I love that one- thanks for reminding me of it!