Beach dreaming Monday: What takes you away?

OK, everyone — I think most of us (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere) have had enough of winter and we’re hanging on, week to week, as spring creeps ever closer. So let’s take a mental vacation, why don’t we, and transport ourselves elsewhere in our minds via a little beach dreaming. What scents do you wear to conjure up a warm, sunny beach to help you plod through the often dreary, bone-chillingly cold days of February and March?

One fragrance that transports me to the beach of my choice — probably somewhere in Hawaii — is Kai. It’s not complicated, but that’s the beauty of it: its blend of white flowers, gardenia and green goodness just plain makes me feel good, warm and happy to be alive. Guerlain’s Lys Soleia also fills the bill, although I’m pretty sure it’s been discontinued. Guess I’ll enjoy my little scrap of it until it’s gone.

And I would be remiss not to mention Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess, which comes in a nice array of auxiliary products. I’ve heard several folks rave about its shimmering body oil spray. Another obvious choice would be Bobbi Brown’s Beach scent. It does broadcast its sunscreen vibe pretty obviously, but it is such a fun, evocative scent. And it’s nice that it comes in body lotion and a rollerball, too, I think.

So please do share the fragrances that send you to your choice of sun, sand, and surf, and are helping you cope with winter. Or whatever else helps you keep your sanity until spring arrives.