I have so many samples of new perfumes around here – no sandalwood post, circumstances conspired to make that not happen quite yet – so today we are just going to the bag of samples to see what we think.
Aftelier Cuir de Gardenia – adore this. In my gardenia obsession, this slightly rank gardenia goes at the top of my list. Beautifully crafted, leather only slightly roughs up the gardenia blossoms, but in interesting ways. Seriously love this, it dries down soft and incredibly sexy, yet stays close to you instead of shouting with a push-up bra and skimpy knickers.
Hermessence Epice Marine – Holy cumin! Wasn’t expecting that, and it was a lovely surprise. After rolling around in cumin for a while, this dries down to a dry, salty, spicy scent that’s pretty darn unique. I love story of the collaboration behind it and how Ellena was inspired by some booze.
Agonist Isis – a new release from Agonist, which is a brand I’ve ignored because – oh, I don’t know why, just overloaded with new, overpriced brands, but they’ve got my attention now. Cistus, green mandarin, black pepper, anise, peach, ylang-ylang, ginger, heliotrope, nutmeg, lorenox, caramel, benzoin, amber, musk , vanilla, labdanum. This is an interesting mix between comfort and perkiness. I mean, seriously, peach, vanilla, nutmeg, caramel, labdanum and benzoin? I expected a gloppy mess, but it works, which is probably an outsize source of my intrigue. I’m not sure it has my name on it, but now I’m thinking I need to at least look at the line and quit ignoring it.
Ex Idolo Thirty Three – Oh, my. Aged oud, 1980 vintage, rose, more patchouli and oud than rose. If you love oud, this is one to try. If you’re over oud, well, you know, carry on.
Juliette Has a Gun Anyway – No rose? I thought they always did rose. Lime, neroli, jasmine. I mean, it’s fine, inoffensive. I think it was aptly named. Anyway…
Giveaway for today is a two-fer! The lovely folks at Beauty Encounter are giving away a $50 e-card you can use at Beauty Encounter to one lucky commenter. As a personal plug, I am a huge fan of Beauty Encounter, it’s one of my favorite discount perfume shopping sites. They are reliable, have great prices, carry some niche brands in addition to mainstream brands, and they ship and communicate promptly. I’ll also throw in samples of the fragrances mini-reviewed in this post as well for the winner drawn at random
Comment on whatever you like today – how cold it is where you are, if you are a block of ice yet or living in some much nicer, warmer place. Me, I’m happy as a mule in the cold temps this year. I keep my bedroom frosty, which works for my night hot flashes where I want to cool down quick so I don’t have to get up. Just stick out my feet for 30 seconds, and I’m sufficiently chilled down to snuggle back under the covers.
Oh, I have some more knitting porn for you. 🙂 Those of you that hate the knitting portion that is slowly becoming a part of my posts, just skip over this part. There’s some weird correlation between my overrunning perfume samples and the “startitis” i have in knitting.
I had no idea I’d even like Fair Isle knitting, but I’m so addicted to it! It just seems to take forever, but how quick it progresses surprises me. The below seems like a scarf now, but I’m thinking of turning it into a cowl. Just make it a bit bigger, then graft it together with some nice ribbing so it stretches nicely over the head. Yes? Knitters opinions? The fair isle in the round makes this so thick, I’m just not sure doing a great big scarf with all that bulk is what I want to do. Shhhh, it’s for my mom for Christmas. She is just going on and on about it after I put a small picture on Facebook, so it will belong to her on December 25.
This is my next Fair Isle project (other than the Kaffe Fassett Foolish Virgins pillow I’m anxious to start on) it’s in this month’s Vogue Knitting. I’m not using the Koigu yarn, it’s just not one of my favorites for some reason, and I’m adapting some of the colors. Isn’t it gorgeous?!?!?!? I have to hurry, though, or winter will be over before I finish it!
Oh, here’s the Foolish Virgins thing for reference. This isn’t Fair Isle, though, because of so many colors.
Sorry, last one! This is my next Fair Isle project – you know, my other next that runs simultaneous with the Koigu cowl. The Vogue Tuque hat. Yes, I’m a little obsessed, but my knitting skilz have finally gotten decent enough that I can attempt these super-cute patterns with a high probability of success. Wait until I get down with my toe-up socks class in January!
Gorgeous knits! I would also love to be entered if it’s not too late. I am in awe of knitters, really. I’m looking for the perfect fair isle sweater. I saw one on Boden about 2 years ago, but it sold out really quickly and I haven’t found one I love as much since then.
Would love to be entered for the Beauty Encounter giveaway– if I’m not too late. Love the fancy knitting. I haven’t dabbled in color work or such fancy patterns.
-20 here in Montreal today… Makes me feel warmer just looking at your beutiful knitting project. 🙂 i love Beautyencounter!
I would adore the Beauty Encounter gift card if I’m not too late to enter! Finally catching up on my blogs today. BE and Parfum1 are my favorite dis counters. And as far as the samples you posted about, I’m itching to try Cuir de Gardenia and Epice Marine.
Knitting is how I learned that my son is a natural-born teacher. He learned to knit in fourth grade (he went to a Waldorf school, and handcrafts are an integral part of the curriculum), then taught me. Twice. I’d knit feverishly for a month or so, then put down the needles for a year. I never knew a 9-year-old could be so patient and encouraging. He’d help me correct as many dropped stitches as he could, and the ones left he’d say made it “special” and my very own creation. There’s something powerful about humbling yourself to your offspring, accepting that they have gifts where you have none. Still can’t knit, but the craft has especially warm associations for me.
Oh i would so love to win! It would truly warm my heart in this very cold Minnesota weather of -3 I’m suffering right now! I have taken up knitting again after many years in response to this frigid weather, and I’m so impressed by your knitting projects Patty. Nothing like some warm wool in your hands and a beautiful fragrance to warm you up. Thanks for the draw.
The Agonist seems really interesting and I would be thrilled to try it. Your knitting skills are killer btw. Very talented. Thanks for the draw!
well yes, today real winter air entered my town… walking outside I felt how my finger and ears are freezing… Christmas time s coming. but I dont like this Pre-Christmas time… so many things to do! I am looking forward to those peaceful days when we sit at the sofa with family member and chat together and enjoying blessed time of Christmas. House is always full of wonderful smell in these days.:-) Thanks!
thanks for another great draw
I live in a place in coastal California where the weather is supposed to be pretty much the same all year. It’s cold in summer, but it’s never supposed to snow. Monday morning at 7:00, the windshield looked a bit dirty, so I pushed the lever forward to spritz the wiper fluid, and it froze on contact. I had to pull over into a parking lot to scrape the ice. It reminded me of living in Maine. Not a happy thought.
I was a fool who bicycled to work today despite the freezing fog making the roads patches of black ice. I almost fell twice but regained control and made it. Think I’ll take the bus home.
Thanks for the draw, happy holidays!
First it was cold, then it became hot, and now when it is cold again, the roads are so slippery! I haven’t slipped and fall yet, but what about all the old ladies? And Who will get their perfume if they fall and die?
Oh hey! Love the mash-up! 🙂 If I am not too late…I would love to be included in the drawing… Today am wearing Morocco by BPAL. Some notes from the website: Carnation, Cinnamon, Desert, Incense – Exotic, Musk, Perfume, Sandalwood – Red, Spice.
One would think that it would be icy cold living in Alaska, but in comparison to the freakish winter weather in the rest of the country (Dallas?!) This mid-30s action is downright peachy. First visit to this site. Where have you been? A love of knitting and perfume? Heaven.
I’m away from home and it is cold, snow everywhere. Nice change though.
The samples sound interesting, Ex Idolo had my attention a bit there.
Patty I love the patterns and colors you’ve chosen for the first black and white one. I think it would look fabulous as a scarf or cowl. I love Faire Isle anything!!! I just ordered a Fair Isle style sweater from this really cute company called White Stuff, based in the UK. And the foolish virgins color/pattern is really fun!
I’ve tried to knit and sew and crochet. Nope. Ah well, it’ll have to be the usual – knotting pearls and wrapping gemstones.
Thanks for the new perfume sample mash-up. I ordered a sample of Cuir Gardenia. Great draw – I love Beauty Encounter!
The knits are nice, they remind me of my girl-friends taste : )
Ok question re: the faire isle knitting – how do you make those patterns? Is the yarn segmented with the colors or do you have to add each color as the patterns requires? Regardless I’m super impressed w/your mad needle skills! The only thing I could ever manage as a kid was one super long chain. We Texans have been freaking out with this crazy cold snap and as native of the central section I can safely say that we suck driving in cold winter weather so all I’ve wanted for the last week has been to stay home & snuggle.
As to the frags, I’ve only heard of 2 but the Ex Idolo 33 sounds fab! I’m on a big Oud kick.
As to Beauty Encounter, I’ve heard of them but I’ve never shopped there. I’d sure like to try though.
Happy Holidays & speedy knitting!
Just tried the Epices Marine in NYC last week and didn’t quite know what to make of it. but I love the people who work at that Hermes shop on Madison — they are always great for a chat about their perfumes and a sample or two!
Sadly, I need to not wear perfume for a day or two right now, I think (sob). Running a fever and don’t want to kill off any scents (the last time I came with something while wearing perfume, it ruined vetiver for me. Even a hint of it now makes me queasy. Bloody limbic system). Perhaps a girt card would help with my recovery…
It’s so cold the kids at the school I work at asked if I was wearing my brass bra…
I hadn’t heard of Beauty Encounter – not sure how I missed it. Thanks for giving us a chance to shop (some more)!
Ok clearly (long past) time for me to delurk over in these parts! Hi all, and thanks for the rundown of these samples, Patty, I’ve been curious about all of them. And stunning scarf! So impressive! On my end all has become a literal block of ice, as in, I could not get the reusable shopping bags out of the back of my car because even after driving to the grocery store, the rear gate was still frozen shut. Winter is not kidding around!
Love to see your knitting. I can knit, but never went all the way to Fair Isle, so to speak.
I am working on a quilt square for a friend’s birthday quilt. Waited until the last days, of course. Need to get it sent off to Canada in the next few days.
I would love to be entered in the drawing. Thanks so much!
The cold has hit here with a vengeance – I can tell because the cats are turning super cuddly. I realize their using me as a space heater, but it sure is nice.
I haven’t tried any of the scents you mentioned, so please enter me in the draw.
Thank you!
Thanks for the draw! I’m really curious about Cuir Gardenia. It sounds like something I’d like. I’m really curious about that Agonist too. I haven’t tried anything from them yet.
It’s chilly here. Lows in the low 30s and highs in the upper 40s – low 50s. This in a place where people talk about cold when the temp goes below 70.
Those knitting projects look great! If I weren’t so lazy and unfocused I might try knitting again. 😛
Someone should make a perfume that smells like knitting. Thanks for the draw!
Thoroughly enjoying the cold weather and being iced in ( we had 8 inches of snow on top of four inches of sleet last Thursday, and it’s still here!) I’ll take the cold over the heat any day, especially since I’m dealing with hot flashes and extreme heat intolerance from hyperthyroidism!
Your knitting is stunning. I don’t have the talent or patience to even attempt such a thing, and stand in awe of those of you who can!
I don’t even know what “fair isle in the round” means… but I know I like it! (from the photo, anyway)
Thanks for the generous draw, as always.
I am impressed by the beautiful (and complicated looking) patterns that you are knitting. It’s super cold here and I just don’t feel like going out to finish my Christmas shopping. (I am in the Midwest.) Beauty Encounter is a great place to shop; please include me in the draw. Thank you.
your description makes me want to try cuir gardenia very badly!
I hate winter. Sorry, but it is true. I am freezing all the time. I want summer back! And thank you for this giveaway 🙂
I just dont like oud. I dont get it. It smells bad on me. There are so many oud perfumes out there and I feel I should learn to appreciate the note yet I cannot. Here is cold, darn cold. Good idea. I ll turn the heat down tonight so I dont get hot flashes. I want to be in Greece, bathing in the sun. Too much?
I’m from the NY area too, and yep, it’s cold. We had a snowfall today – not too bad in my area, maybe 3 inches. My puppy is learning that snow is great to run around in and to eat. Thank you for the drawing, please enter me!
Its really cold here in NYC. I just came back from the drugstore to get a few essentials and its so cold. I need to head to the stores and get myself a parka. The hat in the last picture is gorgeous.
🙂
I love the winter and cold snowy weather but I have a bad cold. I cannot move and I have so much work. Here it feels like 20 F so its rather freezing. I need to try cuir gardenia, mainly because of the gardenia since I have a difficult relationship with leather.
Epice marine sounds amazing. I love cumin!
Thanks for this wonderful draw 🙂
Stay warm (if at all possible) 🙁
Nice to know Beauty Encounter is a good place to buy. Woke up to snow today. I really MUST move to a place where it’s “fun in the sun” all year round, Mmmmmm a beach in Hawaii sounds good.
I would love to be entered in the draw. The ex idolo sounds great I love patch, and oud is fine by me. Keep on with your knitting porn, what’s a blog for if not to indulge?
Belated happy birthday Patty, so you’re forgiven for no sandalwood guide 😉
What a post for making me want both new perfume samples (pretty much all except Anyway) AND my missing knitting gene. I’ve been meaning to take up needlework for ages- it’s very pretty but certainly not pretty AND practical like that lovely hat.
It’s hot here. By Sunday it’ll be 40°C. Am loving Bandit in the heat!
I love Beauty Encounter. I go there first when I’m looking to buy a full bottle. They also have a lot of minis, which I prefer in a fragrance I want want to try instead of sample size. My SOTD is Pacifica Tibeten Mountain Temple, which is a great winter scent.
Love that hat! Makes me want to knit!
it’s freaking cold in Austin!!! so crazy cold. I’m sort of enjoying and sort of hating it.
I also really like Beauty Encounter. They work well for me. The sample spree sounded like a good variety of things. I’d love to be entered in the drawing. I’m seriously impressed by the Fair Isle knitting. Wow! So pretty! Today it’s snowing like crazy here in Virginia, so Fair Isle would be perfect. Time to get out my snowflake sweater.
I have had good luck with fragrancenet, but should also check out beauty encounter. Would love to win that gift card! Its cold and snowy here but I feel cozy with a few spritzes of one of my favorite winter roses, Ungaro Diva. Speaking of fragrancenet and Diva, I bought a replacement bottle of Diva from them and it has a real cut glass stopper and smells as wonderful as my old (at least 15 years) bottle – don’t know if they have vintage stock for sale, or if Ungaro has just done a good job with the modern version. I did use up my old bottle almost a year ago and so have not done a side-by-side comparison, but the new one sure smells as good as my memory of the old.
So happy to hear you enjoyed the Agonist. I’ve had most of their line for a while. Isis was named after their baby. Also, Ineke has two sample boxes, both under $25.00, which have a $25.00 certificate for any of their scents, which are already a very reasonable price. I would love that gift card, sigh.
You are a KOOK Patty,
love it.
Beauty Encounter rock. I love their special extra discounts.
Portia x
I am very impressed with your knitting skills! I attempt much simpler projects, but I am nowhere near your level. Living in Cleveland, OH, we are getting to that point where you can’t remember the last time you saw the sun. Very depressing. I’m just trying to get my shopping done and everything else, too. Thanks to this blog for being a fun relief on a daily basis!
Please enter me! A perfume purchase would be a lovely treat for the end of my first college finals week.
Oh, lovely, wonderful hobbies! I remember when I had them, over a decade ago when the children were small and before I got a crazy idea to become a biochemist. If only I could get my house, the lab and my files in order, I too, could partake in knitting. New goal for 2014, perhaps? Thanks, Patty!
Envy your knitting ability! My mother could knit and crochet beautifully. When I was a teenager she tried to teach me how to knit. Everyone said it was relaxing but it just drove me crazy. Maybe now that mom is 78 and I;m 53 I should get her to try again!
Would love to win the draw, as Christmas is going to be very frugal this year!
Beautiful knitting, especially the black and white one.
Learned how to knit when I was four… but have never done such beautiful knitting!