Hi there Folks, Three days life of a perfumista. I took the photo below because I’d not been keeping up my SOTD on a FB perfume page. So instead of ignoring what I’d been wearing and just adding the latest spritz it felt more interesting to give the whole lot. We don’t do an SOTD thread particularly for communication. Mostly it’s a shout out into the void. Sometimes though other group members will comment on a favourite, a snap or with a query. Sadly this pic garnered no such interest, just 3 likes. HA! Still there’s something nice about then bringing it here to the Posse Peeps and showing you what I wore for three days in the middle of Sydney Winter 2022. Maybe you own, like, wear, hate or wonder about one of these beauties. Please take a moment to share any comment about them, how you’re doing or how you are coping with the weather where you are. More than anything I miss you all jumping on board and having a say. Yes we have some wonderful, long term, regular commenters but so many of you all now lurk. No problem, you do you. Should you wish to jump in though, PLEASE DO! You’re welcome, it’s fun and who knows? You might make a few new perfumista pals. Many of us have made friends around the world through perfume.
Three Days Perfume
Here they are, not in order of wear or preference. This was how I thought they looked interesting:
Guerlain Mademoiselle
How is there even any left in this decant? It seems to go on forever. I think there’s maybe 1-2ml left and if it lasted longer on me I’d own three backup bottles. Sadly its beauty is all too fleeting. Powdery lollies tempered by leather and resins.
Piguet Bois Bleu
Salty aquatic woodsiness is one of my favourite combos. Driftwood. Beach. Holiday memories. Bois Bleu does it with an ultra masculine slant that works for me but also smells wonderful on girls.
SJP Stash Unspoken
So many people write this off, and I understand why, it’s too pretty/simple/derivative or whatever. Yep, it’s all true. Sparkling quince opening that smells a lot like Nashi Pear backed up by cool peony petal which has a sweet musk with sandalwood whisper base. Yeah, Stash Unspoken is all those things but it’s also bloody gorgeous for me.
Cartier L’Heure Fougueuse IV
Mathilde Laurent is amazing. She made the L’Heure series for Cartier. Every one i9s a stand along masterpiece of refinement and sparse design. Yet the series is also cohesive, somehow she has managed to make them all feel like they belong together. Like J C Elena’s garden series but even more disparate. This one, L’Heure Fougueuse is a shape shifting creature, juicy to begin, queer green heart with a dry and masculine feeling base. It also lives for AGES on my skin. If I spritz in the morning I’ll still smell remnants next morning.
ELdO Noel au Balcon
Honeyed orange blossom, drenched in spiced fruit with a calm warm vanilla/patchouli base. Noel au Balcon is so wearable and works surprisingly well in the depths of winter here in Sydney.
YSL Velours
AMBER! with a few bells & whistles. Though I have a dozen or more amber perfumes Velours is the one I reach for most often. It fits my personal scent so well, like it was made to be worn by me alone.
So, what did you wear Three days Perfume? Do you like any of mine?
Portia xx
I haven’t tried any of your fragrances, Portia. I lurk a lot and have posted a couple of times recently.
My three days (late to the post) includes, Wonder of You, Confetto, Balmy Patchouli (I think that’s the name), Humboldt, Eau d’Hadrien, Cool Water, Amazing Grace, Self d’Argent and Be the Shaman.
I change perfume constantly, and my smell is still muted. Good thing I am home most of the time!
Hearing other’s choices is fun.
Thanks for the welcome!
Hey Annie,
I too swap perfumes a dew times a day. My skin drinks the stuff.
What a fab line up. You have been smelling super fine.
Portia xx
Hi Portia, I’m late to the party as usual, but wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading your three days. I like hearing what we are all wearing IRL. I have Stash, but don’t know Stash Unspoken. I love Cartier L’Heure Fougueuse IV–glad to see another fan. It’s so smooth and green with a friendly horsey leather. 🙂
Noel Au Balcon is a great winter choice but the only ELdO I own is I Am Trash which I enjoy both for the fragrance and the name (silly or not). It’s just especially funny to me since I am “of a certain age” and generally fairly proper.
My three days: (it’s hot here) AG Le Chevrefeuille, Chanel 5 L’eau, NV Ashoka, OJ Osmanthus and L’Artisan Premier Figuier, Dzing! and The pour un Ete. (that list is a bit more flowery than I usually am). Interesting to see it all listed out. It was also a bit too warm for Dzing! but I wore it for the community project on NST – International Tiger Day on Friday. xo
YAY SpringPansy! We are a small but brilliant group of Fougueuse IV lovers. I’m always happy to find someone else who has even heard of it.
I Am Trash is EXCELLENT! I too get a kick out of telling people what its name is.
I keep forgetting to get over to NST in time. It starts very late and by the time I remember it’s Monday.
You and I have many shared loves, just by your three days.
Portia xx
Portia, I rarely comment on any PP columns except yours because you are always kind enough to respond in a friendly and accepting way. For example, in Tom’s Halston column, someone named Paloma Picasso as the designer of Halston’s perfume bottle and added that Tiffany’s carries her jewelry line. I responded (politely) that it was the late Elsa Peretti who designed the bottle. She started out as on of Halston’s models and was making jewelry for some of the designers during the 70s and then she made jewelry items for Halston. Tiffany’s still carries her jewelry. No one seemed the least interested, as usual; thus I keep my comments to myself. It feels like if one is not part of the regular perfume in crowd, nothing an outsider has to say matters. A long winded way to thank you for always being welcoming.
MZChris, that’s quite a bit of history about Elsa.
The frequent regular posters keep the site fun. Please don’t hesitate. That kind of knowledge needs to be shared.
Thanks Annie. Having been insulted on Portia’s former site (not by Portia, by one of the regulars there), it’s best that I keep my words to myself and simply continue my lurking. You were very kind to respond to my post.
Please don’t hesitate to chime in, I love to read all the posts and learn from people. I loved the Netflix mini series Halston and ordered a little sample of the vintage Haston from STC store to experience the perfume after that.
Agreed Portia is wonderful!
MzChris,
I’m glad you commented about Elsa Peretti. I didn’t respond, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t interested! Just like with Portia’s posts, many of us read but don’t comment. I’ll try to do better!
I also enjoyed your post. I’m happy to find out information on vintage perfumes since they are a love of mine and I did not know about Elsa Peretti but I do know that Paloma Picasso had a perfume line, vintage now – and she is the daughter of Pablo Picasso – so we both learned something new.
You ARE part of the “regular perfume in crowd” because you are here reading posts. To me, it’s all our different opinions and information that makes the comments fun, so please share.
I’m sorry I missed your comment- completely my fault that I didn’t scroll down. And of course you’re correct. Stupid of me since not only did I just watch the miniseries again but have some of he Tiffany wares!
YAY! I’m glad you feel welcome here MzChris, perfume can be clicky.
Yes, I love checking out the Elsa Peretti stuff at Tiffany & Co. Is the stuff we see in store with the melted looking hearts new or old? It looks so modern I just thought it was brand new.
Portia xx
I miss some of the older boards-MUA, when it was still new, Perfume of Life, which moved at a slower pace because people really seemed to stop and think and compose really considerate reply before hitting send 🙂
I do tend to lurk, and I’m not sure why 🙂
I haven’t tried any of these, Portia, but I love the way you write about them.
I bought a really inexpensive bottle of Luten’s Vierge de Fer-I’m still not sure why but do I ever love it. It’s my summer freshie, and I’ve worn it so much since I bought it. I actually look forward to spritzing icon every day. If I had the $$$ I’d buy that beautiful bell jar it originally came in. I get a certain cold freshness from it (maybe the lily note?) but for the most part it’s pear and sandalwood, which sounds odd but in real life is awesome.
I hope you have a great weekend, Portia and everyone else!
Hey there Carole,
You are becoming a regular commenter, it makes me really happy.
Vierge de Fer is one of the great unsung beauties of the Lutens line. So pretty yet interesting beyond any need to be. He gives everything a little kick and twist that makes the most trite and oft used combinations brand new. You certainly picked a winner. Glad it’s bringing you so much joy, I love it too. I’ll be getting it out again soon for spring wearings.
Portia xx
Portia xx
Glad to see that you’re still having a love affair with Stash Unspoken – the only one from your list that I’m familiar with. Today I’m wearing TF Jasmine Rouge, only one wearing left in my decant so maybe I’ll thunk it tomorrow? Yesterday was a recent cheapie, Lanvin Rumeur 2, very pleasant, I went a bit ballistic on the sprayer. Earlier in the week, Narciso L’Absolu from my newly acquired backup bottle. I don’t have to worry about running out now, (it’s disconnected). FM has been featuring a bit, Rose & Cuir, Une Rose and Synthetic Jungle.
Hey Cassieflower,
I just bought an extra Stash Unspoken back up because my 30ml is looking low. The 100ml should last me a lifetime.
OOOH! Some of the Lanvin perfumes are wonderful. What is Rumeur 2 like?
My Jasmin Rouge gets ignored, I need to grab it out.
Portia x
I have to admit that I frequently lurk on various perfume pages – I always feel like I should have something significant to say and I never do! This is my very first comment 😉
I got eldo balcon a little while ago, really honey-centric for me! I find the kind of perfume dna of eldo very enjoyable
YAY Alison,
Welcome to the world of participation!
Seems you have something very interesting to say. Yes, Noel au Balcon has honey in spades. It wears more honey-ish for me in hot weather. Like it needs the heat to bloom properly. It’s also a lovely, less feral wear in wintertime.
It’s nice to meet another ELdO fan. Do you have any others?
Portia xx
I have Like This as well – I don’t know why but it makes me happy to wear it! So soft and gourmandy. You’ve inspired me to pull out my other eldo samples and give them another go 🙂 what’s your favourite from eldo?
There are a few that get the most wear around here. You and Someone Like You, The Afternoon of a Faun, Fat Electrician and I Am Trash. One thing I particularly like about the brand is the diversity, they are also quite reasonably priced in todays market.
Portia x
Hello Portia! Happy to find you here…missing APJs!
I don’t know that Piguet scent. Is it a newer one from them? It is hot and steamy here. Tomorrow I am working a yearly Gala Event for 300…outside. Thinking Guerlain’s Terracotta, TFs Jasmin Rouge, Prada Infusion d’Iris or some straight-up No 19 to get me through the day. Thoughts?
Hey Moira,
So nice to see you.
Yes, APJ was a one of a kind. Thank you for remembering it fondly.
Bois Bleu came out with a slew of other releases when Joe Garces was in charge and renovating the houses appeal. Bois Bleu got lost in the melee and being aquatic leaning got the grand sneer of disapproval from most who’d lived the the ubiquitous aquatic era of the 1990s. It’s a shame because t’sone of the best dark driftwoods I have ever smelled. There’s only half of my 100ml left. That’s saying something when i have so much choice.
Good luck with your event. I’m probably a bit late but of all those fabulous choices Guerlain’s Terracotta is my pick for your day.
Portia xx
Portia, Joe Garces was one of the nicest guys in fragrance I have met. I regret not purchasing a bottle or two back then.
Agreed Annie,
When he came to Australia he was lovely. His masterclass was so interesting. Never talked about the notes but the way he wanted us to feel when wearing the perfumes. It was an eye opening way to describe perfumes.
Jovial and passionate.
Portia xx
I LOVE this post! What an interesting selection of fragrances! Wondering how you went about selecting these particular scents? It’s been too hot here (I caved and got a portable unit that has a dryer-vent-type thing out the window) but it’s been cooler the last two days and I am loving it, I’d rather have doors and windows open to the fresh air.
Thanks March.
Whim. Most of these perfumes are either on one of my two grab trays or in the tray of unboxed cheapies. The decant was in a box of near empties on my desk that I regularly rifle through.
YAY for cooler temps coming your way.
Yes, we are doors & windows open people too. Even right now in Sydney’s winter they’re all open. If we get cold we add another layer of clothing.
Portia xx
I haven’t tried any of the perfumes you have listed. This has been a good time see what perfumes handle the extreme heat including Lyric Women. It is lovely in cool weather but incredible and amazing in the heat though a light touch is needed. I also like Maison Violet Compliment and am doing my usual sample testing. I really like Zoologist Sacred Scarab especially for evenings. Probably FBW.
Hi Maya!
I have Lyric woman and now need to pull it out in summer and see how it goes for me. thanks.
Zoologist Sacred Scarab looks fascinating.
Portia xx
What a fascinating list! Fouguese is one of my favorites and you know Mme. Laurent is mah JAM!
xoxo
Musette,
We fully snap on loving Ms Laurent. She sure does make interesting and beautiful fragrance.
Portia xx
Portia,
I love Mademoiselle Guerlain. It’s in my top five. The combo of iris, galbanum and marshmallow is so pretty. Green, but not shrill, because the sweetness softens it. I think I’ve sampled the Cartier, and it was very impressive. That series is beautiful. The only thing that makes me resist is the cost. The others: haven’t tried. As for me, we’re in a heatwave. This week I’ve worn Chamade parfum, Burberry Brit Rhythm (a lavender musk), and rose essential oil.
YAY DinaC, I’m so happy others love Mademoiselle Guerlain, it didn’t get rave reviews when it was launched and I admit to taking a while to be swayed myself. NOW I wish for a huge bottle.
Have you noticed that FragranceNet have some Cartier for about 1/2 retail. Still expensive but not SO eyewatering.
Portia xx
Greetings Portia! I’m only familiar with YSL Velours, sampled and it is a well-done amber indeed. I’ve been wearing old favorites lately, haven’t really pursued any new sampling. I’ve been busy with new job and resultant busier schedule. I spent so much time on computer for work, when I’m done I’m off wandering the trails with my dog and giving my brain a rest. I don’t know how people have time for social media; however, I’m grateful to you and the Posse for taking the time to keep in touch. I always read and enjoy your posts! xoxo
Hey Kathleen,
Good luck with the new job, congratulations on getting it.
Wandering the trails with a dog sounds divinely calming and restful. Perfect antidote to the crazy hustle and bustle of work lives. Nice rest for your eyes too.
I’m really glad we are still on your list.
HUG
Portia xx
I love Mlle Guerlain and have several bottles of it, so I can spritz with wild abandon! Haven’t had an opportunity to smell the Piguet or the Cartier bu I do enjoy Stash, Noel au Blacon and YSL. I also have Caftan and Tuxedo which are lovely. Last three days have been a 4160 Tuesdays fest as I just received a shipment, Clouds, The Plains and Truth Beauty Freedom Love.
So clever TaraC,
I wish I’d bought a huge sticking bottle and could do likewise.
OOOOH! A 4160 festival sounds like an excellent plan.
Portia xx
Well there’s a heatwave over here and I finally decanted my mini of Eau Sauvage into a spray bottle. Perhaps I’ll wear Bendelirious a summery ELO. Best to all.
Hi AnnieA,
Good idea. Are you spritzing your Eau Sauvage lavishly?
Portia xx
Why yes, yes I am. Might stick it in the fridge for a bit for the full summer spritz experience.
I love that SHIVER when spritzing from the fridge. SO COLD!
Hi Portia, Cinnamon and all,
I haven’t experienced any of your mentions, Portia, so I have lots to explore still.
For the past three days, I’ve worn Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel Coromandel, Guerlain Insolence, and Clinique Wrappings, which is new for me. I don’t know what that bitter opening is in Wrappings, but I think I may grow to like this seasonal offering I scored on Mercari. So many said it’s exquisite that I’m giving my nose a chance to uncover nuances I must be missing.
WOW Christina,
That is a lovely three day line up.
Wrappings is such a perfumista fave, almost a rite of passage. Yes, it is unlike almost all other department store offerings, a definite step sideways in terms of wearability. So different to your other three choices.
I’m a Coromandel fan too. Y U M!
Portia xx
I just learned so much and found one I have to look up! Thanks for posting this!
Woo Hoo Cbcutcliffe,
Lovely to have you here.
Portia xx
Hi Portia.
I must admit to having had long periods of lurking in the past. Largely because I just didn’t have the brain bandwidth to engage whilst I was still working & trying to manage my health so I could continue to work until I could retire.
I’m sad many bloggers have turned to YT & IG or stopped altogether.
As for Three Days Perfume, as I’ve mentioned before, my mum has been in & out of hospital for the last few months & now DH is having a fast growing lump investigated & will likely need surgery & follow up treatment(s). So wearing scent right now isn’t a priority & I don’t want to anchor any favourite scent to the current times. So I went & bought the smallest Clarins Eau Extraordinaire. It’s fruity/herbal & very light & inoffensively pretty & has sillage of about 3 inches. Been wearing only this for almost a week.
Sorry about the family issues and hope all turn out well soon! I am preparing to go visit family for a surgery and am also planning on fragrance that I won’t be wearing later. Samples are so useful for this.
Sorry to hear about your mum and hope things work out. During a difficult time I often wear one of my oldest perfumes as it will have enough history to withstand a difficult present.
I’m sorry to read about the health issues. I completely understand not wanting to “anchor” a scent to that; they manage to do that so much on their own..
Heya Alityke,
SHIT! You and the family read like you’re playing medical bingo. Fingers crossed for some happy outcomes in the near future.
Good idea buying some fragrance that’s completely easy and unconnected to your regular life for this traumatic moment.
Hugs,
Portia xx
Thank you everyone for your good wishes & for the scented community for giving me a safe space to speak out.
Not knowing is the worst thing
Live & thanks to you all
Alityke x
I know from reading that your mum has been up-and-down for a while, now hubby is in the mix. Wishing them both the best. And wishing YOU the same.
Was flummoxed after yoga as to what to wear today and there it was in your pic: Fougueuse. Thanks for that. It’s cooler, grey and confused here — perfect weather for this and for Ninfeo Mio and Ylang 49 — ie, for a real mixture of stuff.
Hey Cinnamon,
You are so good keeping up healthy routines like yoga. I’ll get myself back to aquarobics next week, if I can’t think of a decent excuse.
Portia xx
I liked the Eld’O and am interested in the Piguet. Last 3 days I wore the Halston I reviewed, Caron Royal Bain and Le Labo Musc. Luckily I (except for a trip to the big boy office yesterday) was in my air conditioned office. Also luckily the temps here, at least on the West side of LA have dropped a good 10° F, so it wasn’t too unpleasant a drive. (I know, 90210 problems. I’ll shut up now..)
I wish more people commented as well. Seems like people actually conversed. That would be welcome.
Heya Tom,
Caron Royal Bain is so good. Sparkling sweetness. It really does resemble champagne as much as a perfume can. I bet you smelled beautiful in it.
YAY for slightly cooler weather there for you.
Will you be continuing your Wednesday cheap & cheerful series? I’m loving it.
Portia xx