Revisiting old loves with Gucci Premiere

Limes, orange blossoms, honeysuckle, cork, old wood like at a mill, acidic, pine, crushed gardenia, crushed jasmine, something reminiscent of the original Jessica Mc Clintock.  This scent on initial spray is very stark and acidic literally attacking the nose with the smell of limes and lemongrass.  A few seconds later the softness and creaminess of orange blossom begins to take root and softens the initial smell and its at this point that the fragrance starts to show the heart of some very cold and crushed white flowers.  Most of what I smell is the gardenia and jasmine which to my nose makes up the most of the traditional scent that this seems to try very hard to be.  The orange blossom tends to stay throughout this stage as well.  The orange blossom is my favorite part of this scent.  I am partial to this because its one of my very loves in the realm of scents.  To me it triggers wonderful memories, and in particular a memory of driving down through Southern California on a motorcycle and smelling the wonderful orange groves and the warm scent  wafting through the orchards.  It was a unique way to experience one of my favorite scent varieties in its most natural form.  I never dreamed that orange blossoms could be so sweet with nothing else added to it.  In fact one of my sons when he was very young, about the age of 6 once at a L'Occitane le provence storefront he picked out a scent out of all that they had that he said smelled like me.  I thought it was somewhat fate that he picked out a pure Orange blossom scent.  I wish I could find that scent again.  I tried and realized later that they no longer carried that particular scent in the same formulation.  I have tried but have not been able to find that particular memory enducing quality again.  Perhaps one day I will run across it.  I have thought at some point I would love to distill my very own quality orange blossom cologne.  In my dreams, but what a wonderful dream that would be! 

Is this scent a groundbreaking revelation?  Probably not in my estimation but it certainly does what it name suggests.  It exudes the clarity and class that comes with a very elegant affair.  Its wearable for both day and night time functions and would be a pleasant choice whether in jeans and a shirt or a full gown production.  Its very well suited to a confident and accomplished woman who knows her place in the world and likes being there. 

Though I have owned this Gucci gem for over a year now I have not chosen to use it until very recently and have found that it wears on you in a pleasant way as it takes time for it to leave its mark upon you.  Its like an old comfy part of jeans or boots to me.  I feel like myself only better smelling when I wear it.  I have also had many compliments from others when I have chosen to use it.  More so than many of my personal favorites and typical crowd pleasers.  In fact the sillage of this perfume is quite good even though my nose will get anosmic after a while or few hours, I have still had people hug me and make the comment that I smell very nice.  So in my mind this was a very nice purchase to add to my collection and its one I can see purchasing again.  Also as a side note, I have found that the scent requires colder wear to bring out the creaminess of the orange blossom.  Maybe as I have been wearing this during the colder seasons could be the reason why my love for this initial beauty has grown.

Samantha

Change of life circumstances

I need to apologize for being gone for so long......

Where have I been you may be asking?  How rude to leave no advance notice of my obvious lack of involvement in my Blog!  Yes and I sincerely apologize for that.  Recently I have had so many literally life changing events in a personal nature that I could not keep my mind focused on my poor Blog.  I am so sorry for the lack of care of my readers.

Now that I have a better hold on some of the life circumstances that I have been dealing with recently I am back and ready to focus on the pleasant aspects of the Wintry season with all the lovely new releases in our scent obsession.

I have a few new Fragrance series that I am looking forward to sharing here soon to start off the new year of Blogging with a bang~

Hope you enjoy and dont forget about me!

Enjoy your Holiday plans whatever they may be and thank you for being loyal despite my blogging being so random the last couple of months.  My readers are the best!

Samantha


Photo credit:  cal_gecko  http://hdrcreme.com/photos/12284-Window-inside-a-lighthouse-looking-out

Samantha's Perfume Diary: Are all scents unisex?

Samantha's Perfume Diary: Are all scents unisex?:   On a recent scent exploring trip at my various favorite spots in the city it occured to me that so many of my favorite scents appeared ...

Are all scents unisex?

 


On a recent scent exploring trip at my various favorite spots in the city it occured to me that so many of my favorite scents appeared to fall into the category of unisex scents.  I'm not sure if that is because mens scents seem to wear heavier and that is somewhat a signature for me.  Also I found it interesting that in doing some research on the subject of unisex perfumery that its really regional.  Certain parts of the world it is quite common place for men and women to wear scents made for the opposite sex.  Perhaps it is only in the Western countries that it seems to taboo to switch to mens scents and vice versa.  Seems to me that its almost considered "bad taste" to wear a mans colonge or scent.

Good for me then I'm somewhat of a rebel in perfumery.  I like to smell like whatever triggers my fancy at the time.  Consider myself to be scent ADD, I cant help it.  Because I wear dresses and skirts so often I find I like my scents to be powerful, clean and sweet but definately in the masculine range.

I came across a scent by mistake in after purchasing it, I thought it was a perfume, but it was an EDT by Versace "The Dreamer".  Oh my suns, moons and stars.....when I sprayed this heavy sculped bottle upon my wrist I almost squealed with delight!  Oh how strong, beautiful, rich and opulent.  Clean and fresh with explosions of green flowers with a hint of spicy vanilla notes though in face vanilla is no where in sight.  It may just be my chemistry that turns the smokiness of the tobacco and tonka bean into a heavy vanilla?
The notes list it as including Clary sage, Mandarin and Lavender, with Geranium, Rose and 
Tobacco in the heart  and trailing off with hints of Cedar and Tonka bean.


This was my very first Versace purchase and I dont regret it, even though intially I was dismayed that it was a menswear scent.  After wearing it all day and into the evening I must say it works wonderfully for me.  This is one of those Unisex scents that can work for a women.  Not just any kind of perfume wearing woman.  You must not be afraid to walk into a room and let your perfume walk a few feet ahead of you announcing your entrance with full fanfare....lol

Wonderfully bold and spicy.  If this perfume had a color I'd wear a beautiful gown littered with cobalts, purples and bold red crystals-like the starry night which the box suggests.  It truly makes me feel like I've stepped into a dream.  Now if I can just find the right man that chooses this scent for himself-Ah I might be hooked.  This scent makes me want to travel to the Mediterranean Sea.  I'd love to be lingering on a beautiful yacht in the deep blue ocean under the illuminating light of that night sky.  Dreamers this scent whether for men or women is for you.  Dreamers are less bothered with things like dos and donts I believe so this scent will work for those of you who don't fit the typical floral fruity Juicy Couture set.

The Bottle is beautiful cut crystal with what appears to be a Medusa on the front in frosted glass, with glassic Grecian architectual accents.  Very acceptable for display on the vanity for either sex.  It's truly a unique scent and I get so tired of the constant dribble of everyone wanting to wear what is in.  I like wearing what is in bad taste and the opposite of what everyone else is blogging about.  I want real perfumery and couture design in my perfume.  Perfumery is the one area of extravagant purchases that I have no issue with spending a considerable amount of money on.  Perfume is the only thing next to diamonds and jewels that really never go out of style and always leave traces of memory of your presence.

Forget jewels....I'd rather drown in a sea of perfumed oils.....

Happy scent journeys fellow Perfume afionados.

Samantha


Image Courtesy of Getty Images

Samantha's Summer Perfume Vlog and a bit of a chat!

This is my current rotation of summer scents that I've gravitated towards.  This was the second time having to film this particular video but at last got it finished!  Also, I update you a bit on some life circumstances that are changing for me.  Hope you like this one as I intend to have many more on the way!

Samantha

Samantha's Perfume Diary: Water scents to dream of!

Samantha's Perfume Diary: Water scents to dream of!:                                                I have a deep affinity for the element of water.  It's all shades of my favorite...

Water scents to dream of!

                                              

I have a deep affinity for the element of water.  It's all shades of my favorite color blue and it is such a peaceful and alluring quality to surround oneself in and around.  Who doesn't love a beautiful ocean beach with sand and the warmth of the sun?  I think of pristine and cool Grecian coastal scenes, even the cold green of the Irish Coast, the tropical waves of the Pacific ocean against Makapu'u Bay on Oahu Hawaii.


But.....alas, finding a water scent that captures this quality is so hard.  To this day I  still fall upon my few faves.  It seems to be that the perfume industry equates watery scents to men which I dont really understand as its such a feminine quality to me. 

As I am still on a constant search to expand my water scents to more than my three long time favorites which is will be sure to talk about here, but until then these three remind me of daydreams of mermaids and starry skies under the deep blue of the ocean depths.

A personal favorite of mine is Womanity Acqua Chic by Thierry Mugler.  Okay can we first talk about how gorgeously weird and Steampunk this bottle is to me?  It gives me such a Industrial chic feel but the perfume inside is so seriously soft and watery.  It's got great staying power on me and throughout the several hours of wear from about 2 or 3 sprays I get continual wafts of the ocean.  I grew up surrounded by the ocean on an island so I can pretty much attest to the sweet and slightly salty effect this gives my skin.  Isn't it interesting that the color of the juice is pink and yet the scent is so very blue.  Bit masculine and feminine.  I love it and the unique bottle gives it even more desire.  There is nothing cheap about this fragrance.  Its made very well, lasts a good amount of time and the bottle is a serious work out art for those like myself who enjoy a bit of strange in the artistic fashion.







An old favorite of mine which I must say is NOTHING like the newest reincarnation of this namesake thankfully is one of the sweetest scents I've ever worn.  Sweet and salty and absolutely my holy grail water scent.  Its so confoundedly difficult to find these days at a reasonable price but I am always on the search for it.  Why do Houses discontinue the most amazing scents?  Why?  WHY!  To add insult to injury they remarket it and reformulate it and make you think the newest version will have a smidge of the original in it.  As I recently got a sample of the Acqua di Gioa at Sephora and tried it out and all I got was rancid oranges and cat urine....YUCK!  But I promise you if you find the original Acqua di Gio on a shelf and get to sample it you will love it.  It wears well on hot and cold days!  Its so refreshing and cool and the frosted mint blue color of the bottle is simply Mediterranean.  Gorgeous, in one word this perfume is gorgeous!






I happened across the tropical bottle at a T.J. Maxx one day.  It was described as a sweet acquatic and with a name like beachy I figured it was a reasonable impulse buy.  Even though at the time I had never heard of Lily Pulitzer, I bought it and sprayed the nondescript bottle on my wrist and instant memory of white sandy beaches and tropical drinks and breezy palm trees.  Very tropical and at the same time beachy and acquatic.  A very good deal at 10 dollars for 3.4 ounches I do think this one deserves a look see.  This line has three scents all with a different take on the outdoors I believe, the other is a citrus scent and the other a lemon based one as I recall.  Its a beautiful blue bottle with a satin ribbon on a classic glass stopper.  Its very much like the smell of a classy hotel on the beach with the evening wind blowing through the corridors.  Very lush and light.  This one will trigger memories of your youth in the tropics or at least give you fantastic daydreams of a dream unfulfilled in the tropics.

Well that is it for this post and I hope you enjoyed!  Many happy summer adventures before the sun descends into the briskness of fall.

Samantha

Samantha's Perfume Diary: My HOT Summer Scents for 2014

Samantha's Perfume Diary: My HOT Summer Scents for 2014:  Ahhhhh.....Summer is so very close by. The sweet smell of flowers blooming, colors everywhere.  The smell of grassy fields, wildflowers,...

My HOT Summer Scents for 2014

 Ahhhhh.....Summer is so very close by.

The sweet smell of flowers blooming, colors everywhere.  The smell of grassy fields, wildflowers, the sun and salt in the air of the ocean nearby.  I love summer the most.  I will brave the wilds and grass that gives me allergy hell just for the pure pleasure of being in the sunny and fragrant outdoors....

Since this seasons color is all about the purples and violets I thought this picture represented the overall feeling of summer very well.  Rich and a bit deeper and opulent in a way, perhaps.  For me I have been testing my scent closet to determine which scents should be put on display for summer wear.

I'm so delighted with my selection as I have acquired some new ones and have rediscovered a long lost bottle that I had previously dismissed, perhaps from wearing it during Winter two seasons ago.  But for now I am in scent heaven.  I've worn it several times this week.  The first scent I will put on my display for Summer is Thierry Mugler's Womanity Acqua Chic for Women.  Oh my goodness I have fallen for this all over again.  Originally I bought it blind at T.J. Maxx a while ago.  What a delight to find an acquatic that I can wear. I grew up on an Island and fancying myself a bit of a mermaid I do tend to long for a scent that reminds me of my youth swimming in the sea, with sand and salt on my skin and in  my hair.....lol  I find the scent to be fruity, soft and excotic with a unique spicy accord perhaps because of the lily scent that I find very prominent in spite of it not being listed as a note. 

The next scent is Agent Provocateur L'Agent and just like Womanity (who's delightfully chic bottle makes me squeal with delight, I am a bit of a Steampunk girl).  L'Agent smells like a wearable version of Tom Ford's Black Orchid for daytime wear.  Unlike some unfortunate souls that find the woody notes to be too much like cedar shavings, on me its warm and woody-as in a rainforest wood.  I think this would be perfection on a night out during summer-maybe for a summer night festival.

My next pick is Burberry Woman.  I did some research earlier in the month looking for which scent might match me best from the designer and in the end decided on the original.   Its listed as a fruity woody-floral scent.  It is but on me its very subdued.  It is warm but I find on me my skin drinks it up and doesn't magnify the warmth to the point of screaming obscenities to the innocent passerby.  It took a bit for me to settle in to deciding if I liked it or not as its very much a departure from my normal scents, but the scent dries down to the most elegant and gentle aroma after a little settling down.  I LOVE it!  I have held off for quite a while owning a Burberry scent as it seemed so many wear them, but at last I found one that I enjoy wearing and I look forward to this being my go to scent during the summer days.

Two more to go!  My next scent choice is Elizabeth Taylor's Sparkling White Diamonds.  Its similar enough to the original to smell like it but its quite a bit different in the dry down to me.  My mother who passed away a couple years ago wore the Original and as much as I love it, I found that I could not wear it because it made me sad.  I have found that this although having the original still there floating around in the bottle, it seemed to me to be softer, quieter, maybe subdued is the word?  Like a lily rather than a rose.  Still beautiful but quietly so.  I want to wear this during summer to remind myself of my mother. I am glad that I can enjoy the memory of her now with her scent.  Gonna stop before I cry.... :-(

The last scent to go is a new obsession.  And I mean Obsessed!  The only Ed Hardy thing I've ever owned before was a white ball cap which I still have and wear, but the esthetic of his design line didn't seem like it would ever fit my unique tastes in fragrances.  Well I now stand corrected!  I found a love in his Love & Luck for Women.  First off the bottle is super gorgeous and trendy.  The juice inside though is all peach and sweet goodness.  I dont think of it as gourmand because it doesn't seem juicy enough for me for that description but the scent is so light and fizzy and still sweet.  The citrus isn't painful or make my nose itch.  I was super excited when I smelled how much my skin magnified the peppery notes of this.  Its my favorite note to distinguish a fragrance.  It seems like a young and fun scent.  Definately all of these scents are wearable for me during the day.  Night would necessitate respraying which for me isn't a problem.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed my scent faves for our upcoming Summer 2014.  I look forward to enjoying many a night and weekend over our short Northwest summer!  I hope you have great plans for you and yours and I look forward to reading what you all enjoy for your hot summer scents!

Samantha

Revisiting Old Loves!

Ah Safari what memories you give me.  I first sniffed this in an acting class in college back in 1995.  I smelled it on a girl who made all the guys in class just crazy about her.  To her credit she was actually very sweet and nice and probably had no idea that she was the man magnet of the class....lol.

In any case, I found out what she used to wear and it was Ralph Lauren's Safari.  I had never really tried to wear a perfume that was like this because at this time I seemed to stay within a strongly flowery range-very sweet and ultra feminine.  I went to Bon Marche (now known as Macy's), to sample it myself and I sprayed a bit on my wrist and walked around for mall for a bit.  It was truly a sensory experience I will never forget.  It was such a warm and comforting scent.  Like being wrapped up in a cozy fur blanket.  I can see where the name fits the feeling that this juice gives one.  Another beautiful aspect of this perfume is the color.  It's such a gorgeous glowing amber color.  I think it probably resembles the golden color of the sunset across the jungle preserves in Africa.  I ended up buying a large bottle, lotion and traveling spray.  The bottle, box, everything is just so lush and luxurious.  I wore it to death and I even kept the bottle for a couple of years after it was all gone just to enjoy the remnants of the scent. 

After a few years of doing without this I desired to add it to my collection once again but was shocked by the hugely increased price tag.  It literally doubled in price from the first time I purchased it.  I went back and forth for a while deciding on if I should purchase it or not.  It's definately not a cheap buy so I recommend sampling it to make sure you don't have a huge hole in your wallet that you cant replace. 

For me this was such an inspiring scent and the memories of those years wearing it were delightful and when I was young and impetuous and without children, so I grabbed the bottle and today when getting ready I was deciding that I wanted to smell different for today and I decided this fit my mood.  Also my weather here in the Pacific Northwest is pretty gray and rainy which is usual most of the time and it sometimes feels good to wear a heavy hot scent to offset the gray skies.

Hope you are having a Wonderful day and if you haven't already tried Ralph Lauren's Safari then please give it a try.  It's a bold, wild, and spicy scent wearable any time of the year.

Samantha

If you are interested in more about me.....

Please check out my Lifestyle Blog which I've been actually giving attention to as of late.  Circumstances have finally given me the time to pursure this passion as well.  Hooray!  It's all things other than my Perfume obsession.  Might give you some more insight into my many aspects.

Enjoy and remember I LOVE questions, interactions, etc.  I love making new friends and I look forward to expanding my interests with like thinking, off the beaten path, middle-aged steampunk, victorian hipster style individuals like myself.  (Kiddin!  I am just your average everyday Mom, who probably has too much time to try to fit in with all the younger set I find myself enundated by :-)

http://smoss.me/2014/05/18/trip-down-memory-lane-in-black-and-white/

From our heart (see the shadow behind my son and I)?  To yours!

Samantha

Vintage Treasure Find! Estee lauder

 

There is a wonderful old antique mall very near where I live.  It's one of those shabby, dusty places, filled with tons of useless and weird things, but I have been fortunate to find some very cool things, and not just perfume related.  It's a wonderful place to browse as I love old, vintage, unique and quirky things....lol

Recently I came across one of my favorite sellers there and she had a pretty good selection of vintage perfumes.  By that I mean in the early 70's to 80's powerhouse scents.  I found this GORGEOUS solid perfume case of Estee Lauder's Youth Dew.  It seriously weighs about 5 pounds!  It's so heavy.  Youth Dew itself is an extremely unwearable perfume to me, but the lovely Victorian looking case it was in was a definate buy for me.  You want to know the best part?  It was 5 dollars!!!  Yippee!  I was so happy walking around with this gorgeous piece clutched in my hand.  I even thought about scooping out the solid perfume and cleaning it and possibly putting in a new scent.  I've been researching creating my own solid perfume so I may end up putting it in this case when I do.  I'm even thinking of changing the stone in the middle of a Victorian Lady with a gemstone such as an Opal etc.  I dont know yet as if there aren't that many of these out there, I may choose to leave it alone.  

It was just so delightful to me to acquire such a neat little find.  And this place has so many interesting items, old vinyl, furniture, repurposed old tools, clothing, hats, even vintage make-up (which I am also a big fan of).  If I can ever find Vintage Biba Make-up I would probably pass out from pure joy.  Hahaha....

Everytime I look at this case I wonder, who owned it, what kind of life did they lead?  Did they carry it with them on a night out to Studio 54?  Was it a gift from a lover?  Who knows!  That's the exciting part, the history that comes with the finds that tickle my imagination and fill my heart with childlike wonder.

I hope one day my Collections spawn fascination in the minds of whoever then becomes the next owner of my unique treasures.  To despise with olfactory horror or adore with love such I have for my pretties on my drawer.

Samantha

My Current Perfume Collection

 My Love of Scents immediately becomes clear when one takes a look at how large my actual collection is.  I do have a few, what I term, Signature scents that I always reach for, and the rest in my collection I wear to trigger a different mood and various altering effects.  I also collect unique bottles that catch my fancy or that I feel have a particular aesthetic akin to my artistic sensibility.  I adore Art Nouveau and feminine curves in my bottles.  Over the years I have used and repurchased a few scents that I can never be without-which is a different post altogether....lol.  I hope you enjoy taking a peek at my collection.  I feel almost sheepish divulging this because not many know how obsessed I am with collecting scents.

Disclaimer:  Please keep in mind that I have been aquiring vintage and unique perfumes along with my wearable ones for many years.  I rotate them according to my appetite and season.  I typically display my current ones in my rotation on two glass display tables in my bedroom.  However the rest I keep sealed away in quality sealed gift box sized plastic boxes with lids and keep them stored properly.  As I rotate quite often I'm never too concerned about a bottle going "sour", before I"m able to use it up.

Recently I have been vintage hunting for unique crystal and glass decants to begin working on my own perfume mixing.  Very inspired and its really given me so much to research and ambition to create something unique and all mine.

Here they are in no particular order:

 G by Guess
 Basic Instinct by Victoria Secret-Discontinued
Clinique Aromatics Elixir
 Flash by Jimmy Choo
Gucci Premiere
 Bob Mackie
Tokyo Milk's Song in D Minor
 Fan di Fendi by Fendi
 Boucheron by Boucheron
Edwardian bouquet by Floris of London
 Anais Anais by Cacharel
Peony and Rose by Ellen Tracy
Vintage Emeraude by Coty
Tresor by Lancome
Ma Griffe by Carven
 Lily of the Valley by Crabtree & Evelyn
Chloe by Coty
 Stella by Stella McCartney
Prada Infusion de' Tubereuse
David Yurman Classic
Jessica Simpson Fancy Nights
 Bebe Gold
Chanel No. 5
Tea Rose by Perfumer's Workshop
 Chloe Narcisse
 Lilly Pulitzer Beachy
 Cerrutti 1881
Black Orchid by Tom Ford
Pink Sugar
 Panthere de Cartier
 Kenzo Jungle
 BLV 2 by Bvlgari
Very Irresistible Happy 10 year edition 10 roses by Givenchy
Le Baiser Du Dragon by Cartier
Insolence by Guerlain
 Vince Camuto Original
 Hot by Colors de Benetton
 J Lo Glow Original
 Mahora by Guerlain
 Oscar De La Renta Original
 Passport to Paris by Paris Hilton
Shalimar by Guerlain
 Violette by Molinard
 Gloria by Cacharel
Safari by Ralph Lauren
Paris by Balenciaga
 Jessica McClintock Original
 Jessica McClintock Always and Forever
 Amarige by Givenchy
 Chanel No. 19
 Live in Love by Oscar De La Renta
 Roberto Cavalli Original,
Nirmala by Molinard,
Poetica by Kat Von D
Killer Queen by Katy Perry
Couture Couture by Juicy Couture
Femme by Rochas
Muse by Rochas
Bijan for women
Lou Lou by Cacharel
Eden by Cacharel

I am thinking of sharing my collection soon by having a Fragrance Party for friends.  Basically coming over and having a scent sample party.  I have a large collection I think and it might be fun for friends that either cant buy often and end up with a "scrubber", and those who might be afraid to venture into this territory, and of course for friends like myself who love to try scents they have never had the chance to wear.

What do you think?

Samantha :-)

Samantha's Perfume Diary: Nirmala by the House of Molinard

Samantha's Perfume Diary: Nirmala by the House of Molinard:   On Monday I went scent exploring at my local favorite spot.  As I was browsing the wares I found a few I wanted to sample and as I was...

Nirmala by the House of Molinard

 

On Monday I went scent exploring at my local favorite spot.  As I was browsing the wares I found a few I wanted to sample and as I was, the shop owner and I were chatting away about what types of scents that I fancy.  I had decided to purchase something I've wanted for a while to add to my collection, the owner suggested another scent by Molinard, called Nirmala.  I thought, well the bottle looks so blase, but it was from one of my favorite perfume Houses, Molinard.  He generously sprayed a card and smelling it I got the most wonderful wafts of mango, tropics, sweet spices.  Like a outdoor kitchen in a tropical jungle with exotic flowers growing everywhere.  Wow!  What a heady and overwhelming scent-I was IN LOVE! 

Even so, I thought that I should wait on it before purchasing something based upon a positive experience just from the bottle alone.  Before I left I sprayed my right arm with Nirmala and left the store with my purchase and walked to my car and once I got in and sat down I took a sniff at my arm.  What happened was one of those special moments where perfume can really make an impression.  I literally had a memory explosion of my childhood growing up in Hawaii.  The scent literally brought memories to the surface of sticking my head out of the family car window driving through the Windward valley of Oahu with my family, smelling the air and the natural sweetness and floral air.....Ahhhhh...Delicious....scrumptious....encompassing.....beautiful.

Even then I still drove off telling myself that I didn't need another addition to my collection.  I got about 2 miles away when I said I MUST own this!  I drove back and walked into the store and declared, that's it I need that perfume!  The shopkeeper just smiled and felt like I had found a newfound ally in my endless search for inovative and compelling scents.  I thanked him for finding me a scent that was so up my alley.  These are the types of relationships with like minded individuals that I like to foster in my obsession for perfumes. 

I wore it again yesterday and I generously sprayed myself and clothing.  It was strong but the sillage was not enourmous so I got to enjoy the warmth and exotic scent all day long, like a warm tropical hug.  These vintage scents were really meant to worn by individuals not afraid to smell different, to smell like something, rather than nothing.  Its so me and I am so happy :-)

Enjoy your day and what scents in the vintage realm are your favorites?  Or have you been dying to try something rare and old and have never had the chance to sample it yet?

Samantha

Samantha's Perfume Diary: What this Blog is about

Samantha's Perfume Diary: What this Blog is about: This is my About Me page.....Which the title should have already told you....kind of redundant.  Oh well! My name is Samantha and I'...

Most Coveted Scents

I have for quite a while built a growing and ever expanding list of scents that I have wanted to try and to own either for the Bottles or the both the bottle and the scent inside.  I have twelve such scents that are on my "hit" list. 

Would love to know if anyone has these or tried them and what your experience was with any listed.  I love reviews and often times judge whether or not to purchase a scent after reading countless reviews. 

Here they are: 

1. L'heure Bleu by Guerlain
2. Kenzo Elephant by Kenzo (I already own Kenzo Le Tigre)
3. Issey Miyake
4. Habanita by Molinard
5. Original bottle of Jaguar by Cartier
6. Pure Poison by Dior
7. Pink Flower by Creed
8. Rosabotanica by Balenciaga
9. Florence by Tocca
10. Boucheron Classic
11. Shalimar Edt 1991-1992 by Guerlain
12. Orange Blossom by Jo Malone for women and men

Do you have a top twelve of coveted scents to try?  As time goes by this list gets progressively longer but how much fun to explore, wouldn't you agree?  The sun just peeked out from the clouds here in Western Washington and I'm going to enjoy the brief spot of blue in the sky.  Till next time!

Wishing you many happy Scent adventures!

Samantha

How I stopped my man in his tracks.....

Have you ever been lucky enough to have that moment, when you are wearing a scent and it literally stops your man in his tracks?  I did recently, well within the last 6 months or so I had once again with my husband in tow made a quick stop into Macy's fragrance department to test out some fragrances.  He likes to smell nice too so he doesn't put up much of a fuss on these kinds of shopping trips....lol

As I was taking a look at some new scents, the Jimmy Choo area was showcasing the newest incarnation of their line and my husband happened  to like the bottle so I tried a quick spritz on.  Within seconds my husband had my wrist up to his nose and he said to me" That's the sexiest smell I've ever smelled!".  My husband is not easily impressed by much and even more so by perfumes.  As I was slowly falling in love with this sweet juice my husband could not stop exclaiming how much he wanted me to have this.  He even stated that I was only allowed to wear it with him around.  I was swooning with delight that he loved something on me so much that he wanted it to be worn for private purposes.  Ohh la laa....



I dont usually buy my scents directly from Macy's as they are usually more expensive then in other locations such as Sephora, Parfumerie, etc, however the sales women there were very kind to make me a couple of samples to take home and try out.  I knew by my husband's instant reaction that it was a must buy at some point, but I wanted to surprise him :-)

Although I did buy a different scent that day from Macy's ( Givenchy Envy the 12 rose edition, the one with the red roses on the red bottle).  I made plans to stop by the Sephora store at the Tacoma Mall and there was a good full sized bottle for about 20 dollars less.  I bought it after first spraying another spray to dress myself in the luxurious scent with a happy husband in my over perfumed wake....

Since I have bought this I am definately planning on buying another full sized bottle as back up, as is always the case my favorites are almost always discontinued on a fairly regular basis. "Flash" by Jimmy Choo seems quite like a fun but difuse little number in its rather innocuous little flash of a bottle, but it got the an immediate effect on my Man-hence a very appropriate name for the effect of this juice.

Flash by Jimmy Choo 
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Jimmy-Choo/Flash-17223.html

"Flash is constructed as a fragrance which accentuates delicate white flower notes with a hint of spices and fruit. Top notes encompass passionate strawberry combined with tangerine and pink pepper adding exciting and cheerful note to white floral notes in the heart. The white bouquet is composed of tuberose, jasmine and white lily on a base of heliotrope and blond wood. "

 On me Flash is delightfully sweet and candy like at first spritz and dries down to the most succulent peppery rose scent.  Rose rarely wears on me for more than a few seconds and in Flash this is the only perfume in which on me the rose dominates in such a finely tuned spicy way. 

 To know that my husband fancies this scent on me thrills me to my core and makes me give a little chuckle inside.  I feel empowered and special everytime I wear it, because it tied to the reaction of my wonderful husband and that in itself is worth any price to me.

May you relish those moments that are sweet and create drama, unity and memories to cherish.

Samantha

Favorite Scents for Spring 2014!

It's finally here.....My current Spring favorite scents of 2014.
I live in Western Washington State and as is so often the case here it is raining every day despite the temperature getting warmer its still pretty soggy around here.

I'd like to apologize for taking so long to upload this video.  I've had some difficulty getting around to editing and writing this month, but finally a day to myself to focus on my beloved passion!

Okay....To begin with, Spring is a lively time of emerging ideas and focus.  Everything seems to be coming to the fore with colors and scents and a renewed sense of fun.  My choices for Spring faves are as follows:

1. Insolence by Guerlain
2. Oscar De La Renta (Classic)
3. J. Lo Glow (Original)
4. Rosabotanica by Balenciaga
5. Chanel No. 19

For me a Spring scent must first of all smell good on me, so knowing your personal notes and what works on you is key for that knowledge.  Try, try, try again until you find what works for you.  Secondly it should be a scent that gives you a" pep in your step" so to speak.  Is it light, airy, sweet, fruity, fun?  It should suit your personality and make you feel in a way fresh and clean.  Like a refreshing spring shower. 

Insolence is a beautiful violet based scent full of that sweet candy smell from our childhood but with a tinge of spice that makes it less girly and more womanly. 
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Guerlain/Insolence-Eau-de-Parfum-4566.html

Oscar De La Renta (Classic) is a heady floral with a spiciness to it that I simply adore on myself.  Its good year round but I find it is very flirty on me during Spring, befitting the overall mood of the season.
 http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Oscar-de-la-Renta/Oscar-1131.html

J. Lo Glow (Original) is close to my heart as a perfume my Mom bought for me many years ago when it first launched.  I wear it during Spring time because it reminds me of her and my youth and it smells delightfully fresh and clean.  A slightly powdery watery scent on me.  Its quite strong if oversprayed so use judiciously.
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Jennifer-Lopez/Glow-869.html

Rosabotanica by Balenciaga, oh my how I adore thee!  This is the most beautiful fragrance to my mind that has been released in quite a while.  If there is one scent that screams Spring to me this is it!  So rosy, so sweet, so intoxicating.  English gardens reading a book next to a gnarled old tree on after a misty morning.  Oh my this one is to die for.  Its still the beginning of Spring and I have already used my general sample of this.  Will be purchasing a large bottle very soon.  Btw, the gottle is gorgeousness.
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Cristobal-Balenciaga/Rosabotanica-21987.html

Last but NOT least is Chanel No. 19.  My signature fragrance for a while now, I find it is at it's best during Springtime.  I believe it needs the coolness of early spring but the warmth of the sun to bring out its true character.  This one is a sure fire way to get attention.  Soft and billowly on a cool day, it whispers to you days of youth gone by.  Petticoats and lace and dreamy afternoons with nothing to do but contemplation of your future....Ah I love this one sooooo much!  It is green Chypre but not sour-at least not on me.  Lucky me ;-)
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Chanel/Chanel-N-19-11.html

Under each description is a link to view a very good site about perfumes.  Its one I frequent often and I find the reviews extremely helpful.  In fact when I go shopping for perfumes its after many hours of perusing this site in the hopes of finding my next hidden gem.  Check them out-great resource.

http://www.fragrantica.com/search/

Hope you enjoyed my Spring scents for 2014.  Hopefully I will have my video detailing these scents on my YouTube Channel soon!  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-luXsK7hNIR2uRkU-ssoXA



Happy Spring! 
Samantha

What is your Favorite Perfume, scent, bodyspray, etc?

Hi Again Perfumistas and Perfumisters...lol  (I know, I know......hardy-har-harr, but I just had to say it.)

Question for the day or in this case evening.  What is your favorite scent?  It can be anything.  Cheap expensive, gifted to you.  Doesn't matter.

Or if you cant narrow it down maybe just the types of perfumes you enjoy.  Fruity, heavy, super sweet, woody?

My tastes vary wildy and I have favorites I guess in every style of scent.  I'd have to say nothing beats a first love of perfume.  In my case it was the very first perfume that I bought myself with my own money many many MANY years ago.

Many people hate it for all the reasons I love it.  My favorite perfume is.....

SHALIMAR by Guerlain!

Yes the much maligned lovely fragrance that fit me at the tender age of 18.  Usually referred to as an "old lady" perfume but it immediately struck my young heart with daydreams off a bygone era and romance and love and poetry read by moonlight in a garden next to a deep blue pool of water, the gentle sound of which echos in my fantasies to this day.  Ah Shalimar how you bring back my youth!

Do you LOVE Perfume like I do?

Hi and welcome to my Diary of my scent fantasy.  For me since I was very little I have been enchanted by perfume and scents, talcs and solid perfume pots, and the beautiful decants of lovely colored juice in its many wildy different contrasts.

I have through the years learned through trial and error and became quietly interested to the point of fanatical about all things related to how we express our innermost desires through our perceived sense of smell.  It's such a fascinating subject to me and so personally satisfying that I decided to keep a online diary of my experiences, favorites and disasters, personal embarassing moments where the wrong perfume can literally make others ill.

I hope that anyone enjoying my Blog in the future please keep reading, enjoying, commenting.  I am always interested in other self proclaimed perfumistas and the professionals in the subject to add your thoughts.  I am most passionate about my great loves in scent that to me epitomize the highest and lowest points in my life.

As in most of the fashion world where rules can be strict.... the perfume world knows no boundaries, has no class distinction, where price doesn't always equate with style or grace.  If I had one item on my vanity or closet to treasure as a Woman it would be my Bottles of  Beauty,  aromas that carry memories I will always treasure.

May the scents you treasure be enjoyed forever.