Slight Delay

Dear Readers,

I have undergone some medical treatment this week that required me to relax and rest. Therefore, my Wednesday post will be up tomorrow, Thursday. On Friday I will be back on my regular schedule. Thank you for your patience!

Antica Farmacista Fico Verde Home

I present another wonderful entry by the lovely Camille:

There are certain scents that conjure up images of home when I was growing up: the traditional Easter yeast bread rising and then baking in the oven, fresh sheets pulled from the line still smelling of sunshine, the smoky warmth of logs burning in a fireplace on a cold fall night in Buffalo. I love those scent memories. The problem is that I don’t bake much (outside of that Easter bread I faithfully make once every year!), I don’t dry clothes on a line, and fireplaces get minimal use in Arizona. But I still want those scents greeting me when I enter the kitchen or lingering in the halls as I’m walking to another room. So I admit that I take the shortcuts of our facsimile age. Enter candles, oil warmers, and other “home fragrance” scents and gadgets that I obsess about nearly as much as I do personal fragrances.

My latest obsession is not extremely new, but it’s new and fabulous to me, so I thought I’d share for any of you out there who might have missed it. I am currently in love with Antica Farmacista’s Fico Verde Home Ambiance fragrance, enough so that I’ve purchased a large “refill” size of the stuff so that I can have it wafting around the house all through this Spring and Summer. I’m smitten with it for several reasons:

• The scent is Philosykos for the home, and as I noted in my first post on this blog, Philosykos is one of my all time desert-island faves. Fico Verde (Green Fig) is a grassy, figgy, sweet-bitter green scent; the Antica Farmacista website (http://www.anticafarmacista.com/) describes the notes thus: “This scent begins with fresh green notes of cut grass, luscious notes of fruit and soft violet, then softly envelopes you in the sweetness of wild fig. A finishing drydown of powdery sandalwood round [sic] out this harmonious scent.” Green Fig conjures up for me the scent memory of relaxing with a glass of homemade lemonade near a fresh cut lawn on a summer day. It’s perfect for this time of year when the temps are rising, the windows are open, and I want the house to smell (if not actually be?!) fresh and clean.


• The fragrance is offered in one of those “sticks in a glass bottle” forms that are ubiquitous at the moment, and I have to admit I like the concept—it’s scent distribution that requires no flame or electricity and has the added bonus of looking pretty. Antica Farmacista’s bottles and labels are classic apothecary styles that would fit in most décor schemes, and Fico Verde is a pleasing light green liquid that blends with seasonal decorations and arrangements. Since I purchased the large version of the scent, I’m buying a few extra small pretty glass bottles and splitting up the included looooong birch sticks so that I can spread my scented joy around more of the house.


• And the clincher for me: the “throw.” Fico Verde is not overpowering, but it’s not a shy scent, either. I’ve tried a variety of the diffusers, from cheap to expensive, with mixed results. Fico Verde nicely scents up a room and the adjoining hallway in my home, and I don’t find I have to turn the sticks more than once per week to keep the scent strength consistent.

I’m a little afraid that this ended up more like an ad than a review—sorry about that!! Perhaps readers can help me out by sharing: What scents conjure up “home” for you? Any favorite ways of fragracing your home that you would like to share?



Image of Antica Farmacista Home Fragrances courtesy of beautybentobox.com. Green figs courtesy of jupiterimages.com.

2008 Fifi Awards

It is that time of the year again - time for the annual Fifi Awards and Celebration hosted by the Fragrance Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1949 by six industry leaders to develop educational programs on the importance of fragrance to the American public. Today, America is the largest fragrance market in the world and the Fifi Awards are designed to highlight some of the best created. The first major announcement occured today: Vera Wang has been given the prestigious Hall of Fame Award.

Because all of you, dear readers, are well versed on fragrance, what better audience to provide feedback to the organizers? The following links will allow you to browse the finalists, debate the top ten, view celebrity pics and clips. You can even vote for your favorite fragrance of the year. Do not miss this opportunity to express your opinions. I myself am delighted to see the category "Nouveau Niche" as the bulk of my blog focuses on this genre of fragrance. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FiFi-Awards/13957130842
http://www.iqons.com/FiFi+Awards
http://www.myspace.com/fifiawards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud-1f-Rc5dE



Image source courtesy of facebook.com

Spring 2008 Top 5

It is that time again - time to come up with our list of Top Five fragrances for the season. Spring holds the honor of being my favorite season to wear fragrance because of my love of soft and romantic florals that are so fitting. Each year I look forward to investigating the offerings perfumers launch beginning in February to appeal to the season of rebirth and growth.

Unfortunately this season I have been somewhat disappointed with new offerings. As excited as I was to try Gucci by Gucci, what I discovered was a near exact imitation of Narciso Rodriguez for Her. John Varvados for Her promised an elegant fragrance in a sensual bottle but left me longing for something more … or something just … more notable (pardon the pun). The new Chloé, the first fragrance launch from the designer since 1975, beckoned me to the counter with its beautiful bottle. Although pleasant, the juice did not move me. Yves Saint Laurent Elle, although appealing with its bright pink bottle, proved no different than other fruity scents with a patchouli base. Unfortunate for certain that most widely available commercial scents are so disappointing to my nose. I am forever on the quest to wear truly remarkable fragrances and hope to always provide you with equally remarkable suggestions. Alas, I am left to reference fragrances from previous years mostly, with one exception. Of all the Spring launches, I find Laura Mercier’s offerings to be stellar. Without further ado, here is my Top 5 list of fragrances I am wearing quite often this season.

5. Laura Mercier Neroli

I have yet to find an orange blossom fragrance I can call my own, that lasts more than a few hours or that does not vaguely resemble the smell of urine once it dries on my skin. Ladies and gents, I have found it! Although it is based on Mediterranean orange blossom, Neroli smells extremely similar to the orange blossoms blooming in my backyard and around my neighborhood. The amber, musk and sandalwood at the base give it resonance and lasting power lacking in other fragrances dedicated to the flower. When I wear this fragrance, I feel an incredible symmetry with the world around me. Orange blossom is one of my favorite natural scents and I am thrilled that at this price point I can enjoy it often. I love to layer Neroli with MMU Cosmetics “Orange Blossom” shower gel and body lotion.

4. Chanel No. 18

That’s right. 18. Not 19. The decant I purchased of this sparkling jewel of a fragrance shortly after it was launched is coming in quite handy these days. No. 18 is from Les Exclusifs collection and it never ceases to uplift and energize with its unique ambrette bouquet. It reminds me of luminous jewels, the color yellow, giggles and babydoll sleeves. Perfect for Spring.

3. Serge Lutens Un Lys

Buttery, creamy, gorgeous lily goodness. Soliflores do not get much better than this. With less than 2mL left in my decant vial, I am savoring every last drop.

2. L’Artisan Parfumeur Iris Pallida

Appropriate for weddings, springtime and days that I want to make my surroundings more interesting by walking on a woodsy, purple cloud, this gorgeous 2007 release from L’Artisan delivers without the metallic quality of other iris fragrances.

Finally, my number one fragrance this spring is ...

1. Thierry Mugler Angel Le Lys

The signature fragrance of my courtship with my husband never gets old. Lilies drizzled with honey and chocolate add decadence to any social affair. I have officially "rediscovered" its beauty this season.

Be sure to visit Divina's picks at Fragrance Bouquet!

Image sources: lacremebeauty.com and ivis-bg.com

Perfume for the Occasion: Weddings Part I, For the Guests

Spring is upon us and love is in the air. This time of year seems to usually bring with it a plethora of weddings to attend, so what better topic for Perfume for the Occasion than this? I have certainly been found, with five minutes to spare, franticly searching through my perfume collection to find an appropriate scent. The dilemma: respectfully presenting your best self by smelling and looking good without leaving a horrid waft of scent that not only upstages the bride and groom but makes for a very uncomfortable ceremony for those around you. Therefore, who better to turn to for advice on the matter than your personal Perfume for the Occasion advisors, Divina of Fragrance Bouquet and myself of course! We will break this down into two parts – one for April and the other for May.

In searching for fragrances appropriate for guests, I found that many perfumes I desired to put on this list are also fabulous spring scents. Since most weddings are held in spring or summer, the below fragrances are perfect for those. For a winter wedding, the choices would be drastically different but the idea would be the same: smell good without overwhelming others. Anything you choose should be light, close to the skin, entirely romantic and uplifting and not too sexy.

Outdoor Wedding

My favorite type of wedding is usually chosen by couples longing for something fun and different. Typically, although not always, these affairs tend to be somewhat casual. Therefore, your scent should match the breezy feel of the event and its scenic surroundings. I reserve rose fragrances for the bride, but these lovely florals will suit any guest very well.

Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille – Green, simple, light and sweet, citrus-y honeysuckle blended with the most delicate jasmine. What lends this fragrance its outstanding quality is a freshness that never overwhelms others.

L’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse Aux Paupillons – To match the flowers that surround guests at a wedding, a pretty and cheerful bouquet of a fragrance that spells romance. Be careful to spray sparingly with this one. Everything about its beautiful aroma makes it perfect for an outdoor garden wedding!

Jo Malone Lotus Blossom & Water Lily – A gorgeous, soft yet stunning fragrance, available at counters in May, that I would happily wear to any wedding this spring or summer due to its soft, slightly sweet and altogether classy bouquet. The complimentary Dark Amber & Ginger Lily layered over it easily transitions the scent to an evening reception.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche - Despite its simple packaging, the juice gives a man a clean, fresh scent without too much sillage to overwhelm others.

Indoor, Formal Wedding

For a more traditional affair, your fragrance choice is paramount. In these cases, the ceremony is usually in a church and if that church is very devout it certainly is not a good strategy to wear a bombshell fragrance. If you are on the prowl, please carry your come-hither scent to apply after the ceremony!

Instead of worrying about application in between events, my choices will take you from ceremony to reception with class and finesse.

Chanel No. 5 – Considering most young brides will not choose this scent, you should be safe with the queen of perfumes. Staying close to the skin glorifies her loveliness and makes her perfect for formal, romantic affairs.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Iris Pallida – This soft, woodsy ode to “the keeper of the rainbow” gives me instant class anytime I wear it (that is if I act accordingly), making it perfect for a formal wedding. I would suggest refraining from dancing the “Chicken” or the “Hokey Pokey” when wearing this beautiful fragrance. It calls for grace and style.

Frederic Malle En Passant – What more perfect flower to wear to a wedding than one that connotes first love: the lilac. En Passant epitomizes a quiet and fragile lilac in its soft aroma that surrounds the wearer like soft veil.

Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil – A perfect uplifting, green and fresh scent for those averse to flowers. (I realize most of my choices are florals because I equate them with romance!)

Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory – Again for those averse to flowers, a quiet, intriguing woodsy-incense fragrance that I would be delighted to smell on my husband at a wedding.

Whatever you choose, enjoy yourself and remember not to over spray! In fact, you could wear just about anything if you apply lightly. But if you give as much thought to your fragrance as to your wardrobe like us, the above choices will not lead you astray. What have you successfully worn to a wedding?

Images courtesy of argosycruises.com, christopherplace.com and calgarybanffweddingminister.com

Fragrance Notes: Mimosa

Inspired by my previous post and Ms. Sanchez's description of Guerlain Champs-Elysées, I decided to further investigate the fragrance and others like it. Turns out, the note responsible for the "lucite-heeled shoes and a ditzy high-pitched laugh" description is the delicate mimosa flower. Other fragrances containing it as a note include L'Artisan Parfumeur Mimosa pour Moi, Givenchy's Amarige 2005 Harvest collection and even the venerable classic that I love, Chanel No. 5. The flower imparts a green sweetness, a lightness of being, a sunshine-y, bubbly quality that Ms. Sanchez so perfectly described in relation to the type of woman who wears it. Its yellow goodness reminds me of the first delicate buds of spring. Because I do not live in Provence (how I wish!) and I am not exposed to mimosas on a daily basis, I began some research on this interesting flower.

I found a fabulous article in Cosmetics Business online that contains the history of the flower's use in perfumery as well as other interesting facts about mimosa:

"The first plantations of Mimosa trees for the perfumery industry were established in 1865. Perfumers were quick to recognise and appreciate mimosa's suave and delicate fragrance. Its abundance in the hills of Provence also made it a good choice for the development of perfumes. The hills of the Tanneron region above Cannes are delicately scented with the sweet, heady, almondy fragrance preceding the winter mimosa harvest. In February, the Massif de Tanneron takes on the appearance of a range of golden mountains as the largest mimosa forest in Europe comes into bloom."

Due to its sweet, powdery scent, mimosa is often combined well with orange blossom. The trees bloom only once per year and the flower is extremely fragile and difficult to maintain after cutting. Therefore, it is associated with sensitivity. (Of interest, mimosas are also used in cooking to add sweetness to springtime desserts.) Certainly this delicate flower has an important place in the art of perfumery and many fragrances have chosen its delicate bouquet to either support or showcase the composition. While I would not welcome an association with the word "ditzy", I certainly enjoy fragrances containing mimosa during this exhilarating and awakening time of year.

See previous post for source of quote by Tania Sanchez. Read more about mimosas at Cosmetics Business.

Image source http://cr.middlebury.edu

Tania Sanchez and Luca Turin

A fantastic excerpt from the book Perfumes: The Guide, by two fragrance experts Tania Sanchez and Luca Turin, appears in the April 2008 edition of Allure magazine (the one with Mariah Carey on the front). If this excerpt is any indication of the quality of the book, I am headed out to use my 40% off coupon at Border's today! A spot-on description of Guerlain Champs-Elysées, a description of classics, a listing of five-star scents and an insightful guide to selecting a fragrance are all included in this crafty little article, starting on page 136. Check it out! The first person to read and respond to this post with the name of the first featured "classic" fragrance in the article will get a nice-sized decant of it from me!

Neil Morris Spectral Violet

There are very few people in this world who make a lasting impression on me after a brief meeting. Those that fall into this category are so wonderfully in the moment, incredibly thoughtful or hilariously funny, so full of life that when the image of their face comes to mind I instantly smile. It is as if they mysteriously hold the secret to life and each day is simply an opportunity to express it. Therefore, their encounters with others are always kind, always patient, alway thoughtful and usually fun. One of those people is the unforgettable Neil Morris.

I will never forget how Neil, upon discovering that I am a floral girl after meeting me, retrieved a fragrance he has been developing with the sole aim of testing it on my skin for my delight. After dabbing a little on my ivory skin, he exclaimed"That is exactly how that scent is supposed to smell!" Then a few moments later, "Yes! That fragrance blooms on you!" This brief exchange encapsulates my impression of Neil. It also demonstrates Neil's genuine passion for scent.

I have been longing to review one of his scents ever since. I regret that it took me so long! I chose Spectral Violet because of several of Neil's fragrances I tested, it is the most me. Do not get me wrong. They are all incredible, unique and superlative! Divina of Fragrance Bouquet has recently written wonderful reviews on all of them. Spectral Violet stands out firstly to me because of its name. I picture violets as a silk-screen Andy Warhol piece. That idea epitomizes the fragrance: the beautiful shape and general structure of violets with dynamic, multi-dimensional and colorful embellishments that originate and define the piece. From the purple-red top, to the soft, deep blue and green heart, to the yellow-powder finish, Spectral Violet illustrates beauty and grace. Secondly of the five scents I tested, this scent by far lasted the longest on my skin. Maybe Neil's sentiments are right about this one as well, it "blooms" on me.

I would not call myself a lover of violet fragrances but I do own Norma Kamali Violette, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette and Laura Mercier Violette. Spectral Violet possesses that candied aspect of the flower that the others do. Yet rather than a one-dimensional study of the flower or with a few notes added, what makes Spectral Violet stand way apart from the others is its smooth as silk qualities. No sharp edges exist here. Rather the colorful notes blend into one another like a rainbow - soft, dreamy and stunning - making it truly a masterpiece.

Spectral Violet along with others in the Vault Fragrances collection will be available online at www.neilmorrisfragrances.com in April (just a few short weeks away!) The Parfums will retail for $150 for 2 oz. and $4 for shipping.

Image courtesy of www.mssl.ucl.ac.uk

Thierry Mugler Mirror Mirror Series, Part II

Continuing our look at the Mirror Mirror series from Thierry Mugler available at Saks Fifth Avenue, today features the last three of the collection.

Dis-Moi, Miroir or Mirror Image by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin:

Described as a "a lavish, nurturing floral fragrance melding Lily, Orange Blossom, and nurturing milky notes for extreme sophistication," Mirror Image stays close to the skin but offers a soft, sweet gourmand bouquet. Orange blossom and lily certainly stand out during the beginning stages, with those milky and "nurturing" notes underscoring the beautiful, sweet Spring blooms. It is this honeyed and happy stage of the fragrance that compels me to recommend it for Easter and/or springtime. The heart becomes a bouquet akin to fruity marshmallows, much like the sweet gourmand scents catered to the younger crowd. The marshmallow accord prompted my husband to say, "It reminds me of high school." An expert on fragrance, he is not. However he poses an accurate idea in that this fragrance can be considered quite young - not really sophisticated as the marketing description suggests. For fans of By Kilian Love or the difficult to obtain L'Artisan Framboise Tralala you will find something likeable here. Thankfully, the milky notes never turn sour as they provide a creamy anchor to the cheerful, candied flowers, much like a dash of cream adds richness to a cup of floral tea. It struck me as I began to write this review that the name might hold some significance in its description. For the other scents in this collection, I simply saw it as an unrelated embellishment. However in this case, the name does match the close to the skin quality of the youthful, candied yet slightly creamy Mirror Image. And for those of us who feel younger than the image in the mirror holds, this scent provides a refreshing reminder of our youth.


Miroir des Secrets or Mirror of Secrets by perfumer Domitille Bertier:

From the maker of Diptyque Tam Dao comes a scent unlike anything I have ever experienced. If you could see me right now, my nose would be wrinkled like a pug's. This is not my cup of tea at all, however forever munificent when it comes to perfume, I am able to find some redeeming qualities about it. The top consists of fizzy aldehyde, clarifying and uplifting in its happy nature. From what I understand, this is a naturally occuring aldehyde. Boy would I love to know more about the creation of this scent! Bittersweetness is the aspect of Secrets that has my nose bent out of shape. Once the patchouli and musk make themselves known after a few minutes of drying time, the fragrance takes on a peculiarly sour and bittersweet nature on my skin. I reserve bittersweet qualities for dark chocolate and certain spices I use in food. I rarely long to smell bittersweet. However, fans of patchouli and musk with a twist may find this fragrance worth a try.


A Travers Le Miroir or Through the Looking Glass by perfumer Alexis Dadier:

By far my favorite in the collection, this one took me by complete surprise. When I read the description as follows, "The opulent and utterly feminine tuberose, lavish and decadent, flirts with a warm, very masculine, woody accord and aromatic accents of absinthe. Subtle notes of wintergreen make the tuberose flower smells almost metallic," I expected something similar to Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle. What I experienced was a metamorphosis of scent, from the earthy, slightly woodsy and seductive introduction, to the metallic and cold heart of tuberose, to the warm, ambery and soft finish. A spicy element also exists in the composition, reminding me of cumin softened by flowers, probably attributable to medicinal absinthe. On the whole it is quite lovely and beautiful, wonderfully unique and truly sophisticated. This scent longs to be worn by a femme fatale who is confident enough in herself to wear a fragrance so remarkably different from most.

After fully experiencing the entire collection, I applaud the house of Thierry Mugler for creating unique scents worth studying. Because of the price point I will not be purchasing a full bottle. However, I would love a decant of A Travers Le Miroir for special occasions!

(See previous post for purchasing information.)

Image of Truth's Mirror painting courtesy of http://dunedin.art.museum/

Happy Easter

From our house to yours, wishing you a Happy Easter and the freedom to live your life to the fullest believing in the impossible ...

... and smelling good!

Thierry Mugler Mirror Mirror Series, Part I

Over my next two entries, I will be exploring the Mirror Mirror collection from Thierry Mugler which was released just a few short months ago and should be more widely available by now. In no particular order, today I will focus on two scents in the collection. Stay tuned for another entry where I will discuss the last three. The idea behind this collection is to highlight the art of perfumery, since the President of Thierry Mugler fragrances, Mr. Joel Palix, encouraged his noses to "create something original and unusual".

Miroir des Envies or Mirror of Desires by perfumer Christine Nagel:

From the creator of the blockbuster Narciso Rodriguez For Her and my own love Thierry Mugler Angel Lily comes a very unconventional floral. A strikingly apt description is written by Saks Fifth Avenue - "Provocative notes of warm, morning toast and sun-drenched skin become tasty partners with a sumptuous jasmine center. A unique overdose of usually minor accords." My first impression of the fragrance was unfortunately a deadringer for nailpolish. Perhaps the delicate nature of the notes combined with the fixative alcohol caused them to get lost in the shuffle. That unpleasant top accord faded quickly (thank goodness) leading to the simultaneously sweet and cozy heart. Who thought that morning toast could create a pleasant fragrance experience when blended with jasmine? Kudos to Christine for taking a risk and developing a scent that reminds me of all things innocent, soft and light - an infant's fingers, delicate flower petals warmed by the sun, the backs of my cat's ears, a gentle butterfly. Miroir des Envies offers a soft and ethereal skin scent that is undoubtedly unique and original. For those who like fragrances that boldly make a statement or offer significant sillage, this scent is not ideal. Rather it is feather-light and I predict some perfumistas may not even detect it on their skin. Therefore, this delicate, breezy fragrance could be a great choice for a woman who is pregnant and averse to strong odors, a congested office environment or a casual and relaxing (think walks in the park, soft music or curling up with a good book) weekend.

Miroir des Vanités or Mirror of Vanities by perfumer Alexis Dadier:

This fragrance is again soft but in an entirely different fashion than the previous. No florals exist in this composition. Rather, this one is described as an "effervescent woody" scent where "bubbly citrus accords enliven and mingle with the warm, subtle bitterness of cinchona bark and vetiver, heightened by the black intensity of licorice". Despite the description, nothing about this scent is intense to my nose. Instead, I smell a progression from bergamot to vetiver, with a gentle undercurrent of something darker, perhaps the bark. "Effervescent" is an accurate description for the top, since the combination of citrus and vetiver create a bubbly, happy accord. As the scent develops further it remains lighthearted and docile and ends on a powdery note. It never deepens enough to be considered sexy or profound. Nonetheless, Miroir des Vanités is truly unique and reminds me of literally no other fragrance I have tried. Like Miroir des Envies, I find it somewhat casual due to its lack of sincere depth but nice enough for a relaxed and aloof vibe.

I am not crazy about the packaging of the two scents. It looks much harsher than the soft and delicate juice within. The price point is a bit steep in my opinion, but if you fall in love, it may be worth it. So far, I will not be purchasing a full bottle. We shall see what the last three hold in store!

The Thierry Mugler Mirror Mirror collection is available at Saks Fifth Avenue. They are listed under "Women's Fragrances" on the website and retail for $150 for a 1.7 EDP.

Image of Miroir des Envies courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Parfums D'Orsay Femme de Dandy

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this fragrance is the history of the Parisian house from which it hails. It begins with Count Alfred D'orsay who created a name for himself due to his "witty remarks" and "outlandish clothing". Such a man was considered a "Dandy" and he brought a breath of fresh air to an otherwise boring 19th Century society. The Chevalier's writing, painting, sculpting and ultimate perfume composing talents became famous among his contemporaries and date back to the years 1801-1852.

His beloved mistress Lady Blessington had a difficult time wearing the musky fragrances that were popular back then. To please her, he dedicated his time to creating a scent she could wear. Quite romantic, eh? That project began his love of scent creation, and each of his homes thereafter contained a perfume-making room. Parfums D'Orsay was thus created after his death in dedication to his unforgettable character and creativity. Although the history books vary with the date of the house's creation, according to Robin at Now Smell This, 1908 seems to be correct.

Moving to present day, the house was "revived" in 1995 and Femme de Dandy was subsequently produced in 2001. The fragrance is a sleeper at worst (have you heard of it until now?) and a glorious fruity-floriental at best. In the very little literature that is available regarding this fragrance I have surmised that its creator is Francis Kurkdjian. The notes include spicy cardamom, anise blossom, carrot, cinnamon and cloves combined with tobacco, rum, benzoin, labdanum and tonka bean. The notes as listed would appear to slap you in the face a bit, and the fragrance does come across, at least initially, as a bit strong. However, as it dries it reminds me of all the reasons I love Montale's Musk to Musk and Frapin's 1270. The scent is spicy yet sweet, bold yet soft and altogether comforting and sexy. Like a decadent dessert meant to be enjoyed on the most special of occasions, Femme de Dandy proves to be a scent I could certainly own but sparingly apply a few times per month. Considering the history of the house, it should be worn on days that I feel especially creative and witty.

Parfums D'Orsay Femme de Dandy is available here. A 100mL atomizer retails for $60.

Image courtesy of http://www.parfumsdorsay.co.uk/. History of house also paraphrased from same website.