"The Memory of Her Perfume Lingers"

Bonne Nuit, my darlings!

Lately, I have been on a major perfume kick. It seems I've put so much into developing my personal style, that I've forgotten that fragrance is an important aspect of style. There is something so lovely about the way a perfume is developed, with its base, bottom, and top notes. When the 'right' combination of scents are blended, it's mystifying how it adapts to every woman's personal chemistry! It's like a chapter in the novel of your life, or style journey. Each fragrance that draws you in brings to mind past events, first kisses, the day your mom begin to cultivate style in your life.

Here are some fragrances that I've been intrigued with:

Womanity by Thierry Mugler: This has got to be one of the most mysterious scents to come out in the past year. It's a bit hard to explain to someone who has yet to smell it, but it's delightful to me! I tend to enjoy woody, spicy scents. It combines a woody scent, with figs and caviar, quite the unconventional blend. It's a heavy scent, so one need not have a heavy hand with this one! However for those who do not enjoy such a heavy scent, the lotion embodies the scent in a lighter way! One of the key elements of this fragrance is the bottle. It's a masterpiece, a bit peculiar, but unlike anything I've ever seen. It would make me feel as if I'm pouring a type of fierce swagger on myself as a strong female. The other best part is that its a refillable bottle, kind to our environment, while allowing you to treasure the bottle! ($28-$78)


Princess by Vera Wang: This is such a classic now that I doubt I have to explain why its such a beauty. It's such a soft scent combining elements like dark chocolate and pink frosting accord, with water lilies and Tahitian flowers which really makes it well rounded. It's feminine, and makes me feel gorgeous. It's a scent that can be worn all year round, and to all events. ($18-$75)


Lolita Lempicka: One of the most obvious beauties of this fragrance is its bottle! It reminds me of something you might find in a wood, along an enchanted path; it's lovely! One of my former coworkers used to swim in this, and I could never get the scent out of my mind. It blends ivy leaves and violet, and then mellows with vetiver and vanilla; Very intriguing and whimsical! ($47-89)


Burberry Brit Sheer: I am a Londoner at heart, and Burberry is one of my favorite lines! I was not a huge fan of the original Burberry Brit, because it was a bit too strong for my tastes. This 'Sheer' version is perfect. It's a perfect 'day' scent, for work, or a stroll. It has a kind of frolicsome feel to it, almost like it defines the phrase Carpe Diem. A very fresh and youthful scent. Notes include Pineapple leaves, Pink Peony,  and White Musk. One of my absolute favorites. ($25-$80)


Burberry's The Beat: This is my second favorite scent of all time. But instead of having a light and romantic feel to it, like 'Brit Sheer', it has a determined, confident aura. It makes me feel like an artistic 'hipster' who's on the move, living life! Very energetic! It's notes include, Begamont, Pink Peppercorn,  and Ceylon tea! ($48-$78)


Tocca's Bianca: Unfortunately for these next Tocca fragrances, I haven't had the pleasure of smelling either of them, however, the stories behind them, and fragrant ingredients intrigue me. Tocca is a brand that seems to infuse a natural european elegance into the presentation of their fragrances. Simplistic and lovely. This scent is inspired by 'tea time in Italy,' and includes notes of rose petal, green tea, and musk. How romantic is it to inspire a fragrance after tea time anywhere in Europe? Lovely! ($68)


Tocca's Colette: This fragrance is inspired by writer/libertine Colette. From it's description: 'Colette embodies the irresistible scent of a woman that lingers on the pillow long after she leaves.' Notes include Bergamot, Jasmine, and Amber. The thought of this perfume being inspired by a renowned writer automatically grabs me, but also the fact that it seems to be a very sensual and intriguing scent. A woman can always use one romantic fragrance, and one scent full of mystery! ($36-68)

Hair Fragrances:

I love the thought of a fragrance created to infuse your hair. I had no idea that there were fragrances specifically designed for this, and I had to put three on the list which intrigued me the most!

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb: This scent is a floral explosion of Jasmime, Ballerina Freesia, and Patchouli. From the description, it seems to be a very summery and positive fragrance. My only qualm would be that it might be a bit too strong. I hope that it truly is a mist, as not to become overwhelming. ($40)

Thierry Mugler Angel: This fragrance seems very light, yet evocative. From it's description, '...evokes the emotion of tender childhood memories together with a sense of dreamlike infinity.' Notes include, Bergamont, Chocolate and Dewberry. Sephora has categorized it as pure, soft and innocent, and I have to admit I love the thought of a scent like this for my hair. I can't imagine that one would want their hair infused with a fragrance that is just as heavy as the one used daily. Out of all three choices, this one seems like a certain win! ($36)

Narciso Rodriguez For Her:  This scent is very warm and woody with notes including Amber, Vanilla and Honey flower. Seems like a basic spicy smell. Definitely worth the try if you love these kinds of fragrances! ($33)


Have a lovely evening!

Parisian Haze

This evening I pulled Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl by Debra Ollivier, out from under piles of literary abandon in my closet. I quickly breezed through the preface and Chapter 1 before spritzing the last of my Miss Cherie L'eau upon its pages. It really adds to the ambience of the book, aromatherapy if you will! That's when France all but grabbed me by the collar, and jumped in!

I don't really understand what it is about Paris that tends to pull a romantic, whimsy mind away for a ride. To dream, to live, and even fathom having the lithe sophistication and lifestyle of a french woman. What is it that the French infuse into their lives that doesn't seem to be embraced by any other culture? I think, its Life. Coming from New York City, one would think that I have enough of my own breezy sophistication going for me, but we are taught to live fast. Period. And in living fast, we find ourselves in vast opportunities to take advantage of, but we never actually experience anything; Before we can blink, we're on to the next. We're eying the trends, but neglecting to cultivate our own beauty or sense of self. We're gaining weight in the midst of our dates, meetings, and shopping forays because we haven't stopped to eye what we're eating. This is a bit of a generalization that I'm sure doesn't fit every New Yorker, but it does seem common to us.

Nevertheless, I was inspired even reading what little I have read of this book to slow down, take a look at the beauty around me, and cultivate my own fragrance of beauty, joy, and self!

Parisian Haze Whimsy List

(note some things are not Paris-specific, just additions I felt embodied the Parisian theme!)

Let Them Eat Cake: Of course, we all know by now that Marie Antoinette never actually said those words, but there's no reason not to take them to heart. Buy your favorite dessert, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Don't feel guilty, just indulge! To take it even further, Fly to Paris (or London), and have a little date in Laduree, where you can eat macaroons to your hearts content! Until then, I'll stick to Magnolia Bakery, their cupcakes are clouds of ambrosia!

Have a Pink and Blue Party watching Marie Antoinette: Watch the film, for its beauty, the parties, the dresses, and the carefree frolicking! Or, if you would like to somehow treasure and expand the moment, read Antonia Fraser's biography and learn about this awesome icon.

Parisian Literary Abandon:
-  A Parisian Affair and Other Stories by Guy de Maupassant: There's something so lovely about reading most of his pieces. I started with Bel-Ami, and along with awesome plots, he understands the meaning of saturating an audience into Paris.
-  French Ways and Their Meanings by Edith Wharton: I haven't read this yet, but Debra Ollivier recommended it. What can go wrong with an entire book of meanderings on the city of lights?
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: This is one of my favorite tales. It's profound, lovely, wise, and even a little sad. But wonderful all the same!
- A Writer's Paris by Eric Maisel- For writer's out there seeking to indulge in daydreams of an artist's lifestyle.
- The Goddess Guide: What Makes you Happy by Gisele Scanlon: During my time in Wales, I spotted this book in a store called River Island (which is an awesome store!). I love this kind of book, filled with little treasures of cities and simplicities to help you discover and bring to the forefront what makes you happy!
- An Education by Lynn Barber + the film: I adored this film! And as reeling as the end was, I enjoyed all of the protagonists dreams of Paris! Come on, ladies, don't we all have those dreams? I look forward to reading the autobiography!

Decor: When I think of Paris, I think of simplicity, with little touches of opulence. I think of ornate chandeliers, patterned fabric, vintage candelabras, candle-light, country houses with cool breezes catching tulle curtains, classic with personality. This year, I would like to start filling my space with beauty, fresh cut flowers, paintings, and of course, old books!

Fragrance: There is always something so beautiful to me about fragrance. It's as multi faceted as a well written novel, or cinematographic masterpiece. It is so personal that its scent varies with each woman. I would love to treat myself to small vials of Chanel or Miss Dior L'eau, however, I would also love to find a place that allows you to create your own fragrance. At the moment, I am in love with Amber; It's rich, mature, and sexy.

Beauty and Fashion: French style is simplistic, beautiful and timeless. It has great personality, along with a seeming effortless poise and sophistication. It screams quality, and includes little treasures that you just want to take in. This year I've decided to cultivate my own sense of style. I've always wanted to grow my own nails and get wonderful manicures. My sis, Ash spotted a woman whose nails were simply out of this world. She asked her what she used, and the woman replied that she uses OPI Nail Envy. It's a nail strengthener that works wonders. After researching further, it seems there are no real cons to this product, so I cannot wait to try it. Along with this, I want to continue collecting vintage accessories with stories and memories attached to them! Drink loads of water, and become the healthiest as is possible!

Joie de Vivre Market Place: Shops

Les Jumelles

Cinderbellas


Sweet Anthem


Just Be Designs


I Love Country Chic


Electric Love Ltr

One last treat: a time lapsed video of Paris.

What are your favorite Parisian treats?

This post is dedicated to Thesanica, one of my best friends, and one of the first people I know (aside from Mom) to teach me the good in taking the time to by quality pieces as opposed to those which can be here today and gone tomorrow! Happy Birthday!


Bonne journee!

Beauty in Bloom

Here's a hot-pick snagged straight from my Wishpot List. Beauty in Bloom is a treasure penned by Australia native, Natalie Bloom. Ms. Bloom is the founder of the Bloom makeup line, which launched in 1993! She started off creating greeting cards, and soon branched out into massage oils, and finally makeup.

I cannot wait to receive this in the post!   It's seems to be quite an eccentric makeup/style manual, as it takes on the form of a scrapbook of sorts. Inside, you'll find beautiful illustrations, quotes about life, makeup/style, and cultivating the beauty around you.  It also promises other whimsical bits about nature, notebooks, and more, which I'm excited to look into. Many style books I've observed seek to tell you what's right and what's wrong in the fashion world. What you should have in your closet, and what you shouldn't even form your lips to speak on. However, its quite refreshing to see a book which seems to communicate with its audience as a friend, immerse you in the beauty of illustrations, all the while glowing with the possibility of creating your own world of beauty. As soon as I've received it, I'll do a 'post-review' on whether it lives up to its promises. Beauty in Bloom retails for £8.49 ($12.71)

Photograph Source: Bloom Cosmetics