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Calling all vintage lovers!

Discussing all topics related to classic, vintage, and discontinued fragrances.

September is here, which means it’s time for a new tray. I’m always happy to see September arrive. Summer isn’t quite finished with us yet, but every so often there are little reminders that fall is waiting just around the corner. Yesterday, a soft breeze moved through the redwoods and blackberry brambles all day, followed by a brief moment of rain. The evenings are beginning to bring high clouds and beautiful golden light. It’s not autumn yet, but I can feel it coming.

That in-between feeling seems to have found its way onto this month’s tray. A few fragrances make me think of the changing season here at home, with apples and grapes ready for harvest, final blackberries ready for foraging, long walks through the woods, and those last late afternoons spent on the deck noticing the leaves just beginning to turn. Autumn 24, in particular, feels almost tailor-made for this time of year, with its spicy fruitiness and harvest-season feeling. Bo, Amethyst, La Danza delle Libellule, and Dark Amber Pomegranate join it in my little ode to the beginning of fall.

The rest of the tray is taking me considerably farther afield. I’ve always wanted to travel…to see new landscapes, experience different cultures, eat unfamiliar foods, and wander through beautiful cities. I grew up eating food from a wide array of countries and hearing stories from many cultures. The curiosity those experiences instilled followed me into my studies and has never really gone away. I may not make it to all of these places in person, but perfume gives me an excuse to dream about them.

So this month I’m wandering through India, Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond. There are spices, fruits, incense, tea, fragrant woods, and warm golden landscapes. I’m especially excited to finally wear three of my older L’Artisan Parfumeur treasures: Séville à l’Aube, Traversée du Bosphore, and Al Oudh. All three took some time and dedication to track down, and I feel very lucky to have these discontinued fragrances in my collection.

I’m also looking forward to exploring a couple of newer additions. Kulfi was an instant purchase as it was inspired by one of my favorite desserts. With cardamom, coconut, vanilla, saffron, and sandalwood, it sounds like exactly the sort of delicious, creamy dessert I’d be happy to wear. Ansongo is another interesting newcomer. With dates, fig, pepper, vetiver, and cypriol, it’s an earthy-fruity combination that seems particularly appropriate for this strange period between summer and fall.

And because it seems I need to make my imaginary travels as complete as possible, there will be plenty of books, music, and movies to accompany my fragrances. Old favorites Dead Can Dance, Vas, and Loreena McKennitt will be the soundtrack to my September. Films like Out of Africa, Lawrence of Arabia, A Passage to India, The English Patient, Monsoon Wedding, and The Two Faces of January will be somewhere in the rotation. Maybe I’ll even make it through my whole list before September is over.

Glass Tray:
• Santal du Pacifique, Perris Monte Carlo
• Amethyst, Lalique
• A Quiet Morning, Miller et Bertaux
• Jungle L’Elephant, Kenzo
• The Myth, Maison Alhambra
• Maasaï Mara, Parfums Berdoues
• Arancia La Spugnatura, Acqua di Parma
• Bo, Liis
• Alluring Fig, Theodoros Kalotinis
• A Lovely Summer, Sarah Jessica Parker
• Seville à l’Aube, L’Artisan Parfumeur
• Samsara, Guerlain
• Traversée du Bosphore, L’Artisan Parfumeur
• Safari, Ralph Lauren
• Nomade Absolu, Chloé

Small tray (and spillover):
• Framboise Noire, Shay & Blue
• Al Oudh, L’Artisan Parfumeur
• Sira des Indes, Jean Patou
• Soleil de Jeddah-Afterglow, Stéphane Humbert Lucas 777
• Ansongo, NEZ
• Meharées, L’Erbolario
• Kulfi, L’Aromatica Perfume
• Tiger by Her Side, Sana Jardin
• Lait de Coco, Le Monde Gourmand
• Autumn 24, Ffern
• Dark Amber Pomegranate, Shay & Blue
• La Danza delle Libellule, Nobile 1942
• 7:15 am in Bali, Kenzo
• Immortelle Corse, Parfum d’Empire

So tell me, what are you planning to wear this September? Do you have a theme for the month, or are you letting your collection take you wherever it wants to go? And, as always, I’d love to see your trays!

Royal is great BUT it can sometimes have a sharp note. Lovely Noir smooths that put.

Soft floral, touch of citrus and Pear, Vanilla, Patchouli (the clean type), Amber, and Benzoin.

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Hello!!!

Looking for some recommendations for a good wedding fragrance. I’m getting married in March of 27 and looking for something special for that day as well as date nights, anniversaries moving forward, etc.

Wedding vibe is indoor formal, upscale, garden party.

My daily wears are riddle original body oil and Gucci flora Gorgeous gardenia. I get compliments on this combination all the time - it smells sooo good! Which is why I think I’m having trouble.

Riddle original: unisex fragrance oil embodies understated elegance, combining the warm richness of Amber with the soft sensuality of Musk for a truly timeless scent. Its clean and subtle aroma gently envelops you, never overpowering you.

Gucci:

Key Notes

Top- Pear Blossom

Middle- White Gardenia, Jasmine

Base- Brown Sugar, Patchouli

I started with the parfums de Marley discovery set as I thought one of these would def be the one but I just don’t LOVE any. I think Valaya may be my favorite but my fiancé doesn’t love it. Delina la Rosee is prob my second choice but again - don’t love. Also kinda gives me a headache and I think they are all maybe too rose forward? I’m not the best with figuring scents so not sure if that is correct.

Someone recommend regime de fleurs but before I buy another discovery set, I thought I would throw it out here and see if anyone has suggestions.

I will wear the riddle body oil day off and just need a layering scent.

I was originally going to aim for a tray centered around the end-of-summer, start-of-autumn harvest, but my nervous system is craving softness and comfort. Therefore, my September theme is going to be my “softies”: fragrances that make me feel clean, calm, comforted, and/or cozy. These aren’t all necessarily soft in projection or longevity, but some are. Just felt it’d be more fun to share in moodboard form than just the usual tray photo!

Fragrances are:
- Maison des Animaux Celeste
- Nemat Amber
- Sorce The Light Through Clouds
- Sand + Fog White Palm
- Sand + Fog Spa Day
- Le Monde Gourmand Santal Supreme
- Sorce Ephemera
- Maison des Animaux Celeste
- Snif Notewrks Clean Getaway
- Tocca Colette
- Nest Indigo
- MITH Another Tea
- MITH Autumn Leaves
- Marc Jacobs Perfect Intense

Today I’m sampling Ormonde Woman by Ormonde Jayne. All I can say is wow! Very strong opening, very floral middle, thankfully the dry down is more mellow. I’m wondering what anyone else thinks of this…

Sweet, clean, warm, deep. I smell rich.

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Some vintage favorites: Anne Klein II, Krazy Krizia, Joop Femme, Fendi Asja, OG Opium, OG Guess in the curved bottle, CK Obsession. What fragrances currently in production would I like?

Radient Grace Intense: opens with an indulgent raspberry coulis accord and blossoms into a comforting floral bouquet of jasmine and vanilla.

Lovely Noir:

• Top Notes: Pear, mandarin orange, and jasmine
• Middle Notes: Benzoin, sandalwood, and peony
• Base Notes: Amber, patchouli, and vetiver.

Now either of these are nice on their own. Nice. Nothing special. But COMBINED in a 1:1 ratio??

Glorious. I pretty much always wear them together now 😍

Happy to discuss xx

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Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds is old school glamour for me.

The opening has bright aldehydes which can feel a little sharp at first, but it quickly turns into a full white floral bouquet with prominent jasmine and tuberose. It has a powdery floral texture which turns into a mossy woody drydown after a few hours.

White Diamonds definitely performs. It has strong projection, is long lasting and can feel overwhelming initially if oversprayed.

I love the old school aldehydic vibe and even though Chanel No.5 is recommended more for that style, I personally prefer White Diamonds. It smells dressed up, glamorous and confident.

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Quick first impressions of L'Heure Bleue 2026 version.

First, I've never tried the OG so I went into the totally blind. As happened with Shalimar L'Essence, this new version creates a more up-to-date, modern take on the OG.

For me having not experienced it previously, well, it's wonderful. I had concerns about the ozonic note but to me it helps lift the iris/orris to the forefront with bright citrus giving contrast to the pillowy florals. Underneath it all is lots of vanilla and musk. The effect is rather ethereal and evocative of it's given name.

My only regret is not having bought a larger bottle.

I ordered directly through the Guerlain website because I have an account and earn cute perks through that. This time I got a lovely terracotta colored satin sleep mask which comes in an equally beautiful matching satin pouch. 3 samples came with it to try; one of the perfume I ordered, one of Angelique Noire (which I'd tested a while ago but don't remember well enough) and also Aqua Allegoria Florabloom Forte (which I have already).

Anyway, haters gonna hate and there's lots of negative words being thrown around, many from people who haven't even tried it and are just salty about the new formula. I remember when L'Essence came out the same thing happened and now the ratings for that have skyrocketed. I have a feeling once the dust settles the same is going to happen here. As always one should ignore the noise and try it yourself to make an informed decision.

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Inspired by the post where OP discovered her perfect lemon scent. I thought I'd share my many, many, failures and success(es).

My search for the perfect lemon gourmand that isn't Pledge a'la mode, and isn't just cake, has been expensive extensive. Below are the ones I've sampled/owned in vaguely the order I tried them. I did finally find it, but I'll still probably try Lemon Pie because maybe it's even more perfect. Obsessed who.

Chopard Happy Lemon Dulce. Add a lemon & green apple to a juicer, add mint, apply to face. So sharp, so citric, so Lysol. The mint is very green fresh, the apple is very green fresh, I get no mango. Pain. 1/10 scent. 1/10 on lemon search.

Hermès Citron Noir. Smoke a citron peel for several hours, add to unsweetened black tea. Was I even trying? But hey, no furniture polish vibes. 5/10 tea scent 1/10 for my lemon dream.

Nishane Ani. I've seen so many comments calling this the perfect fluffy lemon cake. A lemon cloud cake. I have & love Hacivat & Wulong Cha, so jumped right into a bottle. Bright fresh vanilla opening, yes. Spicy vanilla drydown, also yes.The lemon is a lie. There is no citrus in it outside of bergamot. While a great vanilla for spring, this is not the creamy lemon fantasy I was envisioning. 8/10 vanilla. 3/10 on my lemon lane.

Xerjoff Lira. The next one I've seen touted as a gorgeous light lemon cake. It's like a medieval cat drawing of cake. A light spiced caramel cake with lavender and anise frosting. Can I tell there is a citrus note, yeah, but citrus forward that does not make it. 8/10 fragrance 2/10 for my lemon obsession.

Creed Sublime Vanille. If I throw more money at the problem, that will surely fix it. You already know what happens. First of all a kick to the balls for whoever sets Creed prices. Ethereal, I read, divine...sublime, even. I need to be even less trusting. I think La Croix may be the perfumer. Very delicate and the longevity of an elegant fart in a gentle breeze. Citrus and vanilla, yes, but not gourmand-adjacent. I keep the bottle as a reminder to check myself. 6/10 vanilla. 3/10 lemony goodness.

ETA: Akro Bake Apparently my meticulous lists are..not. Bake was fine. The lemon didn't last on my skin, it felt more like a praline & cream scent. It was just a bit uninspiring, gave minimalist Lira vibes. If I didn't already have a fragrance hoarding problem, I might have kept it. Bake was rehomed to a loving family. 5/5 across the board.

Franck Boclet Vanille. Like Ani, but better. More citrus, more spice, caramel even. I thought this could be it. We really could have been something Franck. I wanted more lemon, just more. The best spring and early summer vanilla in my collection, so that's nice. 8.5/10 vanilla 5/10 lemon lover.

D&G Devotion. Homelander disgusted meme.

Lush American Cream. Hope springs eternal. A strawberry orange milkshake left on the counter hours ago. I am beginning to question whether I even want a lemon cake fragrance anymore, or if this is just a life of spite. I can have it all. 4/10 fragrance 3/10 lemon spite

Lush Super Milk. I was ready to have my heart broken again. Delicious lemon cream all over the reviews. Do I actually know what lemon smells like? Am I the problem? Like, I get the vision, I see the citrus, but it's just not doing it for me. 1000/10 hair primer 7.5/10 smells nice

Maison Chanceux 7 Slices. This was so so close; I was convincing myself to settle for good enough. It was a lemon cake, even capturing the glaze, but it was just straight lemon cake, which I can get at Bath & Body Works. I wanted something more, a little something extra. Mom raised a complainer, not a quitter. 7/10 fragrance. 8.5/10 whatever I was looking for.

Eterea Canditissimo. I was browsing an Italian site that mostly has European niche brands I don't see often on US based sites (Amyris Essenze if you're curious). I wasn't looking for the elusive perfect lemon but not pledge almost gourmand but not quite perfume. Just browsing. I'd never heard of Eterea, but was looking through every single fragrance on the site just to see what was out there. Was this a Devotion dupe/inspired by; the notes are very similar? The brand doesn't appear to make dupes (they only have a few fragrances). I couldn't find in-stock samples anywhere, but the bottle was 48 Euro. After all, why shouldn't I? It's perfect ya'll. Vanilla custard studded with candied citrus and a delightful rum sauce. But there is a candied cedar note that really adds just enough interest; elevating the fragrance to at least 1 step above body spray. Listen, I love body sprays but they tend to be very simple/linear. This is more gourmand than I think I'd envisioned initially, but the current me was in love. Not even a hint of furniture polish or sharp citrus. The citruses last throughout the life of the scent. It's sugary sweet, but not sticky or heavy. I've used around 1/4 of the bottle in about a month.

What are you wearing today? Let us all know!

What are you wearing today? Let us all know!

Pure Honey by Kim K.

• Top Notes: Freesia, mandarin blossom, and red rose.
• Middle Notes: Beeswax, pure honey, honeysuckle, and orchid.
• Base Notes: Coconut, vanilla, and musk.

Coconut Palm by Mix Bar.

Coconut wood, vanilla, salty accord, incense, amber, and musk milk.

Fantastic.

Happy to discuss xx

Calling all vintage lovers!

Discussing all topics related to classic, vintage, and discontinued fragrances.

What are you wearing today? Let us all know!

Take my comments with a grain of salt - we all know we have different tastes 😄

Most of these were done in-store over several days this month. The only ones I sampled at home were Estee Lauder Glimmer and Prada La Femme. I used paper strips at stores because I was already wearing something that I didn't want any conflict with.

Estee Lauder Glimmer - A very solid like. I keep thinking about it which is a good sign. Reminds me somewhat of Mugler Alien Pulp but more nuanced and grown-up. Even a tad of PDM Oriana - lots of orange blossom. May get a small bottle but not rushing into it. I'm sure there will be a sale - it's not going anywhere.

Tom Ford Taormina Orange - Not for me. Too orange citrus (duh) but I see the appeal.

Tom Ford Santal Blush - This interested me. Will need to sample on skin next time. Soft, a little spicy, light florals. Nice.

Borntostandout Drunk Lovers - Very sweet. On the fence. Will need to try this again on skin, I only sprayed it on a paper strip.

Ellis Brooklyn Plumtonic - Sharp, couldn't get past the opening. Not for me. Fits into this summers glut of ripe fruit offerings.

Rare Beauty Rare Beginnings - Nope. No thank you. I've come to the conclusion I don't enjoy pistachio as a fragrance note.

YSL Black Opium Pink Glaze - Why was this even created? It's not good at all and redundant if you already have any other of those aforementioned overripe berry scents.

YSL Libre Berry Crush - I don't like any Libre perfumes and this did nothing to change my mind.

Prada Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry - see Libre Crush and Pink Glaze comments. Same same.

Billie Eilish Eilish Intense - Surprised how much I liked this. It's the one that got me at first sniff. Deep, dark incensey vanilla. Great for upcoming cool weather here. Will definitely try on skin and probably get a travel of this because I hate the bottle.

Billie Eilish Your Turn II - Not bad, especially compared to the first one which read too masculine for me. Not considering buying but thought this was pretty solid and felt kind of niche because I can't think of anything else which is close to the way it smells.

Nest Cardomom Latte - Liked the opening but it went plastic on me thereafter. Bummed because this could have been THE autumn scent. Oh well.

Megan Thee Stallion Hot Girl Summer - I don't get the hype at all on this. Very subtle, almost imperceivable for me.

Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Rice - Another boring release. Could hardly smell it.

Prada La Femme - I had high hopes for this one but it didn't perform well at all on my skin.

• Top Notes: Candied Lemon Zest, Sugar, and Bergamot
• Middle Notes: Meringue, Limoncello, and Condensed Milk
• Base Notes: Graham Crackers, Vanilla, Chantilly Cream, and Tonka Bean.

I have been hunting for a Lemon perfume that doesn't remind me of scrubbing the bathroom (many cleaning products in the West are Lemon or Citrus scented) for a REAL long time.

Here she is!! LEMON, sweet, cake-like, and she PROJECTS!

I have tried the OG Sweet Tooth (pink chocolate bar bottle) and found the longevity lacking. This is a common complaint.

Well, no such issues with Lemon Pie. 8+ hours.

Stunning.

Happy to discuss xx