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Saturday, April 29, 2006

The Scent Of Peace - Bond No 9



Top Notes:
GRAPEFRUIT - the non-partisan citrus fruit
BLACK CURRANT - the berry of brotherhood

Mid Notes:
LILY OF THE VALLEY - flower of instant détente
HEDIONE – effervescence that won’t say no

Base notes:
Pacifying CEDARWOOD
MUSK, because … what is more sexy than peace?

Well take backs are hell, aren't they? Here on just the 2nd day of my self-proclaimed "no more fruity florals" crusade, along comes the newest Bond No 9 release - The Scent Of Peace. Now just how was I to resist this long awaited and anticipated fragrance? It opens with a very mouth watering and delicious sparkling grapefruit, sweetened by black current. I'm not much of a lilly of the valley fan, so I was surprised that the florals here are also sparkling and fresh and stay in their midnote range without overpowering. Only the slightest hit of cedarwood, then finally the musk base. So I'm here to proclaim The Scent Of Peace is a winner, one of the best from the line and sure to be a best seller. Additionally the bottle is stunning.

I thought you might like to read the additional information from the Bond No 9 press release:

It Takes a Neighborhood:
Introducing - The Scent of Peace. Bond No. 9, a specialist in defining the scents of New York’s neighborhoods and bottling them into eau de parfum, has now taken on the greatest neighborhood of them all. It’s the one that hovers over all of our city, the see-and-be-seen A-list place called peace--where we all want to thrive.

New York has always defined itself by its daring-do and its clear-cut goals. Yet this hodge-podge multi-ethnic, multi-visioned metropolis has also reigned as a place of tolerance and détente. It is a city built on non-aggression pacts that are cobbled together street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood. This is the way that New York thrives. Post-9/11 has defined us even more by our mutual conviction that the future of our precious city depends on world peace. Bond No. 9’s latest fragrance, The Scent of Peace, was born out of this consensus that hovers like a balm (like a dove) over our entire city.

Intended for men and women alike, The Scent of Peace (arguably the most beautifully civic-minded fragrance ever devised) starts off with sparkling, energizing grapefruit and black current notes, that soon are balanced by the sheer loveliness of lily of the valley, and by those mellowing base notes, cedarwood and musk. The flacon displays a dove in graceful flight. We see this emissary of peace soaring through our city, across the country, across the seas, bringing its message to the world.

Since Bond No. 9 seeks to assist those neighborhoods of the world that are not at peace, for the coming launch we will donate $2 for every bottle of The Scent of Peace that is purchased to UNICEF. That’s what we call Making Scents of Peace.
The Scent of Peace is available at all four Bond No. 9 stores, and is also sold countrywide at selected branches of Saks Fifth Avenue, in Harvey Nichols, UK, Paris Gallery, U.A.E, and in Lane Crawford, Hong Kong.

Launch Date: May 1st 2006
Besides being available in its 3.4 oz. artist-designed bottle and box presentation ($195), 1.7oz travel size ($120), and the matching candle ($85). The Scent of Peace may be purchased by the ounce ($45), either in a 2-ounce basic spray flacon with gilt honeycomb cap ($25), in an array of fashion colored bottles ($40) or in our unique vintage or art bottles, featured in a wide variety of designs ($60 - $200).

For further information, contact Claire Cabaron at 212-228-0842 Ext. 15 or email at bondno9newyork@aol.com.

Scent of the Day - 04/29/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

I'm off this morning to Saks for the 20% Friends and Family discount.
I wonder if the new Bond will be there? I saw it in the catalog.

What are you wearing today?

Friday, April 28, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/28/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Nanette Lepore Shanghai Butterfly. Ok, That is it. The one that put me over the edge. I am now officially a fruity floral complainer. I would say hater, but I do have many (too many) that I own and love. I am tired of smelling the new releases only to find they are the same as the rest. Or maybe I am becoming a snob, a niche snob? Am I?

Yes, it smells nice. Of course. It's fragrance. Stranded on a desert Island I would worship the little Shanghai Butterfly bottle that washed ashore. Make a shrine to it. Wear it sparingly and with much joy.

But this is the real world and in the real world we are islands surrounded by a sea of fruity florals. So, now where are we to take solace? From the flowers and vines of course! Jasmine, plumeria, frangipani, osmanthus, pikake, orange blossom, honeysuckle and maile to name a few. I really can't seem to get enough. Sweet and delicate, peaceful and serene. Their single notes pure and simple. Ah yes, I have most definitely arrived at soliflore island. And I see no need to leave. At least for the time being.

Today I am wearing - Malie Plumeria. What are you wearing?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Friday 04/28/06

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/27/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Ok, so I have like a million perfume creams. What am I saving them for? I started freaking out this past weekend thinking they may go bad. So I decided to start using them every day. And not just on my arms, but all over, legs too. What the heck? First up is my Samsara. Wow this is so soft and pretty. It's not strong at all, just a soft sandalwood. Maybe it has already lost some of its punch. Since I shower at night, they won't really interfere with my fragrance the next day. When this is gone, I move to the next cream. Lotions will be last, because it will hurt less if they go bad, right? I have them in a cool dark place, but I'm not taking any chances. Why not enjoy them?

So, on that note - What are you wearing today?
I'll be wearing my ADP Iris Nobile, thanks to a very sweet and generous friend.

Paris Photo of the Day For - Thursday 04/27/06

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/26/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!


I have decided to wear my Vega today. A big thank you to V, who sent sent me some lovely vintage Vega for comparison. I will say they are close. But sadly, yes, the vintage is better. The iris is more prominent and there is less of a synthetic smell. The new version has more jasmine than iris. You can click here to read my original review:
Guerlain Vega Review

Paris Photo of the Day For - Wednesday 04/26/06

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/23/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Voile de Jasmin for me today, what are you wearing?

Saturday Sniffing

A day of sniffing at the San Diego Nordstrom Festival was a tad disappointing. The event was fine and the company splendid, but the offerings were the usual fare - nothing new and exciting to report. Either we were way ahead of the new scents or the timing was bad, it seemed we had smelled just about everything. I did buy Bvlgari Voile de Jasmin, which I had been testing this week. Since you pay $10 for the event to be applied to a purchase, you do feel the need to buy something.

I also bought from the Malie line of room spray - Plumeria. For use as a fragrance. :O)I will be reviewing that one later, along with a couple of other room sprays I am quite fond of.

Temptation this time came in the form of old favorites - Stella cream. Wow, I love the body milk, how subtle and light it is. But the cream is rich and sumptuous. Ohhh I wanted to cave, but I was strong. Then came the Trouble Cream, wow, just divine. Starting out with an unusual green note, but quickly settling into that wonderful Trouble base. Ahhh to be a princess and be bathed and lavished with nothing but perfumed creams by a handsome shower boy. Oppps!

Most of the SA were clueless about new releases or in the case of one; even current releases - At Lolita Lempicka the SA showed me the regular bottle when I asked about the "L". And left me total speechless when she told me I could refer to Lolita Lempicka as "L" if I wanted to, since it is the initial.

At least the Aquolina SA, knew about Blue Sugar. Coming soon, was all he knew.

There were other diversions like the Lois Hill trunk show and of course the shoe department.

We had a nice lunch and proceeded to Saks where we got our Friends and Family discount cards for next week and went around making mental notes of our "to buy" list for the event. Let's see; Marc Jacobs Rain, maybe Iris Nobile? Should I go for the Cartier Delices Cream, also heavenly by the way. Some La Prairie and Chanel makeup items ... now what am I forgetting?

Friday, April 21, 2006

Mandarine Tout Simplement - L'Artisan

Having just sold my L'Artisan Ananas Fizz, I can now say I don't own a single L'Artisan. (Yes I kept the Fizz cream, I'm not crazy!) This house just does not appeal to me. I've yet to find anything that really rocked my world. So it's no surprise that the latest fare, their summer edition Mandarine tout simplement, follows suit.

I don't see what the hoopla is over this, other than the pure anticipation of a great mandarin scent, with notes sounding juicy and fresh. And of course an enticing bulb atomizer bottle, which makes you want it, when your practical side knows they are not good.

I tried this last night on paper and skin, and liked neither. Although bottle is quite beautiful, even more so in person. The scent is sharp and peppery and not a particularly good combo of that either. I was in the store for about 15 minutes, then when I got in my car - I could no longer even smell it. Amazingly, I can still smell it on the scent strip, however the citrus was gone in a flash and all that's left is a peppery wood.

Notes: Green mandarin, ginger, frangipani, yellow mandarin, red mandarin, cedarwood.

Available at: Aedes & Lucky Scent

Photo and notes from Aedes.

Scent of the Day - 04/21/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Bvlgari Voile de Jasmin for me today, what are you wearing?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Friday 04/21/06

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/19/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Safran Troublant - L'Artisan

This is definitely a very pleasant scent. My L'Artisan draught may finally be over. I've never found a L'Artisan scent that could win my heart, till now. I'm a sucker for soft Orientals with sandalwood and this scent falls neatly into that category. This scent is fresh, soapy and mildly spicy. Like washing with some Spanish soap. It goes on warm and cozy and leaves a nice fresh, clean, soapy skin smell.

Notes: saffron, rose petals, vanilla, sandalwood.

Available several ways: In the large size - 3.4oz Eau de Toilette for $110.00. Or a 1.7oz for $75.00 - Or this scent is also available as part of a travel trio: Les Epices de la Passion for $75. Which includes Poivre Piquant & Piment Brûlant all in 0.5oz sprays.
Available at: Aedes & Lucky Scent

Photo and notes from Aedes.

Paris Photo of the Day For - Wednesday 04/19/06

Monday, April 17, 2006

Showcase Blog - Shoes As Idea

Sometimes you come across a blog that is just so amazing you have to share. Although not perfume, it relates to another great love of mine - SHOES.




Mark checks in here often with his scent of the day, and I was completely blown away when I saw his absolutely stunning art. I really want to share with you, please click the link below and visit when you have some time to look around. I promise you will be amazed also. - Victoria


Click here: Shoes As Idea

Scent of the Day - 04/17/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Uggh. Another dentist appointment for me today. This is not a fun way to spend your day off. I decided to wear the last of my Safran Troublant sample today. What are you wearing?

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Cuir Amethyste - Armani Prive

Well I have mixed feelings on this one. I want to love it because:
1. It's my birthstone.
2. It would look lovely on my dresser.
3. I love violets.

The soft suede-like leather and the ambery violets combine to form a wine-like note to my nose. When I just quickly sniff that is my first impression. Wine. As if violets could be made into wine and aged in oak barrels. If I close my eyes and really sniff, I can tell it's the sueded leather I am smelling and the violets. But still, it is fruity somehow. Not in a sweet fruity way but in a ripe fermentation way. Yes, that's it! More like fermented violets. Warm, heavy and thick.

It is unique, interesting, and one of those ones, that although you are not sure you love it, you can't stop sniffing your wrist.

Rumor has it that the reviews have not been good, causing Armani to think about tweaking the formula before it is released in the USA. It was due to be released in May but has been pushed back to October, and this could very well be the reason.

My question now is how will the new one be? What if I prefer this one? Should I buy this one just in case? But what if the new one is better? And more importantly since my vacation is coming soon ... do they sell this in Düsseldorf? :O)

Photo: Holt Renfrew - Thanks to V. for the sample.

Scent of the Day - 04/12/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Cuir Amethyste for me again today. I like it, but is it FBW?
What are you wearing?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Wednesday 04/12/06

Friday, April 07, 2006

Blush Intense - Marc Jacobs

Well with Blush being in my top picks of 2005, and one of my favorite perfumes, I was really anxious for this release. I snagged the first bottle I saw on eBay, as far as I know it has not been released in the USA yet. When the package came, I anxiously tore open the box. The bottle is the same but the cap is black and as you can see in the picture it says "intense" in black writing on the bottle. So I sprayed it on. Hummm nice, but different? I sprayed my other arm with unleaded Blush. Hummm. Ok, no real difference, but maybe this one lasts longer or is different in the drydown. Ummmm. No. Ok, so I thought, I have been sick, I need to test again. So here I am this morning. And I have to tell you, not much difference to my nose. No bergamot in the opening and ever so slightly richer and less airy. So the bottom line is - It's too slight of a difference, and it is not by any definition "intense", just slightly modified. Actually I prefer the original. I love bergamot and the slightly more airy feel of it.

Below I have listed notes for comparison from Osmoz. I would like to add that I don't see as many "accord" notes listed in the original Blush as I remember reading from Sephora. (Blush is not listed there now) I remember Jasmine Breeze Accord & Fresh Air Accord.

BLUSH NOTES:

Top note : Jasmine Petals, Fresh Jasmine Notes, Italian Bergamot Middle note : Star Jasmine, Floating Jasmine Note, Orange Blossom, Japanese Honeysuckle
Base note : Pink Musk, Cashmere wood, Sandalwood

BLUSH INTENSE NOTES:

Top note : Fresh Jasmine, Jasmine Nectar, Jasmine Vines
Middle note : Moroccan Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Genet Absolute
Base note : White Cashmere, Pink Musk, Sandalwood

Scent of the Day - 04/07/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Paris Photo of the Day For - Friday 04/07/06


Another in my tribute to Paris statues week.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/05/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Finally I got my DKNY Wenge! Loving it!!!
What are you wearing today?

Paris Photo of the Day For - Wednesday 04/05/06


Full moon on a rainy day from the Rodin Museum in Paris - Uploaded from a rainy day here in Southern California

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Scent of the Day - 04/02/06 - What's Yours? - Log In!

Today I'm wearing Citta di Kyoto by Santa Maria Novella.

If you wish to read my review of this lovely fragrance click here:
Citta di Kyoto - Santa Maria Novella


It is now available for sale in the USA at Aedes De Venustas. You may click below for the direct link:

Aedes

Paris Photo of the Day For - Sunday 04/02/06


Not a Paris photo, as neither was yesterday's but no one seemded to notice. I did not take this photo, it's just one I like. I had hoped to make it to Palace Vendome, but we never ventured out of the city.