Barenia not personally for me but I know so many people who have connected to it so intensely! Sali Hughes and Suzy Nightingale are huge fans so you're in excellent company! Love love love SMN - wish it wasn't so pricey mind you!
Alice! I lost my mind over Balmain Vent Vert. It’s discon -omg. So I have emailed and called any department, and PR person connected to Balmain, and literally begged them to empty out the PR cupboards and ask any employee who might still have a bottle if they don’t want it. I felt so sure that there MUST be a bottle, somewhere. EBay has only given me fakes so far. Alas no secret bottle anywhere. So it’s one secret spritz every now and again eking out the last half a bottle left 😬
My mom wore (the original) Vent Vert, and was gutted when they reformulated. Recently I discovered Synthetic Jungle by Anne Flipo (Editions Frederic Malle). It’s the closest I’ve ever come to that Vent Vert hit. I love it.
I feel every molecule of sadness for you! Arrrgh! I would go and try Sisley L'Eau Reeve d'Hubert, Frederic Malle Synthetic Nature (previously called Synthetic Jungle), or even Sisley Eau de Campagne perhaps. xxx
I SO enjoyed reading this Alice, you release a joy I recognise in myself but coming from you it's so eloquently expressed and FUN! Let's always, always be absurd x
Ubar. In Selfridges Manchester with the intent to buy Lyric Woman, thought I’d sniff a few other Amouages that weren’t in the discovery box. One sniff & the big bottle was mine.
Cut to two years later, eldest child made redundant, needed help with his rent urgently. Listed the bottles I knew would sell well & quickly. Ubar amongst them.
Little did I know Ubar was for the chop.
I mourn her to this day.
(I filled up writing this, daft that 15 plus years have passed & I still get tearful about selling Ubar)
Follow up, son hasn’t needed bailing out since but doesn’t know how I feel about selling Ubar
None of the scents I used to love -eg Diorissimo - smell as they did, save my permanent stand by, Amarige. But I discovered Santa Maria Novelli last year and that was it. Their Rosa ones are for me, and if you buy anything full size you can choose 3 delicious little sample sachets. The only one not for me is a Tabac one, because they never are. I've even abandoned Miller Harris now.
Alice I absolutely loved this piece! It was so olfactively evocative that I felt like I was on that mad dash tube ride with you! Also made me think about my own 'OMG I've got to have it' fragrance moments over the years.......
Loved this! I'm a bit of a fraghead so know that rush of joyous madness well.
I'm never above asking strangers about the gorgeous perfume they're wearing, and have been known to base my holiday destination on what perfume shops are available on site. Obsessed, moi?
The scent obsession comes in waves and I'm currently quite contentedly sniffing my (summer) collection rather than chasing The Next Perfect Scent, but you never know when it'll hit again... Possibly on holiday IN GRASSE in 2 weeks. Coincidence? I couldn't tell you...
Just loved this! What great writing/reading. And good to remember my own reactions over the years. One of many was Le Lion, bought after watching your story in the pandemic. It hit hard!
What a lovely comment - thank you! Wow yes Le Lion was The Moment wasn't it! What a scent. I still get tingles when I smell it. Try it on a very hot day, sprayed onto the tops of your feet and crook of your elbows. Epic. xx
Lovely post. I remember so well the pre internet days of having to go to Harrods or Les senteuts when the Black Hall was a temple to perfume with all the greats. Too noisy now And le dix was a beauty. Such a shame to discontinue a great classic
Loved reading this gorgeous piece. The thrill of the hunt, the pleasure, and the shock of finding a fragrance that moves you is so palpable here…
Thank you - I really appreciate that xxx
What a fabulous piece! 🥰 Oh boy have I done this! 🤣
My most recent 'moment' was when I got finally got a sniff of Barenia by Hermès. The body cream is 🤌💋
Also ADORE Santa Maria Novella 💖 They have my heart (and my wallet 💸💸)Been lucky enough to visit SMN in Florence on several occasions... HEAVEN 😇
Really appreciate that thank you!
Barenia not personally for me but I know so many people who have connected to it so intensely! Sali Hughes and Suzy Nightingale are huge fans so you're in excellent company! Love love love SMN - wish it wasn't so pricey mind you!
Agreed! 🤓
Alice! I lost my mind over Balmain Vent Vert. It’s discon -omg. So I have emailed and called any department, and PR person connected to Balmain, and literally begged them to empty out the PR cupboards and ask any employee who might still have a bottle if they don’t want it. I felt so sure that there MUST be a bottle, somewhere. EBay has only given me fakes so far. Alas no secret bottle anywhere. So it’s one secret spritz every now and again eking out the last half a bottle left 😬
My mom wore (the original) Vent Vert, and was gutted when they reformulated. Recently I discovered Synthetic Jungle by Anne Flipo (Editions Frederic Malle). It’s the closest I’ve ever come to that Vent Vert hit. I love it.
Thank you so much this is a great suggestion!
Not quite the same but Eris green spell may be worth trying
Fab suggestion - thank you xx
I feel every molecule of sadness for you! Arrrgh! I would go and try Sisley L'Eau Reeve d'Hubert, Frederic Malle Synthetic Nature (previously called Synthetic Jungle), or even Sisley Eau de Campagne perhaps. xxx
I SO enjoyed reading this Alice, you release a joy I recognise in myself but coming from you it's so eloquently expressed and FUN! Let's always, always be absurd x
You are so lovely - thank you!!
Ubar. In Selfridges Manchester with the intent to buy Lyric Woman, thought I’d sniff a few other Amouages that weren’t in the discovery box. One sniff & the big bottle was mine.
Cut to two years later, eldest child made redundant, needed help with his rent urgently. Listed the bottles I knew would sell well & quickly. Ubar amongst them.
Little did I know Ubar was for the chop.
I mourn her to this day.
(I filled up writing this, daft that 15 plus years have passed & I still get tearful about selling Ubar)
Follow up, son hasn’t needed bailing out since but doesn’t know how I feel about selling Ubar
This is heartbreaking!
If anyone reading could spare me a few mls please reply to this. Happy to pay
None of the scents I used to love -eg Diorissimo - smell as they did, save my permanent stand by, Amarige. But I discovered Santa Maria Novelli last year and that was it. Their Rosa ones are for me, and if you buy anything full size you can choose 3 delicious little sample sachets. The only one not for me is a Tabac one, because they never are. I've even abandoned Miller Harris now.
So glad you've found SMN - what a beautiful brand and their boutiques are dreamy!
Alice I absolutely loved this piece! It was so olfactively evocative that I felt like I was on that mad dash tube ride with you! Also made me think about my own 'OMG I've got to have it' fragrance moments over the years.......
Thank you Sharon! xxxx
Loved this! I'm a bit of a fraghead so know that rush of joyous madness well.
I'm never above asking strangers about the gorgeous perfume they're wearing, and have been known to base my holiday destination on what perfume shops are available on site. Obsessed, moi?
The scent obsession comes in waves and I'm currently quite contentedly sniffing my (summer) collection rather than chasing The Next Perfect Scent, but you never know when it'll hit again... Possibly on holiday IN GRASSE in 2 weeks. Coincidence? I couldn't tell you...
Thank you so much! Oh wow you're going to have the best time - enjoy and yes I'm 100% with you on basing holiday adventures around perfume shops xx
Just loved this! What great writing/reading. And good to remember my own reactions over the years. One of many was Le Lion, bought after watching your story in the pandemic. It hit hard!
Glad you enjoyed Brighton!
What a lovely comment - thank you! Wow yes Le Lion was The Moment wasn't it! What a scent. I still get tingles when I smell it. Try it on a very hot day, sprayed onto the tops of your feet and crook of your elbows. Epic. xx
Lovely post. I remember so well the pre internet days of having to go to Harrods or Les senteuts when the Black Hall was a temple to perfume with all the greats. Too noisy now And le dix was a beauty. Such a shame to discontinue a great classic
Thank you! Temple is precisely the word. We need a new Temple! x
That was fabulous! So much fun to read. Thank you!
Thank you! x
I haven't gone to absurd extremes for anything...yet.
I love "tequila shins." May I use it as a character name for my next novel?
Yes you absolutely can! xx