Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tom Ford Private Blend- Oud Wood
Today's theme is serenity, and nothing promotes it better than a serious wood scent. Oud Wood from Tom Ford's Private Blend has the familiar dark, astringent punch of oud without being too thick or difficult. It's still quite cerebral, but the perfume's demands from the wearer are minimal before it yields to one's body chemistry. The result, after the first refreshing blast of peppery top notes, is much smoother than many other oud scents, for better and for worse.
I'm not a big Montale fan, because too many of their ouds are lost to me in a sour rose. Tom Ford's creamier interpretation is a better match for my skin, and I admit to fantasize about a full line of Oud Wood body products. Sliding into a hot bath scented with an Oud Wood oil would have been heavenly, though it might just be my weariness speaking. In any case, there's something very satisfying in Oud Wood's drydown, which has far less to do with the actual oud note and a lot more with a somewhat sweetened wood-tonka bean blend.
Oud Wood is generally considered a masculine fragrance, as are many oud scents. The sharpness is, indeed, the opposite of what's normally accepted as feminine. Not that I've ever let these ideas stop me from wearing a perfume. However, to my nose, this is such a mellow and friendly oud that I'd recommend it to any woman trying to figure out her relationship with this note. It's a good introductory oud before one moves on to try the truly magnificent ones, like By Killian's Pure Oud.
Oud Wood and the rest of the Tom Ford Private Blend perfumes ($180, 1.7 oz) are available from Bergdorf, Neiman Marcus, some Nordstrom locations and Saks NYC store, as well as from Tom Ford boutiques. I bought the limited edition box set of the original 12 scents in mini roll-on bottles.
Photo of agarwood (oud) trees from somewhere on the 'net. I forgot to save the source.
I'm not a big Montale fan, because too many of their ouds are lost to me in a sour rose. Tom Ford's creamier interpretation is a better match for my skin, and I admit to fantasize about a full line of Oud Wood body products. Sliding into a hot bath scented with an Oud Wood oil would have been heavenly, though it might just be my weariness speaking. In any case, there's something very satisfying in Oud Wood's drydown, which has far less to do with the actual oud note and a lot more with a somewhat sweetened wood-tonka bean blend.
Oud Wood is generally considered a masculine fragrance, as are many oud scents. The sharpness is, indeed, the opposite of what's normally accepted as feminine. Not that I've ever let these ideas stop me from wearing a perfume. However, to my nose, this is such a mellow and friendly oud that I'd recommend it to any woman trying to figure out her relationship with this note. It's a good introductory oud before one moves on to try the truly magnificent ones, like By Killian's Pure Oud.
Oud Wood and the rest of the Tom Ford Private Blend perfumes ($180, 1.7 oz) are available from Bergdorf, Neiman Marcus, some Nordstrom locations and Saks NYC store, as well as from Tom Ford boutiques. I bought the limited edition box set of the original 12 scents in mini roll-on bottles.
Photo of agarwood (oud) trees from somewhere on the 'net. I forgot to save the source.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Moving Chronicles- Part 5
Serenity now.
One day till moving. We're in the homestretch, and you know it's bad if I'm using the word "homestretch" or any sports reference. All that's left to pack are half the books and all the little odds and ends that are driving me crazy.
Tackling mountains of stuff is a difficult experience. It's very different than previous moves when we were in our early, mid and late twenties. I've been trying to tell myself that it's perfectly normal- we're pushing forty, of course we've accumulated all these things, from books to kitchen equipment. And clothes. And shoes. But there's always some guilt attached to your worldly possessions. Mostly, because they are, well, so worldly, and one can't avoid thinking of all the places and people whose problems go far beyond the proper way to transport a Kitchen Aid mixer.
Trying to stay calm. It's important not to make yourself feel worse, so I've been just as meticulous about my skin care routine. Last night was the closest I've been in twenty years to fall asleep with my makeup on. But I could hear my mother's voice in my head, informing me I'd get zits if I don't wash up right away. So I did it, scrubbed and slathered. My back still ached when I woke up this morning, but my skin looked fabulous.
Photo by me, of course. Kosh, the orange menace and Lizzy marveling at an empty closet.
One day till moving. We're in the homestretch, and you know it's bad if I'm using the word "homestretch" or any sports reference. All that's left to pack are half the books and all the little odds and ends that are driving me crazy.
Tackling mountains of stuff is a difficult experience. It's very different than previous moves when we were in our early, mid and late twenties. I've been trying to tell myself that it's perfectly normal- we're pushing forty, of course we've accumulated all these things, from books to kitchen equipment. And clothes. And shoes. But there's always some guilt attached to your worldly possessions. Mostly, because they are, well, so worldly, and one can't avoid thinking of all the places and people whose problems go far beyond the proper way to transport a Kitchen Aid mixer.
Trying to stay calm. It's important not to make yourself feel worse, so I've been just as meticulous about my skin care routine. Last night was the closest I've been in twenty years to fall asleep with my makeup on. But I could hear my mother's voice in my head, informing me I'd get zits if I don't wash up right away. So I did it, scrubbed and slathered. My back still ached when I woke up this morning, but my skin looked fabulous.
Photo by me, of course. Kosh, the orange menace and Lizzy marveling at an empty closet.
Paul & Joe Fall Collection At Bergdorf Goodman
I really should finish packing, but this little PSA really can't wait, because only a handful of items from Paul & Joe's Fall 2009 limited edition collection with the gorgeous cats are still available at Bergdorf Goodman. I know some people are still searching and it's nearly impossible to find online (unless you want them shipped from England), so it's worth your time to give them a call and order what's left. I also found the cutest matching nail file, as you can see in the picture.
When I first saw the stock photos on the various websites, I thought the colors were not for me. The lipstick looked too light and the eye shadows looked glittery. As you can see, that's definitely not the case. I tested everything in store and loved both. The lipstick is a great everyday color and the eye shadows are blendable, satiny and smooth. I didn't swatch them because everything is packed (and already in the new house), but I hope the closeups here give a good idea of the actual colors.
Beauty Habit also carries Paul & Joe, and last I looked, the eye shadows were still in stock.
All photos by me.
Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Compact Powder
I had every intention to buy a Chanel finishing powder. After replacing my foundation with a lighter shade of my favorite Vitalumier, I realized that I was also in a dire need of a lighter face powder, and since I love Chanel's face products, that was the counter I approached at my local Neiman Marcus. The problem was customer service. The Chanel SA was not around, and the young woman who desperately tried to deal with seven customers at once was not only frazzled but also clueless and tried to convince me that Chanel doesn't carry pressed powder, despite the obvious proof in the form of testers.
I shrugged at moved over to the Le Metier de Beaute counter, where I found a true love (and excellent service).
Classic Flawless Finish Compact Powder is, indeed, flawless. Light in texture and finely milled, it gives the right amount of support to whatever else I've got on my face, creating a very smooth surface. My face doesn't look powdered or covered with paint, just "finished". It holds everything else in place, blends well with my foundation and blush and simply looks beautiful. There's a sponge/puff thing inside the compact, but I rarely use it (it gives more coverage when stippled). A good powder brush swirled lightly does the work perfectly.
My color out of the eight ones available is No. 2., which is translucent with a hint of yellow.
Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Compact Powder ($48) is available from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
Photos by me.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Stoned- Solange Azagury-Partridge
Let's start at the end: If you don't like the Guerlain powdery violet accord, the drydown of a vintage Shalimar, Frederic Malle and Maurice Roucel's Musc Ravegeur and most powdery heliotrope-rose-musk perfumes of the Loukhoum variety, you're not going to enjoy Stoned by jeweler Solange Azagury-Partridge.
Now, if you like all of the above and can ignore the price tag and the gimmicky use of diamond dust in perfume (why? who needs that?), there's a good chance you'd find true love. I sure did.
Stoned is a beautiful creation. It starts with powdery rose-violet blast and moves into a smooth vanilla musk with a wild labdanum touch that I personally adore and find very sexy. Applied lightly, it's a sweet skin musk for an intimate moment. Sprayed lavishly and it's the equivalent of that dress you'd wear for your third date (as long as you've verified your beau is not a fan of the Eau d'Issey school of perfumery).
Bottom line: Must like powder.
Stoned by Solange Azagury-Partridge ($285, 100ml) is available from Luckyscent and BeautyHabit. I bought a decant from The Perfumed Court.
Image of a Solange Azagury-Partridge ring from Jezeerpar on Photobucket.
Now, if you like all of the above and can ignore the price tag and the gimmicky use of diamond dust in perfume (why? who needs that?), there's a good chance you'd find true love. I sure did.
Stoned is a beautiful creation. It starts with powdery rose-violet blast and moves into a smooth vanilla musk with a wild labdanum touch that I personally adore and find very sexy. Applied lightly, it's a sweet skin musk for an intimate moment. Sprayed lavishly and it's the equivalent of that dress you'd wear for your third date (as long as you've verified your beau is not a fan of the Eau d'Issey school of perfumery).
Bottom line: Must like powder.
Stoned by Solange Azagury-Partridge ($285, 100ml) is available from Luckyscent and BeautyHabit. I bought a decant from The Perfumed Court.
Image of a Solange Azagury-Partridge ring from Jezeerpar on Photobucket.
The Moving Chronicles- Part 4
Things that suck about moving: It throws off your routine, shatters your comfort zone and wreaks havoc on your hands and feet.
I had to cut my nails short as they started breaking and splitting the second the word "boxes" was heard around here. I filed them as neatly as possible and applied a coat of something clear and glossy (OPI Start to Finish, if I remember correctly) and a second coat of something random I found while packing, just because. I also left out three different creams (L'Occitane, Shielding Lotion and my trusty Chanel, for anti-aging action), so I there's a tube wherever I turn. It's important.
My aching feet (eventually I'll learn not to run around in high heels at times like these) are being treated with Bliss Foot Patrol and my secret weapon: Vicks Vapor Rub. I'm serious. This stuff works wonders on all kind of foot issues and smooths even the roughest patches. Glamorous, I know.
Photo by me, with the help of Lizzy.
I had to cut my nails short as they started breaking and splitting the second the word "boxes" was heard around here. I filed them as neatly as possible and applied a coat of something clear and glossy (OPI Start to Finish, if I remember correctly) and a second coat of something random I found while packing, just because. I also left out three different creams (L'Occitane, Shielding Lotion and my trusty Chanel, for anti-aging action), so I there's a tube wherever I turn. It's important.
My aching feet (eventually I'll learn not to run around in high heels at times like these) are being treated with Bliss Foot Patrol and my secret weapon: Vicks Vapor Rub. I'm serious. This stuff works wonders on all kind of foot issues and smooths even the roughest patches. Glamorous, I know.
Photo by me, with the help of Lizzy.
Kanebo Sensai Deep Moist Shine Rouge (MS 111 Usuhanasakura)
Out of several Kanebo Sensai lipsticks I've been testing lately, this Deep Moist Shine in MS 111 Usuhanasakura should have been my least favorite, because the color is much too pale for me to wear- this type of shimmery pink is about two tones lighter than my natural lip color, so worn on its own it looks chalky and weird, even though it's semi-sheer. However, I find myself reaching for this Deep Moist wonder quite often and wear it on top of many of my super diva dark purples and plums to make them more approachable for day or casual evenings.
The wonderful texture of Deep Moist Shine adds a balmy feel to any lip color I'm wearing under it, and the glossy shine is surprisingly sleek and wearable. I'm still discovering pretty options and combinations, which is a lot of fun for anyone who likes to mix and match colors. Of course, if you're pale, this tender pink would probably work beautifully on its own.
Kanebo Sensai products are available from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, but I couldn't find the Deep Moist Shine Rouge on their websites. However, ecosmeticworld.com sells these lipsticks ($40) online. I received a press sample directly from the company's PR.
All photos by me.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Il Profumo- Encens Epice
Encens Epice by Italian house Il Profumo has been with me for several years now. I don't wear it often, so my decant is still half full, but I reach for it when I'm looking for something calm and maybe somewhat meditative. It's a perfume with somewhat muted colors, evocative of a foggy early morning or early fall, when you can smell the earth and the trees.
The incense part of Encens Epice is not the main show. It's more about resin, acorns and conifers that are revealed after a spicy opening. Sometimes I think I'm getting some cumin, but not enough to create the dreaded chicken tikka effect. There's a lot of coriander there, freshly crushed, and maybe also a hint of warm cardamom paving the way for patchouli- raw, live one, not the head shop oil.
Encens Epice is probably what I wanted Serge Noire to be instead of the cumin horror it turned out. It's a dry, spicy scent, which smells like a woody landscape, even if it can be a bit gamey at times. It would probably appeal to more men than women, but anyone who likes cypress, spice and dry resins should give it a try.
Encens Epice ($125, 100 ml) and the rest of the Il Profumo line are available from Luckyscent, where I bought my first sample. I purchased a decant from The Perfumed Court.
Photo of a Mendocino Cypress from cnps.org
The incense part of Encens Epice is not the main show. It's more about resin, acorns and conifers that are revealed after a spicy opening. Sometimes I think I'm getting some cumin, but not enough to create the dreaded chicken tikka effect. There's a lot of coriander there, freshly crushed, and maybe also a hint of warm cardamom paving the way for patchouli- raw, live one, not the head shop oil.
Encens Epice is probably what I wanted Serge Noire to be instead of the cumin horror it turned out. It's a dry, spicy scent, which smells like a woody landscape, even if it can be a bit gamey at times. It would probably appeal to more men than women, but anyone who likes cypress, spice and dry resins should give it a try.
Encens Epice ($125, 100 ml) and the rest of the Il Profumo line are available from Luckyscent, where I bought my first sample. I purchased a decant from The Perfumed Court.
Photo of a Mendocino Cypress from cnps.org
The Moving Chronicles- Part 3
Three nights and two days until moving...
One of you asked about moving the cats, which is, indeed, the biggest issue. The last time we moved we "only" had five cats, but the move itself was a lot more serious and included three nights at a hotel. Yes, with the cats. Fun times. We hope for minimal drama, but still, it's not going to be smooth, considering a couple of the creatures are prone to freakouts. We're going to start with the two most problematic ones early in the morning, get them into their carriers and quickly to the cars. A two minute drive straight into the garage in the new house, close its door and open the access to the basement (where the cats will stay until the movers are done).
Got Xanax?
I packed the perfume collection yesterday. It took forever and enough bubble wrap to cover a village. Kept a few items out for wearing and reviewing, but that's all. Today was harder. I tackled the bedroom and the bathroom while my fearless husband dealt with the kitchen, including the worst of the drawers and cabinets known as "bane of our existence" and "pit of despair". I packed away almost all the cosmetics and personal care items. Last week I said I have enough stuff for a mini-Sephora. I was wrong. It's enough for the biggest store they have. And then some. I wasn't really horrified, because at least I didn't have any "what's that and why do I own it?" moments, but the process was still daunting. My bathroom is now amazingly bare. Only a handful of bottles and jars are left. Is that how normal people live?
Thinking of unpacking and organizing is just as overwhelming, but new cabinets and dressers were purchased, including some very neat storage solutions. Alex cabinets from Ikea. Only moderately ugly, but they have these shallow drawers that are perfect for cosmetics, I'm actually almost excited about putting everything away and having a place for everything. Maybe I'll manage to organize my lipsticks by color!
The perfumes are packed in sturdy plastic bins, small enough that we can fit in our cars and move them ourselves (though probably too heavy for me to carry alone). A couple of bottles will go in my purse, so I can keep a close eye on them. Hopefully, I did a good enough job to avoid any damage. The two new perfume cabinets are waiting in the new house. Hopefully they are large enough.
One of you asked about moving the cats, which is, indeed, the biggest issue. The last time we moved we "only" had five cats, but the move itself was a lot more serious and included three nights at a hotel. Yes, with the cats. Fun times. We hope for minimal drama, but still, it's not going to be smooth, considering a couple of the creatures are prone to freakouts. We're going to start with the two most problematic ones early in the morning, get them into their carriers and quickly to the cars. A two minute drive straight into the garage in the new house, close its door and open the access to the basement (where the cats will stay until the movers are done).
Got Xanax?
I packed the perfume collection yesterday. It took forever and enough bubble wrap to cover a village. Kept a few items out for wearing and reviewing, but that's all. Today was harder. I tackled the bedroom and the bathroom while my fearless husband dealt with the kitchen, including the worst of the drawers and cabinets known as "bane of our existence" and "pit of despair". I packed away almost all the cosmetics and personal care items. Last week I said I have enough stuff for a mini-Sephora. I was wrong. It's enough for the biggest store they have. And then some. I wasn't really horrified, because at least I didn't have any "what's that and why do I own it?" moments, but the process was still daunting. My bathroom is now amazingly bare. Only a handful of bottles and jars are left. Is that how normal people live?
Thinking of unpacking and organizing is just as overwhelming, but new cabinets and dressers were purchased, including some very neat storage solutions. Alex cabinets from Ikea. Only moderately ugly, but they have these shallow drawers that are perfect for cosmetics, I'm actually almost excited about putting everything away and having a place for everything. Maybe I'll manage to organize my lipsticks by color!
The perfumes are packed in sturdy plastic bins, small enough that we can fit in our cars and move them ourselves (though probably too heavy for me to carry alone). A couple of bottles will go in my purse, so I can keep a close eye on them. Hopefully, I did a good enough job to avoid any damage. The two new perfume cabinets are waiting in the new house. Hopefully they are large enough.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte (Luscious Pink/Rose Savoureux 23)
I blame the YSL newsletter. It had a photo of their four nude colors for the wonderful Rouge Volupte lipstick that actually acknowledge that "nude" can be various shades and giving us options, instead of one generic beige that rarely looks good. Since their Exquisite Plum is among my favorite high drama evening colors, I was very happy to find an everyday, easy to wear neutral color that goes with almost any eye makeup and outfit.
Rouge Volupte in Luscious Pink is now my constant companion, together with my wallet, phone, sunglasses and car keys. I need it with me. The color is a warmer pink version of my natural lip color, and it lights up the face. It's not too pink, not too warm, just perfect for a happy, healthy, effortless look. This lipstick has all the great qualities of the Rouge Volupte line: creaminess, rich pigment, great coverage, superb lasting power and the feel of a lip balm.
Bottom line: Big, big love.
YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick ($34) is available from most decent department stores, Sephora and yslbeautyus.com (or the matching company site for your country).
All photos by me except the top one, which came from the YSL newsletter.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Jean Patou- Lasso
There's very little information available about Lasso, an old and long-forgotten perfume from the house of Patou. It's not even clear when exactly it was launched. Some online sources are dating it as a 1936 release, the year Jean Patou died. But I've also seen various mentions of 1956 and 1957, which seems to be supported by ads from the late 1950s, stating Lasso was a new perfume.
One thing is for sure: Lasso was created with one thing it mind. Seduction.
The English version of these ads call Lasso "Your secret weapon", which is quite appropriate for this beautiful leather chypre. I could not find a list of notes, but some things are quite apparent. Lasso was not a Bandit clone. If anything, it's more closely related to Mitsouko, as before the more leathery drydown there's a rich fruity heart which smells more than a little peachy. It's a little powdery and I wouldn't be surprised to find out there's some heliotrope in there. The combination feels very round and smooth, no jagged edges and spiky heels. More like a velvet evening gown and matching satin shoes, but with more than a hint of tasteful cleavage, an elegant updo and heirloom jewelry. Lasso is well-bread but promises a little naughtiness if you linger close enough.
Just as it is unclear when Lasso was launched, I can't find any information on what year Patou has discontinued it. Bottles pop up here and there on eBay, and I've noticed they come in several shapes, and that there must have been both an EDT and a parfum extrait. As you can see, my own bottle looks different than the one illustrated in the ad. I have a couple of other vintage Patou perfumes in a similar bottle, but they are from different years, so it doesn't help to solve the mystery.
Lasso ad from Joan Thewelis on Flickr, bottle photo by me, handsome model: Peter.
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Cream
The 1 oz tube of Fresh Brown Sugar Body Cream was a Sephora Beauty Insider GWP, and I must say I'm glad I didn't pay for it. I used to have several favorite products from Fresh and I still remember the wonderful scent of the Bulgarian Rose line. But that was before the company was sold to LVMH and lost its soul.
Kristen, The Beauty Addict, has already touched on the silliness of naming a product Brown Sugar while making it smell of lemon. The very synthetic citrus has nothing of the dark molasses-like aroma you'd expect from the name, and there's nothing rich or comforting in the cream's texture or performance. Maybe someone whose skin is dry and doesn't require deep nourishment from body creams would find it acceptable, but I don't. I kept testing the Brown Sugar cream under several circumstances (day, night, exposed skin, covered skin, cold day and balmy weather), but the result was always the same: within an hour of application I had to reach for another cream or lotion, because my skin was showing signs of dryness.
Bottom line: No.
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Cream ($35, 6.8 oz) is available from Sephora and Fresh boutiques. As I said above, the 1oz tube I have was a GWP.
Image: ehow.com
Kristen, The Beauty Addict, has already touched on the silliness of naming a product Brown Sugar while making it smell of lemon. The very synthetic citrus has nothing of the dark molasses-like aroma you'd expect from the name, and there's nothing rich or comforting in the cream's texture or performance. Maybe someone whose skin is dry and doesn't require deep nourishment from body creams would find it acceptable, but I don't. I kept testing the Brown Sugar cream under several circumstances (day, night, exposed skin, covered skin, cold day and balmy weather), but the result was always the same: within an hour of application I had to reach for another cream or lotion, because my skin was showing signs of dryness.
Bottom line: No.
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Cream ($35, 6.8 oz) is available from Sephora and Fresh boutiques. As I said above, the 1oz tube I have was a GWP.
Image: ehow.com
Laura Geller Eye Rimz (Potion)
Sephora calls Laura Geller's Eye Rimz a baked eye shadow. The label on the actual box says "baked wet/dry eye accents", which is much more accurate. Using Eye Rimz as a plain dry shadow is a bit frustrating. The pigment is very dark and takes too much work to blend, there's a lot of fallout and the color itself (at least of Potion, the dark purple) was far less pretty than in the compact. But wetting the brush and using it as an eyeliner was a different experience. It goes on smoothly, creating a flawless line with a pearly finish that brings out the best of the color.
Used dry, Potion Eye Rimz was more of an inky violet. Wet application brings out the rich purple hues (cool tones). Lasting power is very good, but it flakes a little when used dry and I had to do several clean ups to keep my face from turning purple, so I can't recommend it as a dry shadow.
Bottom line: Only if you're looking for a purple cake eyeliner.
Laura Geller Eye Rimz ($26) is available from Sephora and dermstore.com. I ordered it from the latter.
All photos are mine.
Used dry, Potion Eye Rimz was more of an inky violet. Wet application brings out the rich purple hues (cool tones). Lasting power is very good, but it flakes a little when used dry and I had to do several clean ups to keep my face from turning purple, so I can't recommend it as a dry shadow.
Bottom line: Only if you're looking for a purple cake eyeliner.
Laura Geller Eye Rimz ($26) is available from Sephora and dermstore.com. I ordered it from the latter.
All photos are mine.
Tom Ford Private Blend- Purple Patchouli
Today's edition of "What was Luca Turin smelling?" is brought to you by Purple Patchouli from Tom Ford's Private Blend. Labeled in The Guide as a "harsh floral" and declared a green chypre "with a rasping floral accord reminiscent of those sticky spring blooms that smell halfway between fish skin and honeysuckle", it was probably not the biggest seller of the 12 original Private Blend perfumes. But not because of any fish skin issue, if you ask me. Purple Patchouli's downfall was most likely that it smells like a real perfume of yore- a dark, big flower looming behind a sweet leather screen. For some odd reason, people don't want to smell like this, and that's a very sad thing.
I don't know about patchouli. I don't smell much (if any) of it in Purple Patchouli. But it sure smells purple. While I agree with Dr. Turin about a chypre leaning, it's definitely not green when I wear it. It's sweet, but doesn't cross the line into candied violets, and have I mentioned this perfume is dark? There's certainly an image of a weird and exotic flower, a mutant orchid ensconced in a beautiful leather case. It's elegant, noticeable and feels very feminine, though I'm sure some men can pull it off. For me, it requires a hat and a matching nail polish. This season's Vendetta from Chanel comes to mind.
Purple Patchouli is one of several scents from the Private Blend line that are being discontinued . It is still available ($180 for 1.7 oz, $450 for 8.3 oz) from the top department stores.
Photo by Richard Avedon for a Harper's Bazaar fashion spread titled Ultra Violet, 1958.
I don't know about patchouli. I don't smell much (if any) of it in Purple Patchouli. But it sure smells purple. While I agree with Dr. Turin about a chypre leaning, it's definitely not green when I wear it. It's sweet, but doesn't cross the line into candied violets, and have I mentioned this perfume is dark? There's certainly an image of a weird and exotic flower, a mutant orchid ensconced in a beautiful leather case. It's elegant, noticeable and feels very feminine, though I'm sure some men can pull it off. For me, it requires a hat and a matching nail polish. This season's Vendetta from Chanel comes to mind.
Purple Patchouli is one of several scents from the Private Blend line that are being discontinued . It is still available ($180 for 1.7 oz, $450 for 8.3 oz) from the top department stores.
Photo by Richard Avedon for a Harper's Bazaar fashion spread titled Ultra Violet, 1958.
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