Hello friends!
There’s no getting around the fact that it’s been a while since you’ve had an… honest update from my neck of the woods; thank gods for the rest of the BoTO team! The recent posts you’ve seen from me are all back-catalogue reviews that have been patiently awaiting final edits, and it’s felt good to get them out there. Piles of samples awaiting review have been clogging my inbox for months, and the back-log has left me feeling like I’d never catch up. Instead of tackling that (damned) pile, I instead offer “Scents to keep me sane!”
During the last months, while I’ve been experiencing a series of major life transitions, I’ve been, for the most part, sticking to my old stand-by’s, and a duo of new game-changers: favorite fragrances guaranteed to please, to uplift and comfort. They’ve helped me keep my sanity, like the most loyal of old friends. It’s been a while since I’ve thought critically about something new; so, before I dive into the seven fragrances patiently lined up before me on my desk (no peeking!), let me tell you what I’ve been wearing in heavy rotation:
L’Heure Bleue: Which I claim is NOT my favorite Guerlain, yet gets more skin-time than all the rest combined. I’m a Guerlie-Girl–and L’HB stands the test of time. I think I might need to invest in one of those 100-year anniversary flacons, before it’s too late!
By Kilian Amber Oud: This perfume is the Beatles song in my collection. It always feels good, and when people notice it on me, they’re always pleased. It’s also the only full bottle I’ve bought in the past six-months. The Beatles come to mind whenever I wear it because it is so easily, instantly likeable, and despite it’s effortless appeal, remains distinctive and memorable.
Champagne de Bois: The comfort scent to rule all comfort scents. Last year I found myself unable to wear it during the heat of the summer because of a buttery note that felt too cloying; this summer, a Texan summer even, there’s no butter, but instead a faint jasmine peeks out. I met a man who insisted that it was a “magic potion.” It hits the spot every time.
L’Heure Fougeuse: A birthday present from my bestie, this is my steel-in-the-spine fragrance. Last year vintage no. 19 EDT served the same purpose (an utterly different fragrance); how such an elegantly soft, smooth, comfortingly nostalgic scent inspires me to (wo)Man Up, I can’t explain. It just does.
Amouage Interlude (Man & Woman): I’ve been wearing both versions of Interlude quite a lot–I don’t know whether to think of this as symbolic or whimsy. They each offer the kind of intellectual challenge that encourages introspection when I wear them (the opposite effect of Amber Oud!), so when I’m ready to think, I reach for one of the duo.
beauty on the outside 
I really like this post, Dee, but pondered a bit to figure out how best to say I admire your honesty, and I’m glad these have brought you comfort. Finally figured I’d just take the simple route, knowing that words don’t always do our feelings justice.
Welcome back.
The simple route is a good one!
Thank you, Dionne. It’s good to be back, even if I’m still finding my rhythm. 🙂
xo
I’m glad you’ve got an armoury of perfumes to help you through a tricky transitional period in your life, dee.
I can imagine getting strength from L’Heure Fougueuse. That makes sense to me. I can also relate to Interlude Woman making you think. I can see it being challenging enough to block out all the white noise.
Better than turning to booze, right? 😉
I guess maybe it’s the horsey association–whatever it is, I feel courageous when I wear L’Heure Fougeuse! ❤
I’m glad perfumes help you. I’m glad you’re back. You are back, aren’t you?
Sort of back. A little bit back. Not as back as I hope to be in the months to come 🙂
I miss you all!!!! ❤
Welcome back, Dee! I also just got samples of the Amouage Interludes, and I love the men’s version (not so crazy about the women’s). Hope everything is well!!
… Well, I’m sort of back! I’m not as “back” as I want to be, but I am trying to get myself on some sort of schedule. I miss perfume land!
I love the men’s version too… 🙂
Facebook has been good for us to keep in touch during lulls in blogging (to which I have also been prone lately); even though I don’t always comment on other people’s walls, I feel connected to everyone in Perfume Land as I scroll on down and am absorbing all the news – in your case – about pink scooters and intriguing looking dinner plates and whatever else!
Glad you have found some perfumes to shore you up through all this upheaval in your personal life. Sounds like we are more or less evil scent twins – you may just have stolen Ines’s crown in that regard, hehe. Or was it Sheila’s? : – )
It’s true V., it’s such a comfort seeing your face, and others, on Facebook whenever I’m online–I don’t feel so distanced from our little community that I love so much! I do hope to be writing more regularly in the months to come, and am slowly figuring out my life’s daily and weekly schedule… I’m a little shocked at myself for not being more together! It’s been almost seven months since my divorce! Get it together already! 😉
(Just kidding; I know it takes time to heal and find a new path)
Xoxo
Belatedly, I just wanted to say that I’m glad you are working your way through this trying time. And that perfume is helping! 🙂
Haha, not belated at all, in the time-frames I’m working in!
Thank you so much Natalie. This is the best community on earth, perfume-lovers, and I’m so grateful to still be counted as a part of it! ❤
I’m glad we are in the same timeframe. 🙂 Also, could you possibly send me an email? I emailed you and got a bounceback. I’m anotherperfumeblog at hotmail.