Luxuriate: Byredo Bal D’Afrique Eau de Parfum

I purchased this several months ago at Barneys;  it is safe to say I have more than fallen in love with this scent. The Byredo fragrance house was created in 2006 in Stockholm by Ben Gorham. I would consider the fragrances of Byredo niche scents. The bottles are simplistic, a contrast when compared to beautifully layered notes

While I have several Byredo scents on my to buy list, my first purchase was  Bal D’Afrique. A light, yet captivating vetiver mix. This, unlike many other scents in my collection is a floral, yet packs a punch with the base notes. Black Amber, Moroccan Cedarwood,Musk and Vetiver at the base  gives it a nice balance. It dries down to something very exotic, I enjoy wearing it on days I’m feeling flirty and it’s a great bed time fragrance.

Here are the rest of the notes:

Top: Bergamot, lemon, neroli, african marigold, bucchu

Heart: Violet, jasmin petals, cyclamen

Base: Black amber, musk, vetiver, moroccan cedarwood

Byredo’s description of the scent:

 A warm and romantic vetiver inspired by Paris in the late 20′s and its infatuation with African culture, art, music and dance. A mix of the Parisian avantgardism and African culture shaped a unique and vibrant expression. The intense life, the excess and euphoria is illustrated by Bal d’Afrique’s neroli, African marigold and Moroccan cedarwood.

 

I’m anticipating my next scent purchase by Byredo. Have you tried any of their perfumes?

 

Holiday Gift Guide: Five Splurge Worthy Fragrances

I will admit wholeheartedly that I am a fragrance fanatic. As of late my love of fragrance as turned into a full blown addiction. I have said many times before, the right fragrance can send you on a journey. It could be a pleasant one; nostalgic memories of  Read the rest of this entry »

Luxuriate: Houbigant Quequels Fleurs Royale Parfum

I purchased this perfume from Bergdorf‘s a few months ago. One of those things I meant share with the world  and it slipped my  mind. Not because it isn’t one of the most beautiful scents that I own.

Passing through Bergs after work one day I was greeted by one of the vendors on the beauty level. He handed me one of those handy tester thingies and I was instantly taken back. For starters the fragrance was like nothing else I have ever smelled. He offered to mist it on my wrist,

I obliged but then remembered that I was already wearing a fragrance. He told me that after this, that  fragrance would be null and void…..

He was right.

Because I knew that in a few hours I would be showering I decided to mist it on my pashmina and the fur on my coat. Weird? Yes. But work with me here, good people. After getting back home I could not stop sniffing my wears from earlier. It sounds crazy but when I smell a certain scent it really does evoke emotion, I have said that many times before. I would hope that after you invest in a scent it does take you on a mini journeyHence why I returned to Bergdorf’s the following week to purchase it.It was that memorable.This reminds me that I am 30 year old woman who can no longer mist body splashes and feel like I own the room when I walk into it. This scent exudes sexiness …But just a smidge. Kind of like when you have barely there cleavage, or the perfectly tailored pencil skirt on with a kick ass pair of shoes. On the flip side, I am easily taken to that same place while basking in Quequels should I be wearing lounge pants and tee leisurely watching HGTV on a Sunday afternoon.

Long winded today aren’t I? Take a look at the notes:

Fresh, sparkling top notes of Sicilian bergamot and grapefruit.

Heart notes of Egyptian jasmine, Moroccan rose, and Indian tuberose warmed by hints of white acacia honey.

Intense base notes of precious amber, sandalwood, orris, and white musks.

 

 

Notes that include sandalwood, amber and bergamont get me. Hook.Line. Sinker.

If you are in the mood to try something different, don’t want a scent that makes you say ” This reminds me of *insert a name here*”. You may want to have a gander at this. It is not another “granny” perfume.

It is available at Bergdorf Goodman as well as their website.

 

 

Carm’s top 5 fragrances for the sophisticated Mama.

Mom,Me,Twin.We're cooler than a polar bear's toe nails.

Yep. You are down to the wire at this point…But you can still get your hands on something mommy dearest may not already own.Perfume, I know, how original, right? Rest assured, if your mom is like mine, she may put her kiddies in front of all her wants and needs. Yes, at 30, even though I’ve been on my own for 9 years my Mom still steps in and saves my ass from time to time. Enough of my ramblings… These are some scents that Mom may feel very guilty purchasing,lol, while kids like me have no shame.

Well, kinda- let’s not get into my purchases ok? Thanks. Here are some that I think would put a twinkle in her eyes.

In no particular order:

David Yurman Fresh Essence Eau de Toilette , a fruity floral. Described as,”Fresh Essence, whose vivid shade of green casts a lustrous glow that rejuvenates and refreshes, is inspired by the vibrant gemstone peridot.”
This is a light, but unwavering scent. It will be perfect for spring/summer.

David Yurman at ShopStyle

Angel….who hasn’t heard of Angel? But perhaps moms never actually took the plunge? It is a very distinct scent. I can smell it a mile away. But not in the “did she drink febreeze?” sense. Angel is Thierry Mugler’s first scent.I really like patchouli and this really separates this scent from a million other classic perfumes.

Bond No. 9 “Chinatown” if you follow me on twitter I’m sure you know I am a Bond fanatic. Chinatown is my most fave of all of the Bond scents. I reviewed it here. It is pricey, but after the stretchmarks you left mama bear with, isn’t she worth it?

QueQuels Fleurs Royale.. a complete knockout, shutdown and drag out. When trying to describe it to my friends…I can’t actually. It’s hard to put into words. What I will say is that before I copped this I had a mist of it on a pashmina…I slept with said pashmina for WEEKS. Not even kidding.

Chanel No. 5  No explanation needed.

Chanel at ShopStyle

Shameless plug: Are a pal on facebook? Go ahead and like me!

Uptown Baby…..Bond No.9 “New Haarlem”- Carm’s thoughts

“Northbound with the A-train to cabaret-jazz club-central… a scent so brazen it was barely captured in a bottle. Molten liquefied swank with androgynous appeal, to wear after midnight, in — and on — hot-spots.”- Via Bond No. 9

Bond No.9 at ShopStyle

 

For several months I have beat a dead horse talking about how Bond No.9′s “New Haarlem” makes my heart flutter. You think you know? You have no idea. It contains bold notes of coffee, vanilla and patchouli. If I could translate the notes into adjectives it they would be; warm, spunky and sensual.

Now don’t laugh and call me a cornball, but it seriously puts me in a good mood when I put it on at 6am before dashing out for work. Wondering if this is a scent for you? Many of of the scents I wear share one or two of the same notes. Another one of my absolute faves from Bond is “Chinatown“. I have stated before I have also received excellent client service at the Bond boutiques. The team there are very much aware that scents are very personal. They take time to ask questions to make sure the scent is something you will be happy with, and fits your personality- all with New York City themes.

Acqua di Gioia by Armani

This happens to be my latest love and Armani’s latest addition to its family of fragrances, Giorgio Armani ‘Acqua di Gioia’ Eau de Parfum Spray By Giorgio Armani. The name sounds very much like the mainstay fragrance Acqua di Gio (which I’ve worn for years),but this one has the literal translation “water of joy”. I have found that even though it has a really fresh scent it is still fall appropriate. Although I don’t really choose scents based on seasons, for me it is more so my mood. It is available in an eau de parfum which knocks my socks off, because the scent is still there until I shower. The fragrance is also available in a lotion for all you that like to layer.

 From Armani:

 ” ‘Acqua,’ simply meaning ‘water’ in Italian, captures the inspiration of the legendary island of Pantelleria, where the sun and earth meet and create the perfect image of the Mediterranean landscape and the deep blue-green sea. ‘Gioia’ captures the essence of ‘joy’ and brings to mind happiness, serenity and a sense of optimism. Acqua di Gioia captures the essence of the fresh, aquatic territory and is a hymn to nature in all its forms.”

Notes:

Top notes: mojito-inspired sensual blend of crushed mint leaves warmed by brown sugar and mixed with the zest of Italian Limone.

Heart note: Feminine floral notes emerge with joyous hints of jasmine, dew of peony and traces of pink pepper.

Base note: The signature Mediterranean trail is rooted by the hearts of cedar wood and labdanum. “

Curious to know if the scent is for you? Here are other scents that include some of the same notes.

 

My Life. Mary J. Blige fragrance launch

Hate it or love it…Mary did her thing!!!!! In partnership with Lisa Price of  Carol’s Daughter Mary J. debuted her fragrance “My Life“ on HSN this weekend. To date she has sold OVER 50K bottles!

The notes are as follows;

Top Notes: Gardenia petals, bartlett pear and white freesia Mid Notes: Tuberose, jasmine, golden lily and apricot blossom Base Notes: Cashmere woods, praline, sesame and incense

 

She apparently developed her signature scent over 2 years ago and finally brought it to us, it currently exclusive to HSN. I’m sure sooner than later it will be available it department stores. She also is donating $1 per fragrance to the foundation FFAWN,an organization developed to empower women in the personal professional lives.

My life was my JAM!!! Did any one you ladies get in on the action? My girl O (Oprah) even called in to wish her well! *cue misty eye*

Voluptuousness. In a bottle.

This comes as no suprise to those of you who watch the Kardashians…and the many who love Kim Kardashians. In collaberation with Lighthouse Beauty, she will release her first fragrance February 3,2010.

I am a fan of Kim Kardashian and really excited about the release! I don’t buy 16 million perfumes, because I know what works for me. I stick to musky scents and some can be obnoxious (in a good way), honestly they work for my personality and style. To name a few of my faves; Thierry Mugler’s Angel, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely, Narcisco “Her”, Chanel No.5, and Kiehl’s orginal musk.

The fragrance, in my opinion has a light musky undertone….it still it light and flirty, and a great scent for every day.

Here is a description of the notes in the perfume:

Top Notes: Mandarin,Honey Suckle, Orange Blossom

Middle Notes: Pink Jasmine, Tuberose, Sensual Spice, Lush Gardenia

Base Notes: Jacaranda Wood, Tonka Bean, Vanilla Orchid, Sexy Musk, Creamy Sandalwood

Kim says that she has been love with fragrance all her life, her father, Bob Kardashian , use to bring her perfume from his travels all over the world. And now she has created her own,”voluptuous” scent.

Now get a pin and write this down! Kim will be making personal appearances at the following Sephora stores:

February 4th South Beach, Miami
February 10th, 5th Ave NYC
February 17th ,Century City, Santa Monica, Ca
February 27th, Venetian,LV

LFM

She looks good in the pic, no?

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