I am departing from my usual Natural Home with Jennifer video today with a special treat for you. We are going to explore the world of French perfume...




When I first started my blog over 11 years ago, I did many posts on perfume and signature scent. Perfume is such a marvelous luxury and one's own signature scent is such a personal and telling fragrance.

My love affair with French perfume started when I was 18 and visited the Grasse region of France to tour a major perfume factory there. The French love perfume and many French women have a go-to signature scent that they are known for.



I was thrilled when artisan French parfumerie, Sylvaine Delacourte, contacted me to see if I wanted to sample and select one of their high-quality niche French perfumes.



"Perfumes have the power to unleash emotion and to change your mood.

With her understanding of the mechanisms of the olfactory memory and using active listening skills, Sylvaine has been able to create perfumes which compliment our different personalities."

Sylvaine Delacourte, former Creative Director for Guerlain, creates her perfumes around one iconic raw material and explores it in 5 very original facets.



They offer a discovery box, as you'll see in today's video, where you can sample 5 of the perfumes in either the musk collection or vanilla collection for only $4, delivered from Paris to the United States. The videos on her website guide you on how the perfumes are made. They are fascinating!



Once you sample the different fragrances and decide on your favorite scent, you can choose which size perfume you'd like. They charge $80 for the 1 fl. oz and $160 for the 100ml (which is the size I received). The travel sizes must be ordered separately. Sylvaine Delacourte also offers 20% off the first order, which is a lovely discount. Use the code, FIRST20.



You'll get to go through the whole experience with me in today's fun video, plus see a picture of me at 18 visiting the perfume capital of the world in France! I chose Dovana from the musk collection as it was my absolute favorite.

The perfumes are exquisite and I hope to try the newly released vanilla collection in the future. Thank you to Sylvaine Delacourte for sharing your wonderful company with us!

I hope you enjoy today's video.

Please note: this is not a sponsored video and these links are not affiliate links.

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Comment of the Week
On last week's Bend Soap Co. review, Mimi writes, "Oh, Jennifer! I could kiss you! I have been experiencing a bout of eczema, and borrowed a book from the library that extolled the virtues of goats milk for this. Unfortunately, the writer of the book, who has goats and makes goats milk products lives in Scotland and doesn't ship to the states. I've been improvising on my own by drinking goats milk kefir and also slathering it on my itchy patches. I also found goats milk soap from Zum. But I really needed a body lotion! Your post was so timely! I immediately clicked on the link and did me some ordering! I am so happy!"

Hi Mimi, I'm so happy! That was the reason they started their business was to create a product for their son's eczema. Come back and let us know how they work for you! I love when my reviews can help others.


Thank you for joining me today. I hope you enjoyed this fun video. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on Monday.
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In the second of three new videos this week, I am sharing my new signature scent with you. I actually shot this video in early November but because of the many family events we had that month, I am just publishing it now.

A signature scent is a wonderful thing... A fragrance that encapsulates you, that your family associates with you... a scent that you can smell in the middle of a hectic day and be greatly soothed. A signature scent should be one that you not only adore but that evokes strong feelings, romance, luxury, whimsy or delight.

Perfume is that intangible mystery that can add so much to your life. Many of you are familiar with my signature scent journey. Stella has been my signature scent for nearly a decade, with a brief detour to Bvlgari Rose Essentielle. Even though I love and have loved Stella, I always knew that I would graduate from it and one day find the perfect scent for me. After much research, I can now say that I have found it! I've fallen in love with Jo Malone's Blackberry & Bay.



There are many ways to wear Jo Malone fragrances. Many people like to pair them with other fragrances (incidentally Blackberry & Bay pairs nicely with Jo Malone Red Roses. I've also heard it pairs well with Fig & Cassis). Or you can wear the scent with the body cream, which I enjoy doing with Blackberry & Bay.

Jo Malone describes Blackberry & Bay as: Childhood memories of blackberry picking...A burst of deep, tart blackberry juice, blending with the freshness of just-gathered bay and brambly woods. Vibrant and verdant.

I find this description to be very accurate. The initial top notes suggest very green, almost unripe blackberries. (Some people might take this as a sour top note but I see it as verdant.) Then the fragrance settles into a heady mix of deep crushed blackberries and woodsy notes. For me, this is fragrance heaven.

Now perfume is a very personal thing and what is ecstasy for one person, can be diabolical for another. So while Blackberry & Bay is my new signature scent, it might not be your cup of tea. Enjoy the sensual hunt and take your time, the perfect scent it out there for you.

Check out the video above to learn more about my new favorite perfume. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Today I would love to know... what is your signature scent? How long have you worn it? Are you looking to change? As you get older do you notice a longing to change your perfume? What is your favorite classic scent? What is your favorite new scent? Have you tried Blackberry & Bay?

See you on Thursday for another bonus post: an outfit of the day (OOTD) video and a giveaway from the lovely Shannon Ables of the Simply Luxurious Life blog.

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Have you ever changed your signature scent? Or have you been content with the same fragrance for years? Are you still on the search for your signature scent? This week's video gives you an update on my own perfume journey and announces my new signature scent (hint: there's a twist to this story).

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Forever Chic Giveaway
My dear blogging friend, Tish Jett, from A Femme d'un Certain Age has just published her book, Forever Chic. Tish was kind enough to share Lessons from Madame Chic with her readers when it came out, and now I am so happy to be able to mention her book to you. Aimed for women over 40 (and all who are interested in aging gracefully), this book is sure to delight Francophiles everywhere. Tish's book dishes out many French secrets and shares her own chic journey as a woman of a certain age.

Tish and Rizzoli are kind enough to offer to give away one copy of Forever Chic to a reader of the Daily Connoisseur. This giveaway is open worldwide so all of you can enter. Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. The winner will be announced on the widget one week from today.
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For more on Tish, visit her blog here and check out her book here. Bonne Chance!

Thank you

All of my writing energy has been going into this new book, so the writing on the blog has been a bit "light" of late. I wanted to extend a thank you to my readers for being so understanding. I have two little girls to look after as well and they are my first priority so I must find the right balance. I don't want to compromise on the blog's quality and aim to provide you with a thought-provoking or interesting video each week. Thank you for bearing with me and being so supportive. See you next week! xx

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Of all the seasons, summer is the most appropriate to wear le no makeup look. We want our skin to breathe and look radiant so minimal makeup is best. I've developed a very low maintenance five minute beauty routine for summer mornings.

If you are unable to see the embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Makeup used in the video:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Bisque’

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in ‘SC-4’

Sephora Airbrush Concealer brush

Anastasia Eyebrow Powder in ‘Medium Ash’

NARS cream blush in ‘South Beach’ (they no longer make the one shown in my video, but NARS The Multiple is the same product).

Chanel Inimitable Intense mascara

Chanel Lip Gloss shade 46

Perfume: Stella Sheer (My Stella Sheer is limited edition from last season and no longer available. This summer's limited Stella is Stella Summer Rose).

Dress by Rebecca Taylor

FTC: All products used in this video were purchased by me.

This week I would love to know... What is your summer makeup look?



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I've really enjoyed doing this mini series on The Daily Connoisseur. Over the past few months I have sampled a lot of fragrances and learned a lot about my tastes, preferences and the various phases I go through depending on the season and what mood I am in.

And I am happy to report that I've made the decision on what my new signature scent will be. Drumroll please....





My new signature scent is Bvlgari Rose Essentielle

If you remember this perfume gave me a favorable impression from the very beginning and several of you readers actually recommended it to me. It is heady, aromatic and distinctly rosy (which is my favorite note) and brings me to exotic places every time I wear it. In short, it is simply delightful and for now I am loving it as my signature scent.

I say 'for now' because I have become so entranced with fragrance that I will forever be on the look out for new and sensational scents, and who knows what I may find down the road?

I also have to say that along with purchasing Bvlgari Rose Essentielle on my journey over the last few months I also picked up small vials of Jo Malone Red Roses (I couldn't help it) and Grapefruit. Two delightful scents for summer.

This isn't to say, of course, that I don't still love my beloved Stella. I shall return to her as well every now and then.

So there you have it. Thank you for joining me on this journey and thank you to all of you for your wonderful recommendations through the process...

I would love to know, what is your current signature scent? Let me know in the comment section or if you feel inspired do a video response to my above video and show me your signature scent!

If you are unable to see my video above where I show you Bvlgari Rose Essentielle click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or visit my channel www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

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This Thursday I will be announcing the perfume I have chosen as my new signature scent. Before that, however, I wanted to introduce you to the botanical niche perfume company Strange Invisible Perfumes, who I had the pleasure of visiting in their flagship Venice Beach boutique. While there I got to sample several of their all natural, organic botanical fragrances. Keith, the sales associate was extremely knowledgeable and gave me a run down of some of their most prized fragrances.



Strange Invisible Perfumes have no synthetics in them. I am not very familiar with botanical perfumes and it takes a while to get used to these very organic smells but you quickly fall in love with them. Some of the perfumes smell more mainstream like Prima Ballerina and Tahitian Honey. (My favorites of the bunch were Tahitian Honey, L’invisible and Magazine Street) and some are highly unusual like Black Rosette and Essence of IX.

The perfumes are the creation of perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis- truly a master artisan. The Venice boutique is the only one in the world although their fragrances are sold online on their website www.siperfumes.com as well as in certain high end department stores. As a side note, because these perfumes are so unusual I would highly recommend sampling them in person before purchasing online...

If you are a perfume connoisseur into synthetic free organic niche fragrances- this is the place for you!

The bottles are very minimalistic and the fluid of the perfumes are a golden amber color and would look lovely on any vanity. (Apologies I don't have better pictures of the bottles themselves... my camera went amiss that day. Visit their website for vivid pictures and more in depth descriptions)

Here is a very bare bones rundown of the different scents.

Moon Garden- Tuberose and jasmine

Fair Verona- a classic fragrance: citrus, cardamom, Egyptian jasmine and bergamot

Magazine Street- patchouli, magnolia, vanilla, vetiver

L’Invisible- oak moss, ylang ylang, hibiscus, vanilla, red rose

Tribute (limited edition)- a tribute to Coco Chanel: ylang ylang, amber, rose patchouli

Prima Ballerina- Egyptian and Turkish roses, Greek sage, lime botanical musk

Aquarian Roses- wild roses, marjoram, sandalwood

Essense of IX- the scent of a winery- rose, black currant, California lavender

Tahitian Honey (limited edition and my favorite)- temple mandarin and wild honey

Black Rosette- African roses, black tea, spearamint- meant to capture the essence of leather (this one is very unusual- not my cup of tea but could be heavenly for the right person).

Depending on whether you get a EDP or a Pure Perfume vial, or limited edition fragrance, price ranges from $135 to $350

For more information visit their website www.siperfumes.com

And stay tuned for this Thursday's post where I announce the perfume I have (finally) chosen as the search for my signature scent ends!


The image of the Venice boutique featured above is courtesy of futurenatural.com

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Before this week’s post begins be sure to check out my latest video titled At Home Manicure where I show you a tutorial on how I give myself a manicure at home and share with you my new favorite neutral shade of nail polish, Diego Dalla Palma's French Pink No. 16. To see the video click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

And now for this week's post...

As many of you know lately I have gone on the search for a new signature scent. I have worn Stella by Stella McCartney for a good part of the last decade and felt it was time for a change. I’m not sure what I expected to encounter on the hunt for my new signature perfume… some good fragrances, some bad fragrances… an adventure perhaps? Well, yes I have encountered all three but I also have encountered something a little unexpected…

I have found that I like some of the perfumes on my hunt so much that I am beginning to wonder if I can choose and be faithful to just one! I know many of you readers have expressed the same issue. Of course I didn’t just use Stella for the past decade, I also used a few other fragrances for certain occasions but I mainly used Stella… it would be very accurate to have called it my signature scent.

But I am starting to wonder if perhaps I should have a capsule perfume collection to go with my capsule clothing and makeup collection…

I have received large sample sizes of most of the perfumes I’ve reviewed enabling me to wear them much more than once. When I recently attended a baby shower I had a strong desire to wear Jo Malone’s Grapefruit as I felt the occasion called for something fresh, vibrant and crisp.

When going out to dinner with my husband recently I wore Bvlgari’s Rose Essentielle because I wanted something heady and romantic.

And last night just to wander around the house I had a strong desire to wear Love, Chloé because I longed for a powdery, ladylike fragrance.

This is quite a conundrum because, you see, I had it in my mind (firmly in my mind) that I wanted to have a signature scent. I wanted my daughter 20 years from now to smell a Bulgarian rose and think “Ahhh that smells like Mommy’s perfume- Rose Essentielle!” Wouldn’t that be nice?

And also because that’s what this entire series is on… finding my signature scent! I suppose I could always change the title to The Search for my New Capsule Perfume Collection- but it doesn’t quite have the same ring…

And to complicate matters further I came across the most amazing niche perfume boutique in Venice last week called Strange Invisible Perfumes and feasted my eyes (and nose) on a whole slew of their organic, botanical perfumes that were just totally desirable to me (reviews forthcoming)…

I do suppose this is a high quality problem… but all the same I am going to go meditate on the subject for a while.

I would love to know… can you relate to my perfumed conundrum?

This Thursday look for a special guest post by Randi Ragan on the top 10 herbs to cultivate for beauty and health (including recipes, tips and tricks!)



The porcelain figures pictured above are from China's Kangxi Reign and date back from 1622 - 1722 They are quintessentially Chinoiserie and can be found at the Getty Center in Los Angeles

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For those of you just tuning in to this mini series on The Daily Connoisseur I am going on the search for my new signature scent. In this post I am continuing with my mini reviews and sharing my notes with you along the way. As always I love to hear your opinions and insight…

I have had an issue with rose withdrawals on my previous search so many of the fragrances in this post deal with roses as the primary note. I also have been extensively exploring the world of Jo Malone with miniature samples that are magnificent for testing.

So… here we go!


Jo Malone: Red Roses Cologne
When I was a little girl for Mother’s Day I would go into our garden and make a ‘perfume’ for my mother out of red rose petals. I would pick the petals, steep them in water for a week (!) take the petals out and decant the sacred elixir into a Tupperware flask. My poor mother, not having the heart to tell me she would try it out later, always dutifully wore the perfume on her special day (what a champ!) Even as a little girl I knew the ‘perfume’ I made wasn’t up to par. I wanted to capture the essence of the red rose and bottle its perfection.

So when I recently tried Jo Malone’s Red Roses I smiled with nostalgia and thought, “Ah, that is the scent I was trying to capture so many years ago!” Jo Malone’s Red Roses is a powerful and evocative scent- but is only for those who seriously love roses. This cologne does not have the hint of red roses- this perfume is a red rose. A big, luscious, heady red rose that was probably picked in your garden. The sort of rose that you pause everything you’re doing to take in its aroma. Red Roses claims to have other notes such as violet, lemon and spearmint, but those are completely lost on me. And I don’t mind. This may sound bizarre but one of the best ways I can describe it is as a ‘stinking rose’ (and I mean that in the most pleasant of ways). Try it out and you will see what I mean. It probably isn't everyone's cup of tea but is definitely a contender for my signature scent.


Jo Malone French Lime Blossom
Fresh, green, floral and heady, French Lime Blossom is perfect for Spring. Inspired by a stroll down the Champs Élysées. This is a lively, vibrant fragrance- clean smelling. Delightful. More blossom, less lime. Bergamot and Tarragon are the other prevalent notes. I am recalled of Paris. I think of fresh linens in a very posh Parisian hotel- perhaps George V. Very chic and unexpected. Not quite my signature scent material but charming all the same…



Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne
I am surprised at how much I like this fragrance. When someone asks what my signature scent is I would never have imagined responding with “Grapefruit”- not that I’ve picked it- but it is a serious contender. What a marvelous little cologne this is! The citrusy grapefruit note is highly prevalent but has a burning incency quality to it as well with vetiver, rosemary and spices. It is an invigorating cologne, one with bursts of energy and heart. What a pleasant surprise. Perfect for daytime (doesn’t quite cut the mustard for night) but who knew? This is a contender as well…




Chloé Rose Edition
Delightful on so many levels. Chloé’s Rose Edition (Also called Chloé Rosebud) is a sensuous and fluid perfume- even more likeable than Stella on first sniff. Along with my beloved rose note, other notes in this sweet, feminine scent include pink peony, lychee, freesia, cedarwood, amber and honey. It is described as being “chic, comfortable and addictive”- three very apt adjectives in my opinion.

I will admit I was so enthusiastic about it that when I first sampled Chloé Rose Edition I declared my search to be over! But the sales lady informed me that this is a limited edition and therefore might not come back. So I thought I better not get carried away with myself and continue my search. Rather unfair, however, to put out such an ‘addictive’ fragrance and only offer it for a limited time, non?


Love, Chloé
I thought since I loved Chloé Rose Edition so much I better try out Chloé Love as that one is not limited edition but will be staying around for a while. Again, I was so pleased. Chloé Love is a beautiful, powdery scent. Like a powder puff on a glamorous art deco vanity, its subtlety washes over you. Understated and pretty- perfect for everyday wear. Very lady like. Notes include orange blossom, pink pepper, iris, lilac, hyacinth, powdery musk, talc and rice powder. The musk, talc and rice powder notes in particular intrigue me. I normally associate powdery scents with grandmothers but this one is surprisingly sexy. And again, (even without my beloved rose note) this is another contender for my signature scent. We are on a roll here…


Bvlgari Rose Essentielle
I have heard a lot about Bvlgari’s Rose Essentielle and after trying Chloé’s Rose Edition thought I might not find a rose fragrance that I liked as much (I’ve tried Dolce & Gabbana’s Rose The One and it didn’t quite go with my skin chemistry). But I tried it just the same (Becky who reads The Daily Connoisseur also recommended it in the comment section of the last perfume post)… and I am so glad that I did.

Rose Essentielle starts off as a spicy, exotic rose and then melts into a beautiful incense rose (due to the patchouli note perhaps?) This is a fragrance that transports you. I am immediately taken to a salon in Morocco- sipping tea in the hot afternoon while the scent of exotic roses wafts in with the warm summer breeze.

It is a beautiful, feminine, smoky, intoxicating, luxurious rose. Not overpowering, perfect for day. Notes: rose prelude, blackberry, feuille de violette, living mimosa, jasminum sambac, patchouli, bois de gaiac. Suffice to say this is a major contender (perhaps front runner) for my signature scent.


I would love to hear your thoughts…

Be sure to check out this week's video where I introduce you to my darling dog, Gatsby. You can see the video by clicking here, looking in the side bar of this blog or by visiting www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur.

The Daily Connoisseur is now available on Amazon Kindle.

My recent post on the search for a new signature perfume received a tremendous response. I loved hearing your thoughts on signature scents and the ones that you love!

Since then I have indeed gone on the hunt. The ensuing posts related to this topic will describe the various fragrances I’ve sampled on my road to finding “the one”. I will admit that I have felt somewhat intimidated at the daunting task of describing these scents accurately. Perfume is such a personal thing- different notes do different things to different people. Therefore, my reactions to the various perfumes might not (and will probably not) be the same as your reactions. It all depends on what you are privy to.

For example, I am usually drawn to florals, the rose note in particular- The smell of roses really moves me. Others might be drawn less to floral scents and more to fruity or oriental scents- so, as a caveat, my reviews of these fragrances are entirely subject to my personal taste. Each description is a recording of my thoughts at the end of the day after sampling the fragrance (in most cases I tried the fragrance more than once). At the end of each review I will list whether or not the fragrance is a contender for my signature scent. I hope you enjoy…



Tom Ford: Black Orchid
Black Orchid is a perfume I have tried in the past and have previously reviewed on my blog. It’s been a few years so I decided to try it again and see if my thoughts remain the same.

The first thing that draws me to Black Orchid is its bottle. That gorgeous black bottle looks like the vial of poison that Shakespeare’s Romeo bought from the apothecary and so tragically consumed on the Capulet crypt. It has a wicked, naughty air to its design. I was enticed. Bottle aside, the fragrance is dark and lovely… and my previous observation on it holds true:

Tom Ford Black Orchid is a deep, sensual fragrance- very heavy but not too overpowering, making it perfect for fall and winter or even early spring when it is still cold outside but the warm weather is burgeoning and on its way. The scent is rich and luxurious, making one feel as though perhaps they were a femme fatale riding the Orient Express in Agatha Christie’s famous novel. The spicy accord to the scent suggests one who has visited exotic places. Main notes include: bergamot, citrus, mandarin, ylang-ylang, black gardenia, patchouli and orchid. While I found this fragrance mysterious and moving, I am not certain if it could be my signature scent and will keep looking.


Chantecaille Pétales
Chantecaille has been all the rage recently after Angelina Jolie was spotted applying their lip gloss in the shade Love during this year’s ceremony at the Golden Globes. Chantecaille is a luxury beauty line based out of New York (Although Sylvie Chantecaille, the founder of the company, is French) that includes makeup, skin care and fragrances. I had only heard of them after the lip gloss in Love hullabaloo and was pleased to find their line of perfumes on a recent jaunt through Bloomingdales. I was drawn to Pétales based on the description from my friend Renee- who has helped me several times when visiting the adjacent Jo Malone counter. Pétales is the perfect fragrance for any lovers of white flowers. Gardenia, tuberose and jasmine are the prevalent notes in this fresh and romantic blend with a dry down that brings out the mellow tunes of cedar and sandalwood. Initially I wasn’t blown away with the scent but after a half hour or so when the dry down occurred I became entranced. Pétales is the perfect perfume to wear on a romantic summer evening. Its essence is that of a gorgeous bouquet of gardenias picked at twilight. The perfume itself is quite expensive- $175 for 75ml, but even so… this perfume is enchanting enough to be a definite contender…



Balenciaga: Paris
As you can imagine, I am already partial to a scent that is called Paris, so I thought I’d give Balenciaga Paris a try. Paris is a very sophisticated scent. It is a powdery, creamy violet that turns slightly woodsy after an hour or so of wear. The fragrance is minimalist, yet modern- there are not a lot of complexities to it- but the general sensation is that it is very pleasant. One of the criteria for my new signature scent is that it be bold- but not too bold. I would like to be able to wear it everyday and not tire of it. The bottle and packaging is quite beautiful. It has a an art deco feel to it. I could easily see this sitting on my counter and fitting in quite nicely amongst my toiletries. I am not certain if this is a contender… the violet note is lovely, but I am starting to miss my favorite rose note. Perhaps I will return to this another day.



Annick Goutal: Petite Cherie
Without even knowing the story behind how Annick Goutal created Petite Cherie for her young daughter, I could have guessed. Petite Cherie is a precious little scent. It is a pure and innocent smelling fruity floral with not a lot of staying power. I could easily see spritzing this on myself after a shower on a fresh Spring day. The main notes are peaches, pears, musk, rose and vanilla. It is, overall, a very pleasant scent- but probably not my signature scent. I need something bolder and less sweet.



Marc Jacobs Daisy
I had to try Marc Jacob’s Daisy to see what all the fuss is about. It is the #2 best selling fragrance at Sephora. So I realized going into trying Daisy that I might run into the problem of meeting another family member with the same signature scent! That aside, Daisy is lovely and I can see why it is so popular. It is a fresh and playful perfume, one that reads as very bright. The main notes are: strawberry, violet, jasmine, vanilla and ruby red grapefruit. I strongly detected the violet note, which also reminded me of Balenciaga’s Paris. This is a great perfume for daytime and casual occasions when one is feeling fresh and whimsical. But I am not sure if it is for me… Again, I am longing for roses…

I think you know where the direction of the next perfume post is going…

I would love to hear your thoughts...


And now for some housekeeping:

If you haven't already entered the giveaway for the beautiful Love Quotes scarf... it isn't too late! I will announce the winner this Thursday.

Thank you for helping me celebrate the launch of my new YouTube channel. Check in periodically for new uploads. This weeks uploads include What to Wear to the Theatre (already uploaded) and My Three Favorite Teas (upcoming).

The Daily Connoisseur is now available on Amazon Kindle

For the past 7 years I have worn Stella by Stella McCartney as my signature perfume. I have a lot of affinity for Stella- for me, the fresh rose fragrance is not too heavy and not too light , but à la Goldilocks and the three bears, just right. Over the years I have worn other fragrances- for special occasions or when going out in the evening, but Stella was the scent I chose to wear on my wedding day, and, subsequently most every other day of my adult life.

Then this Christmas we had some house guests- my brother-in-law and his new girlfriend came to stay with us for a week. This was my first time meeting his girlfriend- she is a nice woman and we hit it off. One day I went into the guest bathroom to change out the towels and freshen up their room. While doing so I spotted a bottle of perfume on the bathroom counter in amongst other cosmetics of my guest. I moved in closer and confirmed my suspicion. My brother-in-law’s girlfriend also wore Stella.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this. I will not lie and say I wasn’t slightly disturbed. After all a perfume is a calling card of sorts, and a very personal one at that. Was there room for two people in the family to wear the same signature scent? I relayed my concerns to my cousin over the phone the next day. She said I was crazy and needed to calm down.

Now obviously I know that many other women wear Stella... it is a best selling scent after all! And I also know that the same perfume will not smell the same on different people- body chemistry can change the dynamic of the fragrance (Which is probably why I didn’t notice it on my brother-in-law’s girlfriend in the first place- I just thought she smelled good!)

Perhaps I was overreacting. Maybe I didn’t need to find a new signature scent… But the following morning when I went to adorn myself with the fragrance I paused while looking at the familiar deep purple bottle. I began to ruminate on the concept of a signature scent. Is one supposed to wear their signature scent until the day they die? Or does one change it up every decade when they analyze where they are in life? I picked Stella as my signature scent in my early 20s. My life is dramatically different now than it was back then. Does Stella aromatically encapsulate all that my new life has become?

Of that, I'm not sure... but I aim to find out!

Gradually over the next few months I will share with you my thoughts and notes on fragrances I’ve tried in the search for my new signature scent. Hopefully, at the end of this journey, I will find a new perfume to call my own.

What am I looking for? Something a bit more niche (less commercial) and unique. A scent that is moving and evocative. Not too bold, but rather something I could wear every day. A fragrance that my daughter will smell in 20 years time and think of me...

I would love to know… what is your signature scent… and is it time for a change?

Perfume flasks from ancient Rome, dating back to A.D. 200 - 400 are pictured above. They are featured at the Getty Villa in Malibu


Also, I am featured this week in Black Is the New Black. Click here for the link, or visit: www.thenewblackisblack.com to read my thoughts on style...


The Daily Connoisseur is now available on Amazon Kindle.

It has been a while since I have fallen in love with a scent. As some of you know the two scents I wear the most are Stella and Narciso Rodriguez For Her. This past summer I purchased Stella Sheer- the limited edition summer version of the original Stella and fell in love with that (and almost cried when I couldn’t get another bottle… it’s long gone- I should have bought two!).

So I am over the moon that Yves Saint Laurent’s new fragrance, Parisienne has hit the shelves because I have sampled it twice now and have literally fallen in love with it! Parisienne is a very feminine scent- and a mysterious one at that. Its main notes are composed of blackberry, damask rose and sandalwood.

At first spray Parisienne is delightful with a heavy sandalwood note but the dry down is where it holds all of its mystery. The blackberry note is much stronger in the dry down and I think I detected notes of… dare I say… Dr. Pepper? I know, I have probably lost the plot but there you have it. I detect Dr. Pepper in the dry down and I am not ashamed to admit that I love it! (It’s a sensual Dr. Pepper... if there can be such a thing).

The commercial for the scent stars Kate Moss writhing in a bed of silk sheets and damask roses with the Eifel tower in the background- and yes that pretty much sums it up. YSL’s Parisienne is a sensual, naughty fragrance. One that I am delighted to have found. I plan on purchasing my very own bottle next week at duty free!

I would love to know what perfume or cologne you’ve fallen in love with recently…

I am a die-hard fan of the original Stella perfume by Stella McCartney. It is a scent that I will never tire of and have been wearing religiously for the past five years. So I was very curious to try Stella Sheer- the limited edition, summertime version of my favorite scent.

Stella Sheer is lovely. It is a light, summery version of the original. Much more fruity and effervescent, Stella Sheer still smells of English rose petals but there is a crisp, citrus note that the original does not have. Here, the amber note (which is my favorite note of the original Stella) is not as prominent, allowing the lighter tones of green apples, lemon and roses to take center stage.

I am not in love with the bottle. The light pink floral appliques are a little too 70's for my taste. But I am willing to put that aside, as I have sampled this lovely scent on three separate occasions now and have fallen in love with it each time. I plan on purchasing this limited edition treat for the summer...

Stella Sheer retails for about $58 and can be purchased at: www.sephora.com

Image courtesy of: www.debenhams.com

I was first attracted to Hermes' Eau des Merveilles by the bottle. Merveilles means "wonder" in French and the packaging for this delightful perfume is the embodiment of wonder. Slightly tilted, the bottle for Eau des Merveilles suggests that when you spray this fragrance, colorful fireworks might come out instead of perfume. Joyful and exuberant, Eau des Merveilles looked like it would lift my spirits (and lately, I figure we could all use a little spirit lifting). This fragrance came out a few years ago and I have just gotten around to trying it. Yes, the bottle is spectacular and I must say, and the fragrance does not disappoint.

Eau des Merveilles is a woody, amber fragrance. The scent is much deeper than the joyous and carefree bottle suggests. The woody fragrance lingers in the background and the amber aspect, once it dries down, plays center stage. There is something captivating and adventurous about this perfume- it is whimsical, yet mysterious. I would imagine its literary equivalent would be Le Petit Prince. Hermes describes this little gem as captivating the spirit of wood, the memory of the ocean and the sparkle of a constellation. Very apropos indeed!

Eau des Merveilles retails for about $120 and can be purchased at: www.hermes.com or at Sephora stores nationwide.

Image courtesy of http://www.miniature-parfum.fr

This past week I sampled Philosophy's newest fragrance, Unconditional Love. I've actually tried it three times in the last week as Philosophy has opened a flagship store near my home in Santa Monica and I find myself frequently walking by its open doors.

I will admit the first time I sampled Unconditional Love, I liked it instantly but decided to file it under "guilty pleasure" as the intensely sweet and fruity notes together reminded me of a summertime concoction that I used to wear from Bath and Bodyworks when I was a teenager.

But then I went to the post office and found myself standing in what seemed to be a never ending line. Lost in the reverie of daydreaming (what else is one to do in a long line at the post office?) I was brought out of my thoughts by the lady standing behind me who asked me what scent I was wearing. She said (and I quote) that I smelled "amazing".

Hmmm. This got me thinking. Maybe Unconditional Love wasn't such a throwaway after all. I'm not sure why I instantly label fruity and sweet smelling fragrances as unsophisticated but I had filed this one as such in my mind. The next day I went back and sampled it again, this time the sales girl gave me samples of the scent as well as the firming body emulsion and shower gel in the same fragrance...

And the verdict?

I've got nothing but love for Philosophy's Unconditional Love.

Unconditional Love contains fruity notes, white floral notes, hints of blackberry and black current and finishes off with a cashmere vanilla dry down.

The fragrance can be purchased at: www.philosophy.com

I must admit that I have been in somewhat of a fragrance slump lately. I still enjoy reading reviews and entering discussions on some of my fellow bloggers' sites about the latest in the world of perfume, but I would find myself going without scent for days. I think I was just recharging my olfactory battery...

So I was surprised when I went to Sephora yesterday and wandered into the fragrance section to test their wares. I came across Guerlain's Figue Iris from their Aqua Allegoria collection.

The bottle was the first thing that called to me. Simplistic, yet opulent looking, I picked up Figue Iris. Figs are my favorite fruit and I have enjoyed iris scents like Prada's Infusion d'Iris, so I thought I'd give it a try. I was skeptical, however, as I have yet to find a fig fragrance for the body that speaks to me (I'm still not a fan of L'Artisan Parfumeur's Figure- although I haven't given up on it yet).

Let's just say that I got my proverbial "groove" back with this scent. Light and effervescent (perfect for one who is slowly entering back into the fragrant world), Figue Iris has a succulent fruity and powdery note. It is green and fresh and feels like the perfect fragrance for the emerging Spring.

In fact, I'm so used to not wearing scent lately that I forgot I had it on throughout the day and wondered what that 'heavenly aroma' was... I think that is always a good sign!

Guerlain's Figue Iris contains notes of Fig, Iris, Vanilla, Vetiver, Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit

Figue Iris can be purchased at: www.sephora.com

As Thanksgiving approaches I tend to pause and appreciate the people and things in life that I am grateful for. Really I should do this all year long (and I do to an extent- although my gratitude journal is not as full as it could be- oops!)

I am incredibly grateful for so many things; one of the main being all of the wonderful blogs I follow. Ladies, you raise the bar when it comes to writing, discussion, art, point of view and living. You elevate my happiness and really broaden my mind. So as a tribute to my favorite blogs, a little word on each:

Jenavira at Scent of Abricots: the lovely images, music and perfume reviews are as soothing as a cup of tea. I always look forward to seeing what the SOTD is…

Rose at A Rose Beyond the Thames: I love that this blog covers so many topics from a fabulously British point of view.

Scentscelf at Notes From the Ledge: Some of the most intricate and colorful perfume reviews I’ve ever read! I never fail to smile and ponder at the same time…

Divina at Fragrance Bouquet: I love Divina’s blog because of her beautiful prose and the joie de vivre that runs through the pulse of her words…

Helg at Perfume Shrine: Helg’s in-depth reviews are fabulous. I love her point of view and writing style… she’s a true perfumista.

Vicki at French Essence: Vicki’s thought-provoking posts are a joy to read. I love to live vicariously though her French adventures…

Here, There, Elsewhere… and More: This is a beautiful blog that always provides stunning images and a lot to ponder. I love that it is bilingual as it keeps me up on my French.

So there you have it. Thank you for your constant inspiration... for me, you make this world a wonderland. I look forward to keeping the discussions going!

And to my American readers, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving...

P.S.- I'm not sure what David Stoupakis' haunting painting, "Balance", has to do with Thanksgiving, or gratitude or any of my favorite blogs but it has been on my mind recently and therefore, it is up :)

"Balance" courtesy of: www.davidstoupakis.com

It's off to Grandmother's house we go... yes today we are driving up the beautiful California coast to spend a much needed weekend with Grandma. I always love this drive, the coast is so dramatic, it never fails to remind me of some of my favorite Hitchcock films like Vertigo and The Birds.

We shall travel light and only carry the essentials: Chocolatt from Belgium (for Grandma of course), a light weekender bag, our Chihuahua, Gatsby and for scent: Tom Ford Black Orchid Voile de Fleur.

For more information on Chocolatt... from Belgium, visit: www.chocolatt.com

Image courtesy of: www.san-simeon-lodging.com

This week, I indulged myself in Chandler Burr’s The Perfect Scent- A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York. It is a book that Mr. Burr, scent critic for T: The New York Times Magazine, wrote about his experience following the making and launch of two very different perfumes in one year: Hermes’ Un Jardin sur la Nil and Sarah Jessica Parker’s first fragrance, Lovely. The book is a fascinating read; a comparison of two very different launches- one for one of the most exclusive luxury brands in the world and the other for a Hollywood celebrity. It also gives the reader an inside look into the $31 billion international perfume industry.

The story follows Burr as he travels to Paris to meet Jean-Claude Ellena, the man Hermes has picked to create their latest scent, Un Jardin sur la Nil (a garden on the Nile). Ellena is one of the worlds best in the industry and Hermes had strategically picked him to boost their otherwise lackluster sales in perfume. Burr, Ellena and the entire project team from Hermes travel from Paris to the exotic depths of Egypt where the sights and smells of the city provide inspiration for the house’s latest creation.

Back in Manhattan, Mr. Burr follows Sarah Jessica Parker and the team at Coty, who have teamed up to make her (now) bestselling fragrance, Lovely. SJP is, according to Burr, not your typical celebrity when it comes to launching a fragrance line. She was in it from the beginning surprising all with her interest, dedication and input. A particularly funny chapter found Sarah Jessica at the Coty offices pulling an egg out of her purse to show them inspiration for her bottle design.

The book shows the interesting dichotomy of the French and American markets with regards to perfume. The French, although highly interested in the numbers aspect of the business, still treat the making of perfume as an art. For the most part, the creators of these scents approach their jobs with the important gravity of artistic creation- it must be profound and it must smell amazing.

The American market, however, is (not surprisingly) mainly about the numbers. While this in no way implicates that American perfumes are less artistic than the French it is fascinating to see where the priorities lie.

The Perfect Scent is a very entertaining and informative read. Mr. Burr jumps from his narratives involving the exotic travels, parties and tense meetings he attends while documenting the launch of the two scents, to going into the fascinating figures of the perfume industry, to other funny anecdotes that he has gathered along the way. It is a highly enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested to know how much work goes into that little bottle of perfume sitting so prettily on your vanity.

Book image courtesy of: www.leffingwell.com

This past week, Lifetime Television for Women aired their latest primetime movie, Coco Chanel starring Shirley MacLaine, Malcolm McDowell and Barbara Bobulova. This movie kicks off what seems to be a resurging interest in the life of Coco Chanel and a need for viewers to re-familiarize themselves with this great icon. Audrey Tautou (of Amelie fame and one of my favorite actresses) will portray Mademoiselle Chanel in the film Coco Avant Chanel which will be released in 2009. I, naturally, am very excited for this film, so I was looking forward to watching the Lifetime version to tide me over until then.

Unfortunately the Lifetime film was melodramatic and inconsistent. Shirley MacLaine plays Chanel in her later years and the film sees her mostly setting up flashbacks where Barbara Bobulova takes over as the young Gabrielle Chanel. Bobulova does a pretty good job in the role- although lacking gumption, she is charming, nice to look at and has a lovely French accent. For some reason, MacLaine made the choice as the older Chanel to not keep said French accent and instead would speak blatantly in her own (very strong) American accent! Bizarre, non? Being a daily connoisseur, these small things get to me…

Accents, aside, the film did a pretty good job of entertaining- there’s just something about watching a made for TV movie on a quiet and overcast Sunday afternoon- but it left a lot to be desired. I still await (what will surely be) the resoundingly better Coco Avant Chanel with Audrey Tautou…

What the Lifetime film did remind me of, however, is Coco Chanel’s amazing apartment on 31 Rue Cambon in Paris, with her mirrored staircase and Art Deco sensibilities. When researching my blog entitled Coco Mademoiselle, I came across the website for this perfume, www.coco-mademoiselle.com . On this site, one can navigate through Mademoiselle Chanel’s decadent apartment. It is a real treasure: crystal spheres, a sumptuous sofa, and oriental shades. For me, it is Art Deco heaven!

I paid special attention to the lighting in Coco Chanel’s apartment, as my husband and I are having recessed lights installed in our home this week. The past few days have seen crews of workers diligently cutting holes in our ceiling and wiring accordingly. The job is still not finished but it has me excited about lighting- which is pivotal to good design. Coco’s apartment was lit with gorgeous lamps and sconces, which appear to have tobacco colored shades that give the room that dusky, mysterious hue. We will try to create a similar effect by putting our overhead lights on dimmer switches so when night falls, our rooms will have that certain glow…

I can’t help but wonder what Coco Chanel would be like if she were around today. If nothing else, I’m sure she would be flattered that thirty-seven years after her death, she is still inspiring us through fashion, movies and interior design.



Virtual tour of Coco Chanel's apartment: www.coco-mademoiselle.com

Image of Coco Chanel courtesy of: www.theswellelife.com

Image of Audrey Tautou courtesy of: www.gracemagazine.com

Image of Coco Chanel's apartment courtesy of: www.starbulletin.com

Over the past few days I’ve had the pleasure of sampling both Tom Ford Black Orchid eau de parfum and Tom Ford Black Orchid Voile de Fleur. Both scents are wonderful and evocative in their own right as I soon discovered in their very different dry down.

My interest in these perfumes peaked- even before I was able to sample them- for various reasons; the first being, I love orchids. Aside from the rose, the orchid is my favorite flower- I tend to have them scattered throughout our house year round, adding a touch of exoticism and vigor to the décor. Also, before I smelled the scent, I fell in love with the packaging: a sleek, vintage looking art deco style black bottle with a lovely gold name plate (Voile de Fleur has a black name plate).

Tom Ford Black Orchid is a deep, sensual fragrance- very heavy but not too overpowering, making it perfect for fall and winter or even early spring when it is still cold outside but the warm weather is burgeoning and on its way. The scent is rich and luxurious, making one feel as though perhaps they were a femme fatale riding the Orient Express in Agatha Christie’s famous novel. The spicy accord to the scent suggests one who has visited exotic places.

Black Orchid Voile de Fleur is the shimmering and sparkling sister to Black Orchid. It is a much lighter fragrance- one that would perhaps wear better in late spring and early summer. Even though this is a lighter scent, it didn’t fail to move me. No, wearing Voile de Fleur, one could feel as though they were sipping champagne on the Italian Riviera- the scent’s light effervescence suggests that a celebration is in order.

Today, there is a little chill in the air so I am going to adorn my wrists with the eau de parfum and let the fantasy begin…

Tom Ford Black Orchid contains notes of: bergamot, citrus, mandarin, black gardenia, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lotus wood, black orchid, patchouli, sandalwood, incense and vanilla.

Black Orchid Voile de Fleur has notes of: black truffle, bergamot, honeysuckle, gardenia, black orchid, black pepper, lotus wood, a noir gourmand accord, vanilla tears, patchouli, balsam and sandalwood.

www.sephora.com

Image courtesy of www.ebeautydaily.com