“You smell good” has to be one of the oddest compliments a gal can hear but strangely flattering no? Not in a creepy stranger next to you on public transport context but when you go to hug a friend you’ve not seen in ages.
Maybe it’s all the getting ready montages in films and television, where the femme fatale spritzes herself from an elegant crystal bottle before heading out the door, that started my obsession. Perfume is a luxury and one of my not so guilty pleasures, yet I’ve never found a signature scent. From a marketing standpoint perfume is the perfect luxury good. It is sensual and sophisticated but most of the time isn’t too far out of budget for a bit of a treat. With so many companies creating stand out scents, how does a gal go about choosing? And should she even have to?
In the era of my grandmother, women picked one, possibly two scents for spring/summer and autumn/winter and stuck with them. The perfume became part of an identity, were you a Chanel no. 5 or a Miss Dior? Today some women prefer the simplicity of having signature scents, my older sister to this day only wears Dolce & Gabanna’s Light Blue or Chanel’s Chance (to be fair she’s a no muss no fuss kind of gal). But within that school of thought, your perfume must be unique. So what happens when you absolutely adore that scent your friend is wearing? Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but for some women perfume is personal.
As sophisticated and glamorous as a signature scent sounds, I’ve never been able to settle to just one. I like to switch out with the seasons or my moods, and after a while returning to a perfume is like seeing an old friend. There are so many delightful and unique perfumes, with brands like Jo Malone, Tom Ford and Le Labo offering diverse selections. I’ve always fallen more into the ‘more the merrier’ school of thought as the collection of glass bottles on my dressing table can attest. Recently I’ve fallen a bit in love with Chloe Nomade. The latest scent from a fashion house known for its bohemian romance is feminine and warm. Inspiring scenes of vintage summers: rosé on terraces and Spanish moss swaying in the breeze. Perhaps instead of a signature scent for life, this is my scent for summer 2018, capturing all the memories for me to relive again and again. A rather perfect balance for a hopeless romantic and perfume commitmentphobe, don’t you agree?
xx
SHOP SCENTS
I’ve never really thought it was necessary to have a signature scent when there are so many pretty smells. I have, however, settled on one. It’s Brittany Spears Fantasy. Cheesy and not sophisticated at all, but it’s the only one I remember to wear everyday. Mostly because I love smelling cotton candy sweetness all day.
Author
I hear you babe, I love playing with a variety of scents. To tell the truth the only reason I probably wear ‘sophisticated’ scents now is because I used to borrow from my mother’s collection. So love as it’s a perfume you truly love, than who cares!
xx M
I’ve got a few signature scents – mostly Elizabeth Arden. Also a DKNY one and Chanel Mademoiselle. Such lovely scents. Perfume is something I never go without!
Author
I adore Chanel Mademoiselle, so dreamy! Same- I don’t quite feel right if I leave the flat without spritzing some on. So glad you enjoyed the post.
xx M