Trish McEvoy N° 3 Snowdrop & Crystal Flowers

I have to admit that I was very surprised by this fragrance. Partially because I went straight from testing out Black Rose Oud to this scent. When I hear "snow" in the name of a scent all I can think is "powder". I expected this scent to be a big powder-fest. Thank goodness, there's not a hint of powder!

Notes:
Top Notes: Lychee water, sparkling berry, clementine blossoms
Middle Notes: Sheer freesia, pink peony, jasmine mist
Base Notes: Sensual Musk, teakwood, whipped vanilla

The scent smelled the same on me the entire time I wore it, there was no dry down. The scent is definitely mostly a white floral with the freesia and peony predominating on me, but the sparkling berry and lychee are there to keep everything fresh and there is just a tiny bit of the musk in the background.

This scent is delicate and somewhat demure. A white floral scent that isn't too floral, I found that it still felt fresh and green but at the same time understated and elegant. I imagine this is the scent that a fashion elite would wear in the spring time with their floral dress (because really, isn't every spring "the" year for floral?) to feel season appropriate but not like a granny.

The staying power of this fragrance is pretty amazing. While it does fade somewhat throughout the day, I can still smell it on myself at bedtime, about 14 hours later.

Trish McEvoy N° 3 Snowdrop & Crystal Flowers

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Trish McEvoy's Black Rose Oud: An Oud for the Rest of Us

Oud perfumes have been around for a long time, but I feel that they are really starting to hit the mainstream in the last year or so. Previously, it was really only those that are really into fragrance that knew of, and loved, the Oud fragrances. Now there are releases from Bond No. 9, Trish McEvoy and countless other "mainstream" fragrance houses.

While I am a fan of Oud fragrances, I usually need to be in a particular mood to wear them. Most fragrances with this basenote (sometimes also called Agarwood), seem to really load up on this note. I think this is because the oil is so expensive (the wood is reportedly the most expensive wood in the world). They want you to know it is there and that there is a lot of it. Honestly, it makes me think of those people that used to wander around wearing head to toe logos, back in the early 2000s? Can you just picture their shoes, pants, shirts, hats, bags, just all covered with logos? Being so overwhelmed by one (very expensive) note kind of reminds me of that. (If you're interested in learning more about Oud and how it is produced, there is a really interesting post about Oud over on Fragrantica.)

So, I like Oud. To me, it is woodsy, but warmer and richer than most of the woodsy notes. It has something a little spicy about it, that I really can't describe but that you need to smell yourself. But, I don't want to walk around with so much Oud surrounding me that people can't stand to be near me.

Trish McEvoy's Black Rose Oud is now by far and away my favorite Oud fragrance. There is Oud in it, but it isn't the centerpoint of the whole scent. Instead, it is there in the mix just like any other base note would be.

Notes:
Top Notes: Fresh Raspberry Leaf, Luscious Lychee, Osmanthus Flower, Japanese Saffron, Black Peppercorn
Middle Notes: Papyrus, Midnight Orchid, Imperial Incense, Black Baccara Rose Petals
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Rare Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Patchouli, Madagascar Vanilla

When I initially apply this scent, all I can smell is the Black Baccara Rose Petals. There is so much rose, it almost feels like I applied a ton of Crabtree's Rosewater. With maybe a little bit of something woodsy thrown in.

However, after the initial dry down (on me it is about 20-30 minutes), the rose recedes a tad and other scents start to come out. I can smell a little of the Lychee, the Raspberry and the Oud comes out just a little bit more. You can tell that it is Oud, but it is a quiet Oud, rather than the in your face Oud that I'm not a huge fan of in most scents. There's a little bit of spiciness as well that makes it feel more like an Oriental Woods, though I haven't decided for sure which note that comes from, probably the Imperial Incense.

I can best describe the feeling of this fragrance as elegant and refined. It is a quiet and warm fragrance that makes me want to go out for an expensive dinner. It would be great for work, for a refined night out, or I want to wear it while out for a walk in crunchy leaves (that's likely just me, everything woodsy makes me want to walk in crunchy leaves). I don't see this working well for anyone under college age (an Oud just strikes me as "wrong" for school), a night out to the bar or a trip to the mall. I'd save this for the times you're wearing your best heels and have pulled your YSL tote out of the closet. Because that's what I'll be doing with it.

Buy Trish McEvoy Black Rose Oud Eau de Parfum
Trish McEvoy

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Trish McEvoy Sexy 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk

Sitting on my vanity counter you'll find about 20 bottles of perfume. Some were purchased. Some were gifts. Some were provided as samples for me to review on this blog. Sitting smack dab front and center is my bottle of Trish McEvoy's No. 9, a gift from my hubby. It is easily the scent I reach for most often. Despite all of the fragrance testing I do (most of which doesn't even make it to this site), I've managed to use up about 50-60% of the bottle over the last 3 1/2 years. I love the blackberry and vanilla! It's so delicious, fresh and just different than so many other scents.

So, you can imagine that trying out the Sexy 9 by Trish McEvoy would be right up my alley.

This really is a sexed up, glamified version of the original No. 9. It's like the original was a slightly geeky college girl, think jeans, sweatshirt, glasses and even a frumpy scrunchy. Then her friends make her over for the big party. She's got contacts, a LBD and amazing heels.

Notes: Blackberries, Vanilla, Amazon Lillies, Patchouli, Amber

Quite a few people complain on-line that Sexy No. 9 is the same as Thierry Mugler's Angel. The notes of Angel (per Frangrantica's website) are: Top notes are melon, coconut, mandarin orange, cassia, jasmine, bergamot and cotton candy; middle notes are honey, apricot, blackberry, plum, orchid, peach, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, red berries and rose; base notes are tonka bean, amber, patchouli, musk, vanilla, dark chocolate and caramel.

Perhaps with some people's body chemistry things could smell similar (a sweet fruity scent with some vanilla?), but on me I still get a somewhat strong and very definitively blackberry note. The blackberry is made a bit sweeter by the vanilla, but the whole thing is tempered by the lillies and the amber (I don't get any patchouli). Overall, this is very much like my beloved No. 9, but more grown up and yes, a tad sexy.

I'll be wearing this scent everywhere. To work, out with my hubby (as much as the parents of a baby go out) and even to the grocery store.

Update 10/4
I have been emailing with Trish McEvoy PR and they sent me a more complete list of notes! I haven't been able to find this info on-line, so I was really excited about this!

Notes:
Top Notes: Blackberry buds, mandarin
Middle Notes: Tiare flower, osmanthus
Base Notes: Cashmere woods, velvet musk, sandalwood, liquid amber

Buy Trish McEvoy Sexy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk Eau de Parfum
Trish McEvoy

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A Reworking of a Beloved Classic: Thierry Mugler's Angel eau de Toilette

A few days ago I had to head into work for a meeting. Since I was pretty sure my fragrance loving friend Melissa would be in the ICU (she's a nurse, don't worry. More about Melissa and fragrance here), I brought this week's scent along for her to try out. I wish I had brought a camera to capture the look on her face when I pulled this bottle out of my purse! Her jaw dropped. Literally. After about a minute of shock, she reached for the bottle and said, "Is that what I think it is?"

It isn't quite what Melissa thought it was. Yes, it is Angel by Thierry Mugler, which is Melissa's all-time favorite fragrance (Euphoria by Calvin Klein is a close runner up). But, it isn't the version that she is used to using in the past.

A new version of Angel, an eau de Toilette is being released this month. While normally fragrances are available in a parfum and a toilette version (with the same notes that smell pretty much exactly the same), that isn't the case with this eau de Toilette. Instead this is a reworking of the original Angel, which was released in 1992.

"I always wanted to make a perfume which would have the same resonance for everyone, something like tenderness, or childhood and I wanted there to be such a sensual contact with this perfume, that you almost feel like devouring the person you love."
-Thierry Mugler

This fragrance is being described as "Oriental-Gourmand-Powdery." I definitely agree with all of these words, and while I'm not sure that I would have come up with this description myself (I didn't know you could describe a fragrance as Gourmand, thought there certainly are quite a few fruit notes), I don't think I could have done any better. Rather than the typical notes that we think of in Top, Middle and Base categories, this scent has "waves."

Notes:
Celestial Wave: Bergamot, Red Berries, Pink Pepper
Delicious Wave: Praline, Berries
Voluptuous Wave: Patchouli-Vanilla Accord, Cedar, White Musk

This fragrance definitely does hit you in waves. When initially sprayed on, both Melissa and I though that it was fairly strong (Melissa said the strength was on par with the original Angel) with quite a bit of powdery background and a sharp Pink Pepper note. In fact, when we first applied, the only guy in the room immediately turned up his nose and said "Ewww.... I don't like that!" I guess he isn't a pink pepper fan!

Luckily, that first wave only lasted about 5-10 minutes until the dry down. It then became quite a bit less spicy, though there was still a powdery background. At this time Melissa and I both thought that a little bit of Amber came out, though I don't see it on the list of notes. It became a bit sweeter as well (Praline or the Patchouli-Vanilla Accord?). Overall it was very subtle at this point, and yes, sensual. It wasn't even remotely the same fragrance after the dry down.

After that initial 5-10 minutes, this is a quiet, warm and private fragrance. It's meant to be enjoyed in close quarters. This is a date night fragrance for sure.

This fragrance only lasted about 6 hours on me. Definitely consider layering this over a lotion to increase the staying power.

Thierry Mugler Angel eau de Toilette

3

Estée Lauder's Sensuous Nude: A Perfect Woodsy Musk for Fall

The weather is finally turning cooler here in Michigan. I am so excited for fall! This has always been my favorite time of year. For me, fall is crisp cool air, leaves crunching under my feet, football games and I haven't even started on the fashion/beauty of fall. Tall boots, great dresses and blazer, dark nails and lips... and of course a great scent. As soon as the temp drops, I want bergamot, amber and musky scents! Lucky for me, Estée Lauder has created a new addition to their Sensuous lineup just in time for me to obsess over it.

“Sensuous Nude captures this vision of modern sensuality and bares all the warmth and softness of a confident woman at her most open and free” says Karyn Khoury, Senior Vice President of Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide, Estée Lauder. What does that mean? I really am not quite sure. But, this is definitely a sensual fragrance, warm and cozy but with a slightly different take than previous musky scents that I've tried. While I'm still not 100% sure what Karyn Khoury was saying, I definitely agree with her that this is a modern, sensual scent that is also soft.



Notes:
Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin, Baie Rose, Black Pepper
Middle Notes: Jasmine Petals, Muguet, Coconut Water, Honey, Musk
Base Notes: Translucent Musk, Sandalwood, Amber, Melted Woods Nature Print, Heliotrope, Vanilla

I think that when this scent is first applied, it definitely is a bit spicy and peppery. And then there is some random citrus from the mandarin thrown it. Truthfully, I'm not a big fan of the opening. Mandarin and pepper? It's fine, but not my fave. And really, it is somewhat strong and easily overwhelming. I sprayed it on earlier today as I was still writing this post, and when I entered the kitchen my husband immediately said "Wow, you are wearing a lot of perfume." In actuality, I had a very small spritz on my wrist.

Luckily about 20 minutes later everything calms down a bit and the perfume is much more subtle. It is definitely still there, just not in your face. It suddenly becomes a quiet and warm woodsy scent. The amber comes out as well as the vanilla. There's just a hint of jasmine and I swear there's a little sweetness from the honey, though I don't smell honey. It is warm and enveloping. I want to wear it with some great leggings, my new fall boots and go crunch around on some leaves. It is perfect for work or weekends!


Estée Lauder

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Fragrance Wednesdays: The Joys of Scent

I've always found fragrance reviews a little hard to write. I find it hard sometimes to describe how a scent feels, what type of person would love a particular fragrance. So, while I absolutely love fragrance, I haven't been covering them as much.

Sometime over the summer, I was talking with my good friend Melissa about fragrance. She used to work at the fragrance counter and she's really great at smelling something and saying who would love that scent. She can quickly come up with words that describe the feeling of the scent. So helpful!

So, I've been quietly taking perfume samples over to her, and she's been writing a few reviews, though they haven't been featured yet. However, she's a busy lady (she's a nurse in my ICU and has 2 little ones under the age of 5) and I love fragrances as well. So, we've decided to start doing reviews in which we offer both of our perspectives on the fragrance. You'll still find the list of base, middle and top notes in each review. I'll still try to describe how the scent felt to me, how the notes changed and how the staying powder was. Melissa will offer her views on those things as well in most of the fragrance reviews, though I bet her descriptions of the feel of a fragrance will be more complete than mine since she just has more training in those areas.

Let me know if there is anything else you think we should include in our fragrance reviews!

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Jennifer Aniston: The Clean Fragrance You Expect, And I Love It!

I think I've stopped and started this review about 20 times since I received this fragrance as a sample in the spring. In the meantime, I've been happily using it a few times a week and this clean and slightly beachy floral has become my go-to subtle fragrance for everyday. Easily my favorite of the summer.

“I wanted this fragrance to be a personal library of scent memories. For example, my love of Night Blooming Jasmine has lasted a lifetime. Growing up in California, I distinctly remember the scent of the Jasmine on summer evenings."
-Jennifer Aniston

This quote alone made me want to try out this scent. One of my favorite things when I lived in So Cal was walking my dog around the neighborhood and smelling the Jasmine and Orange Blossoms.

Notes:
Top Notes: Citrus Grove Accord, Rose Water
Middle Notes: Blooming Jasmine, Wild Violet, Amazon Lily
Base Notes: Sensual Musk, Golden Amber, Sandalwood

In actuality, this is a lightly floral, clean scent that is very subtle. Initially I smell the Citrus with a bit of the Lily, but after about a 15 minute dry down period I have a light mix of the Jasmine and a little bit of musk and amber to balance things out. Musk notes usually are a bit heavy on me, but that simply isn't the case here. Instead, it is light and fresh and just... pretty. I've found that the scent is very subtle, so it is perfect for wearing to work (since I work in a hospital I don't like to wear heavy scents to work).

One of the complaints that I've read on-line about this fragrance is that it seems to be "missing" something. I can see why people think this, I do feel as if other fragrances with these notes and this "feel" would have a stronger white floral note after the dry down. I have quite a few scents like this and do like them, but I like not having the strong white floral here. It is a bit cleaner and more simple, something I was craving this season.

As well, many feel that the scent doesn't have great staying power. It does seem to only last about 8 hours on me, and that's with about 4 hours of very subtle scent. I typically just spray it on my chest/neck area and head out of the bathroom, but if I actually take the time to apply to pulse points as well (I spray behind my knees and on my wrists) then the scent is there for about 10 hours. I'm hoping that sometime soon a companion lotion will be released. Layering will really increasing how long the scent sticks around.

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Betsy Johnson's Too Too: Not Even Released and I Can't Resist It!

Last week, Betsy Johnson celebrated the launch of her new fragrance, Too Too. The fragrance (which is coming out in October) just sounds amazing!

The fragrance is deliberately enticing, boisterous and youthful, using key fruity and floral notes. The vibrant scent is comprised of sweet passion fruit, sparkling mandarins, ginger, and strawberry leaves spun together with an underlying delicate must that suggests femininity and warmth. To round it out, jasmine, bulgarian rose, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla add just the right touch of sweetness and radiance.

Betsy Johnson definitely knows how to have fun, and the perfume, the bottle and even the launch event all seem to go along with that. I love the bottle. Betsy says, “I thought that if I ever did my own perfume I would do that bottle. I wanted to connect it to my work from yesterday and today.” I love that it features her trademark pink, with a tutu!


I may have been swayed in posting about this because of the cupcakes. Love them!

1

Tattoed by Inky Body Sprays

Remember back in the 80's when the spray cans of Designer Imposter Perfumes were everywhere? This is not an updated version of that. Instead of badly imitating a different fragrance, these have their own scent and really I think they smell pretty good. So, don't let the reasonable price and aluminum container throw you.

There are 5 scents in the collection, 2 for women, 2 for men and 1 unisex.
Women's
• A Mi Amor: White florals, vanilla and amber
• Sudden Freedom: Aquatic florals, pink jasmine and rosewood

Men's
• Monkey Business : Leather, lavender, pepper and sandalwood;
• Drako: Spices, musk and precious woods

Unisex
• Koi: Citrus, ginger and patchouli


When you first spray any of these scents, do not pay any attention to how you initially smell. The initial scent is very heavy in alcohol. My initial reaction was "ewww.... gross." But, after about a 10 minute dry down, the alcohol smell will be gone. What is left behind varies depending on the notes in the fragrance, but generally is a slightly subtle scent that seems to last all day long.

My favorites are Sudden Freedom and Koi. Sudden Freedom is an unexpectedly somewhat sophisticated floral scent (for something that was in an aluminum spray bottle). I didn't feel too "grandma" in it, instead it is pretty and would be appropriate for almost any occasion. Koi is a little bit fresh but the patchouli makes it more mysterious...I really can't describe it any better.


Tattoed by Inky Body Sprays are only $5.99 at Target.

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Leighton Meester is Lovestruck

Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl has been announced as the face of Lovestruck, a new fragrance from Vera Wang. The fragrance launches this fall. I think she somehow looks amazing and approachable at the same time in this ad. What do you think?

Vera Wang

3

Avril Lavigne's Forbidden Rose

I have to admit that when I first heard about Avril's new fragrance (and saw the image above), my first thoughts were that someone has been watching a bit too much Tim Burton and Disney. The image definitely looks influenced by Burton and this summer's Alice in Wonderland, whereas the fragrance itself is named Forbidden Rose with notes of Red Apple (a little Snow White anyone?)

So, how is the fragrance itself? It is best described as a woody fruity scent with a little bit of floral influence later on. I wouldn't fully call this a floral.

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pureDKNY Fragrance

This may be the freshest, most watery fragrance I've ever tried. It is a simple fragrance, so much so that to me it really is reminiscent of the early 1990s, when it seemed everything was being brought down to the barest essentials. This is a simple, fresh scent that is light and airy.

Top Notes:Ugandan Vanilla, Dew Drop Floral Petals, Lotus, Bulgarian Rose
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Freesia, Orchid
Base Notes: White Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla in Water

While there are floral notes in this scent, on me they are very faint. The initial impression is of a very light vanilla scent (but not overly sweet), with a hint of the freesia. The dry down is a bit prolonged, after an hour or so the freesia steps back a bit and the amber and sandalwood are a bit more apparent. To me they are very subtle and watery.

Overall this is a fragrance for those that don't like fragrances. It's so light and subtle, it really is more like you've changed laundry detergent or your shampoo. A subtle change that isn't overwhelming.

pureDKNY Fragrance

1

Prada Infusion d’Iris Eau de Toilette, A Subtle Iris for Everyday

A few years ago (I think it was 2007 if my sources are correct), Prada released their Infusion d'Iris in an Eau de Parfum. The scent was a hit, and eventually added to their permanent line of fragrances. However, there were some who wanted a lighter version, and now Prada is responding with an Eau de Toilette version.

However, rather than simply taking the same notes and changing the concentration of the fragrance, Prada went one step further. They worked with Daniela Andrier, who created the first fragrance, to create a companion to the EDP that creates a lighter feeling. The notes are very different, but I think that she's succeeded!

Top Notes: Neroli, Lily-of-the-Valley, Violet
Middle Notes: Iris, muget, Galbanum
Base Notes: Heliotrope, Cedar

Overall this is a very light and airy fragrance. I almost want to describe the scent as powdery (and some on-line have called the Violet top note powdery), though for me only the initial dry down period is powdery. When I first apply this scent it is a fresh, sweet fragrance that is definitely powdery. The initial dry down is a tad more Violet than Iris on me, though I do definitely have some hint of the Iris note.

After about 30-45 minutes the violet does fad a bit (and the scent becomes less powdery). This is when the fragrance takes on more depth. The Iris comes out a little more (finally overpowering the violet, though that does not completely fad into the background), and I can get a hint of the Heliotrope and Cedar. The scent stays fairly light, though definitely more floral than the EDP version. The scent lasts most of the day on me, and as the day wears on (think late afternoon) I am once again picking up the Violet note quite a bit.

Overall, this is a very pretty and light floral fragrance. I think that it is a bit heavier on the Violet than the Iris notes throughout most of the day. However, since Violet is definitely one of my favorite notes, I have to say that I'm in love! I've found this fragrance to be the perfect late summer/early fall fragrance. I'm not quite ready to transition into the heavier scents, but I don't want the same super sweet summer scents either. I've loved this for days at work, out running errands or just hanging out at home.

Prada Fragrances

4

Prada's New Infusions: Infusion de Tubereuse and Infusion deVetiver

This year Prada is adding to their Ephemeral Infusion collection, and this year they are bringing two new additions, including their first men's addition to the series.

First off, I have to admit a bias. I kinda love Prada fragrances. I've had good luck with them in the past, and I like pretty much everything they release. However, I haven't tried any of their infusions. But, when I heard that in addition to the Tuberose, Blood Orange would be featured as a note.... I had to try it out. Mention a fruit note and I am there.

1

YSL's Parisienne, the Fragrance for the Girl that Adopts Paris

YSL has just released their new Parisienne fragrance. This frangrance was created for the girl that isn't from Paris, but rather has adopted the city. I want that girl to be me! I love Paris. I want to go back sometime (my amazing husband says he'll take me). I want to wander the city and just take pictures of every street I see. I want to buy crepes from the street vendors, and I want to sit in a café for hours and drink coffee.

YSL describes Parisienne as a "grand floral with a woody structure," which I definitely have to agree with. The fragrance is predominantly a floral with the Violet and Peony notes taking center stage on me. The blackberry adds a bit of fruitiness without being overly sweet and there is just a touch of sandalwood and patchouli. Overall it is feminine, slightly mysterious and very sexy. I love it!

Top notes: Vinyl Accord, Cranberry, Blackberry
Heart notes: Damask Rose, Violet, Peony
Base notes: Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Musk

5

Cynthia Rowley's Flower Fragrance

I'm a little late reviewing this fragrance. Honestly, it's been sitting here for a few months now, I meant to include it in all of the fragrance reviews I did this fall. But, writing about perfumes is not exactly easy, so it's been sitting in a box here.

I'm a bit sad that I didn't find it earlier because this really is a great fragrance! Cynthia Rowley says she wanted this fragrance to work for all the the women she designs for. Which I'm not sure what that means, because I'm still not sure who her target audience is. (Yes, that is a bit catty, and yes, I'm ending sentences inappropriately. However, I am not a professional writer, merely a blogger, and truly I do not know a grown woman that wears Rowley's clothes. I'm just saying.)

I've seen this fragrance described as "feminine and flirty, yet sophisticated," which sounds pretty appropriate. For me, this is a fragrance much like my beloved Bond No. 9 Eau de Noho. Both feature violet leaves heavily with a light floral to balance it and a base of Cashmere Woods. This fragrance starts out with a heavy Freesia note, which burns off in about 5-10 minutes leaving behind mostly Violet Leaves and a little bit of the Cashmere Wood. The Vanilla and Jasmine are also featured, creating a great violet scent that isn't too heavy.

Top Notes: Freesia, Citruses, Violet Leaf
Middle Notes: Lily, Water Lily, Jasmine
Base Notes: Musk, Cashmere Wood, Vanilla, Sandalwood

Overall I loved this fragrance, finding it perfect to wear during my work week. I only wish that it lasted a tad bit longer as it was pretty much gone by mid-afternoon.

Flower by Cynthia Rowley

2

Tom Ford's White Patchouli

I have to admit that it took a couple of days for this scent to grow on me, but I do like it. This woodsy floral is intended to be a companion to his previously released Black Orchid. Of the two scents I prefer the White Patchouli.

While based largely on patchouli, I have to say that this fragrance is a much more chic than the typical patchouli scent. The balance of the white florals against the patchouli is truly what keeps me from feeling like a walking incense burner when I'm wearing this fragrance.

While the most dominant note in this scent is definitely Patchouli, it does become a bit more subdued with time. Within about 30 minutes or so the Patchouli fades a bit into the background, allowing a bit more Jasmine and Peony. The balance of the two is definitely a subtle scent that I love wearing everyday to work!

Notes:
Top Notes: Bergamot, White Peony, Coriander
Middle Notes: Rose Absolute, Night Blooming Jasmine, Ambrette Seed
Base Notes: Patchouli Orpur, Blonde Woods, Incense

1

Ralph Lauren's Notorious

Ralph Lauren's newest fragrance has been described to me as a Spicy Oriental, Modern Glamour and even as a Chocolate Scent. While the chocolate note isn't very prominent on me (in fact, it isn't even chocolate at all, but is a flower named Chocolate Cosmos), I do think that the other two descriptions are accurate. This is probably better described as a spicy floral on me.

Initially the Pink Peppercorn and Black Currant are the most prominent notes, but the dry down (about twenty minutes or so) quickly gives way to the Bergamot, Peonies and a touch of the Chocolate Cosmos. Much later you can smell the patchouli a bit more and the bergamot less.

Top Notes: Black Currant, Spicy Pink Peppercorn and Italian Bergamot
Mid Notes: Chocolate Cosmos, White Frost Peonies, Fiery Carnation
Base Notes: Patchouli Musk, Vanilla, Orris

Overall this is definitely a glamorous scent, and I know that I'm going to be using this one often for years to come.

Ralph Lauren Notorious

2

Bond No. 9's Gramercy Park

I've been just a bit "fragranced out" lately as I've been inundated with samples to review for Mother's Day. I needed a serious break. Thank goodness for Gramercy Park! I needed a "palette cleanser" between florals, something light and fresh. I was craving a green fragrance to try out.

Gramercy Park is just that, a light green scent that Bond created to envoke the Gramercy Park neighborhood. To me this sounds like the hidden gardens in the movie Notting Hill, a private gated haven of green grass and trees that is only accessible to those that live in the buildings around the park. A private oasis of greenery in the middle of the city.

In the bottle I smell primarily the green notes such as the Fresh Greens and Crisp Leafy Tones. But, after about an hour or so these brighter notes fade a bit to reveal a bit more of the deeper notes with a bit of English Ivy with some very light floral notes from the Cyclamen and I swear I smell a bit of Lily with a small touch of Lime in there as well. It really does smell like you're in a spring garden which is just what I was craving!

Top notes: Fresh Greens, Crisp Leafy Tones
Middle notes: White Muguet, Cyclamen, English Ivy, Lily of the Valley
Base Notes: Sheer Woods, Crystal Musk

On another Bond related note, remember the Swarovski Star Bon Bons that I posted about? Well, run over to Blogdorf Goodman! Annie saw them in person at Saks, and her pictures are just amazing! I thought they were cute before, but judging from Annie's pictures the "official" Bond picture did not do them justice! Amazing! If you're having problems finding the post, here's a link to the comments on the post, you can click back to the blog and it will take you to the post.

Bond No. 9

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Mother's Day with Bond No. 9!

If there's a mom in your life that loves fragrance, this is a great option for a Mother's Day gift! This is a set of three mini Swarovski Stars Bon Bons, they are filled with some of my favorite Bond Scents: Bryant Park, Bleecker Street and Nuits de Noho. Each Bon Bon contains 6 ml of scent.

Available in May at Bond No. 9 and Saks Fifth Avenue

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