Month: May 2012

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Fragrance Reviews

Creed Bois du Portugal Fragrance Review


* The fragrance kicks off with a blend of bergamot, lavender, woods, and spices.

* Bois means woods, and this scent was inspired by the woods of Portugal.

* What you smell on top is what you get for most of the span as this scent is mostly linear, until the base comes in which is often after 8-12 hours.

* The bergamot and lavender eventually fade as the sandalwood and cedar become the main focus.  A little spice is left and there is a light grass smell hazed on top.

Summary:  Bois Du Portugal has an old school and distinguished, manly feel to it.  Some refer to it as a 70s/80s powerhouse and I can totally see that as it is strong and projects.  Wear this to an office if you are a CEO or want to feel like one.   It’s one of those scents that gives off the smell of “old money.”  I couldn’t imagine anyone under the age of 30 wearing this, but I can be wrong.  If you happen to have a bottle of Tom Ford Private Blends Bois Rouge, this is similar, but longer-lasting and has more depth.  I know this because I skin tested the two back-to-back for weeks before making a decision to buy a bottle a few years ago.  With everything in my fragrance collection,  I find myself reaching for BDP quite often and the more than half empty bottle is a testament to that.

Creed fragrances are available from Neiman Marcus, select Nordstrom and the Creed Boutique.   If you live in South Florida, I strongly recommend that you reach out to Eduardo, the Creed representative at the Bal Harbour Neiman Marcus.  If you live in Nashville, Byron at Green Hills Nordstrom is quite exceptional as well.

No disclaimer needed – I own a full bottle.  Image from Creed Boutique

Categories
Fragrance Reviews

Etat Libre d’Orange Fils De Dieu Du Riz et Des Agrumes Fragrance Review

Etat Libre d'Orange Fils De Dieu Du Riz et Des Agrumes

Etat Libre d'Orange Fils De Dieu Du Riz et Des Agrumes* Fils de Dieu goes on like a cocktail (possible a mojito) with citrus, coconut, ginger, and green notes blending together.

* The name means “Son of God, the rice and citrus.”

* As it develops, it smells even more like a mojito with lime and vanilla joining in as the coconut note increases in intensity.

* This wears differently on me sometimes.  It’s gone in a floral direction a few times with rose and jasmine coming up.  Other times the mojito gets dosed with a foody notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and rice.

* The mojito drifts away as vanilla and amber form the base with a soft leather and musk chiming in.

Summary:   When I was in Paris last year at Eldo boutique in the Marais, I got to sniff this and it was referred to as Filipino Houseboy.  I am guessing they renamed it because they were afraid that it might be considered offensive.  Seeing as this is the same brand that released Secretions Magnifiques, arguably the most offensive fragrance ever made, I am unclear as to why they changed the name.  I love this scent and plan to buy a bottle as it is light enough for summer wear as an Eau du cologne but has enough weight to stick around.  Fils de Dieu could be considered office-friendly in light doses.  If you spray on too much, it does start to project loudly.  Longevity is strong, more than 8 hours.

Fils de Dieu is available at Lucky Scent , Min New York , Henri Bendel and other select boutiques.

Disclaimer:  Sample provided by Luckyscent.  My opinions are my own and I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. Image from www.luckyscent.com

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Uncategorized

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Interviews

Neela Vermeire Interview

Neela Vermeire invites you to “Discover Your India” through her delightful trio of fragrances inspired by the culture and history of India. Trayee represents the ancient Vedic era, Mohur is inspired by the Mogul empire, and Bollywood Bling captures the optimistic spirit of modern India. Together with perfumer Bertand Duchaufour, she followed her dream as a long-time perfumista to create the scents that tell her story.

Ron Slomowicz: What is your earliest scent memory as a child?
Neela Vermeire: My earliest scent memory is actually from my grandparents’ garden. They had a country home that had a lot of flowers. They grew stands of flowers, jasmine, and shrubs. My memories go back to the days that I was able to play in the garden. Growing up in a Hindu family, we had many religious ceremonies at home every couple of days and that is why we created Trayee. The smells of the incense and the sandalwood came from those memories. I would say that it’s a combination of the country home smell and also the religious ceremonies.

RS: What are some traditional fragrances that Indian or Hindu people wear?
Neela Vermeire: I have no idea. In India, we have a very mixed community. The main perfume makers are Muslims at the Attar-wallahs that make Ouds. I would say that most people wear natural oils straight on their skin. From a religious connotation they don’t always sell perfume with alcohol, they go back to the traditional use of oils. In general, there is a lot of fascination with western perfumery. When I was growing up in India, the people that used to travel would bring back named perfumes such as Guerlain as gifts, they were much appreciated. In general it is very tough to say, though; a lot of people know the perfumed oils and what they like. They go to the little perfume shops called Attar-wallahs where they sell oils like oud, sandalwood, and jasmine. With India being so big, it’s very difficult to give you an answer. It is like asking what people in America wear.

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