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And there's another unforeseen but important plus in the coming season. Finally one can go out in mixed company with more than a single spray of perfume behind one's knees. Rejoice!
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| via Yves Saint Laurent design 1975 shot by Helmut Newton |
Fall in many places on the northern hemisphere is a time when the temperatures really drop. We can savor the opportunity to favor a more concentrated version of our preferred fragrance. If you like something in eau de toilette, give a try to the eau de parfum or even extrait de parfum version. These are usually richer in base notes which evaporate much slower, meaning you will be surrounded by your perfume for longer. If that was bothersome in the summer it is now desirable when the weather is cool and your more delicate scents feel insignificant.
For those of you wanting to explore ways to expand the potential of your existing fragrance wardrobe I have analyzed a good bit of ways in my article on Fragrantica: Falling into Fall Patterns.
For those who want to see my personal choices for this autumn season here's a brief "looking forward to" (as the temperatures haven't dropped enough yet) I have compiled.
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A VERY PERSONAL PERFUME SELECTION OF 12 SCENTS FOR EARLY FALL
NB. All linked names open up fragrance reviews.
Bottega Veneta eau de parfum
Almost a modern classic. This fruity leathery fragrance possesses the classiness of yesterdays with the contemporary edge of a modern seductress. My newish bottle is also the gift of a very dear friend.
Bvlgari Black (original)
For years I have loved this rubbery smoky vanilla by Italian jeweller Bulgari with the passion it justly deserves but have worn it sparingly. Now that they have substituted it with a different men's scent by the same name it gains a twisted nuance; "what is it you're wearing?" Try and guess dude.
Dame Perfumery Dark Horse
A player if I ever saw any in liquid form! Rich and addictive but also fresh and charming. A study in contrasts.
Diorling (2000s re-issue)
The finest leather scent this side of Doblis (Hermes) and one that is ineffably sharper without cutting anyone's skin. Though this is also good in summertime alongside my beloved Bandit (Piguet) or Etro Gomma I have not worn this one in what seems like ages. Life is short and I should remedy this misstep.
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Guerlain Mitsouko (mostly vintage Eau de Toilette and Extrait)
The eroticism that shouldn't be erotic. There's just something to the way the previous sentence rings, isn't there? Explore Guerlain's classic Mitsouko (great deal HERE btw) if you want to find out just how this theorem works.
Neela Vermeire Creations Mohur extrait
Succulent florals with a gourmand touch are a difficult genre but perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour has created a masterpiece under the inspired guidance of Neela Vermeire. The entire line is highly worthwhile your time and investment actually.
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| via I just love leather gloves! |
Paco Rabanne La Nuit
Another leather fragrance and you might be discerning a pattern so far. If so you're not far off the truth. Although I like leathery smells in the summer too (because they cut through the humidity of it all) autumn weather is more fit for those with animalic notes. Slot taken by this discontinued vintage marvel.
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely eau de parfum
One needs something to fall back upon (no pun intended) for days when they can't be bothered to think about stuff; when they're already overwhelmed. I was reminded of this light musk fragrance with abstract florals due to another dear friend and I think I'll finish off my bottle this year (and probably replenish).
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Serge Lutens Boxeuses
The niche interpretation of the above mentioned Bottega Veneta edp recipe (samples available for the latter HERE). So good and so beautiful in its stewed prunes hue that I want to bathe in it.
Serge Lutens Vitriol d'Oeillet
A rather recent acquisition of a frarance bottle and just the right dose of piquant spiciness of cloves to render this floral an intriguing companion to quiet nights.
The Body Shop Red Musk
A whiff of pipe tobacco and dried apricots smell remnants on a beloved's dressing gown is an image I can take to bed and get very pleasant dreams.
Tom Ford Prive Santal Blush
One of the silkiest sandalwoods in modern production and that says it all. It's not anything like you expect and should fit a multitude of lifestyles and skins. Men's as well as women's.
So I'll have these in rotation for the beginning of autumn it seems. I might enrich with orientals and more chypres as time goes on so I'll update mid-fall.
What are YOU looking forward to wearing this season? Share it in the comments below the article.
Related reading on Perfume Shrine:
Trick or Treat: Top Fall Fragrances
Falling in Love: Scents and Treats for Autumn
Matching Perfume to Fall's Trendiest Fashions
Perfume Primers: Chypre Fragrances for Newbies
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Where I live now, much of autumn is like an extended "Indian summer", a phrase from my New England childhood referring to the warm sunny days with clear blue skies and cool nights that mark the start of fall. In New England, those usually come in September and last for only a couple of weeks. In the Southeast, they can start in mid-September and go well into November, with the occasional rose still blooming at Thanksgiving. This fall, I think I'll be wearing a lot of Jean Patou's "L'Heure Attendue"which has recently won my heart: https://scentsandsensibilities.co/2017/08/25/fragrance-friday-total-eclipse-of-the-sun/. Its sunny opening, floral heart and warm drydown will suit the kind of autumn we have.
ReplyDeleteWe're not much different in that the sunny skies do extend for a long time with some showers in mid-fall and very mild temps till early November.
DeleteI do recall L'Heure Attendue from the Patou re-issues in the 1980s by J.Kerleo. They had the most impressive line-up and each and every one of them was worth a shot!
http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2008/06/patou-ma-collection-part-6.html
Thank for mentioning it. It's definitely something along with a total eclipse worth seeing/testing for one's self!
oh, yes, "mitsouko" always gets rotated to the front in late summer and through autumn. a quintessential autumnal scent for me...
ReplyDeletestill wearing my chypres, as it's still hot and humid here, but sometimes adding an incense perfume at night.
i like bottega veneta's edp, and i like "dark horse" also. need to try "boxeuses", it keeps coming up as one i might like.
later in autumn, when it's cooled for good, i like to wear vintage "opium" and "shalimar". and "baiser du dragon" from late autumn and all winter long.
also le labo's "belle du soir", "replique", and "safari" i find good for the transitional time which is still quite warm, but just feels heading into autumn.
Lovely choices and no wonder Mitsouko is quintessential for this changing threshold of seasons. It's mostly having to do with the longing for golden ripeness I think. Other chypres are cooler and more cerebral but Mitsouko is more sensuous while still quite smart too.
DeleteIt seems like our tastes overlap quite a bit (even the later fall options) and I do suggest you try out the Boxeuses at some point; it's very enticing with a fruity leather tonality that is both luxurious and sophisticated without being aloof. I bet it'd suit you just fine!
I love wearing Laudano Nero, Bottega Veneta and Ambre Precioux. Perfect for cooler days!
ReplyDeleteOh yes Ambre Precieux is great. I intent to wear that later on in the autumn to winter cusp.
DeleteLaudano Nero I don't know but it sure sounds good!
[I was quick to hit enter.]
DeletePlease describe LN a bit! Pretty please? :)