At the Moment: October 2026

 

photo borrowed via pinterest

It seems like it's been ages since I last compiled an AT THE MOMENT post. Indeed it has. Wow how time flies. Without further ado my current list of things occupying my everyday these past few days and weeks. Share your current obsessions, hobbies and tricks in the comments section below the post. 

[This post contains a few select Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links I might make a tiny commission to upkeep this blog.]

READING

I started Labyrinth, The Art of Decision Making by Pawel Motyl, a modern classic which takes a seemingly self-help title and addresses historical moments when the decision making made or ruined major sociopolitical events. Motyl digs into the series of decisions that led to some of the modern world’s most dramatic events: from the Cuban missile crisis to the 1996 Mount Everest climbing disaster; from the Apollo 13 rescue mission to the ill-fated Daimler–Chrysler merger. Along the way, he reveals 16 rules for effective decision-making that will challenge pre-existing beliefs, and change one's outlook forever.

 

It is a fascinating read, and I admit I picked it up knowing I am inept at decision making, so it is essentially eye-opening to see history in the making AND grasp how too much hesitation is just as bad a decision as any.  which you can find HERE for Kindle and tablets. 

WEARING

It's been rather hot in Athens these past few weeks, nothing really bad, but not quite autumnal either, minus the occasional rain. Therefore I have again resorted to my very light windbreaker jackets for rain deterance mostly; generally more flimsy than a trench coat, easier to carry in arm if bothersome. This style by SaphiRose is especially becoming, and the light color gives a visual jolt, instead of the dreary greiges. It also doesn't contain harmful chemicals, as per the requirements of the maker. 

borrowed via 

PLAYING WITH

I have long held the view that makeup is playthings for grown girls and I'm sure lots of women the world over agree with me. The influx of happily faced women painting their faces a million ways possible and having fun starting anew every day on a gazillion of channels and reels proves that I'm right. And of course that's nothing new I'm saying. Therefore, recognizing that in difficult time we play with war paint -see what I did there- I'm currently enthused with the KIKO MILANO long-lasting eyeshadow sticks. Back when I was way younger I used to snub eyeshadow sticks and shadows-built-into-pencils; maybe because I have witnessed many middle-aged women using them. Who knows. Now that I'm a middle-aged women myself I found a newly minted appreciation for them. These are beautiful, softly shimmery when you need it and provided your eyelids are not crepey -thankfully mine are not- and in tenacious shades of a 24-hour duration. Not that you'd keep them on your eyes that long, but you know what I mean. I especially like Slate Grey which makes a contrast with my cool-shaded brown eyes. The next shade to try is Golden Taupe 38 which, judging by the Pinterest photos, looks really a-ma-zing...

RESEARCHING

Deep into the archives of antiquity the plethora of information on perfuming and scenting objects are fascinating to follow. Hopefully this will become the subject of an article with practical purposes. More to come and my lips are sealed. 

In the interim I'm writing a dedicated article for Fragrantica on Colombian perfumery. Not the historical period as in pre-Colombian, but of the country. Exciting things to come. 

At the Moment: January 2025

 It's been ages since I submitted an At the Moment column, but I've been meaning to refresh this as a mental exercise in much needed times. So without further ado, some of my recent obsessions. Share yours too (whichever you want) in the comments below!

via pinterest

READING

In the troubled times we're living in there is a precarious balance to keep between being flummoxed by doom scrolling and detaching one's self from the ongoing societal and political process. I try to tread carefully. 

I have revisited some books like Erotica by Anais Nin, always a safe space in times of world crisis, and Serotonin by Michel Houellebecq, its diurnal direct opposite.
In my bucket list for January there are some waiting for me to catch a few uninterrupted hours to finish or to begin, including Sarah Bernand by Françoise Sagan and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. 

SCENTING

This past fall I had been wearing (and testing) a roaster of fragrances niche and mainstream, with an emphasis on diversifying and appreciating nuance. 

I chose Ambre Royal by Ormonde Jayne, first. Variations on a theme, like Bach's motif that unfolds from gavotte and sarabande to passacaglia and from there to fugue, are in no other "note" more numerous than in amber. The so-called ambergris or amber. Whatever anyone means (and it doesn't really matter to break it down technically at this point), the traditional recipe of the 19th century characterizes a whole class of perfumes named amber, ambre, ambra... In this case, with Ormonde Jayne's Ambre Royal, we have a solid construction with attractive warm powders and a salty nuance coming from the ocean. 

L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain in Eau de Toilette is another choice. I personally find L'Heure Bleue to be a quiet, soft fragrance, almost shy and dreamy, with a bittersweet air that is not exactly stereotypical in particular (though it certainly does not resemble the sweetness of modern women's perfumes on the shelves) with plenty of powdery fluffy heliotrope. Some scents in this genre are reminiscent of cherry pie or even powdered lilac, but not L'Heure Bleue. 

Dionysian Orgy, the fragrance by The Greek Perfumer, is similarly inviting to a painting by Caravaggio with a youth savoring a goblet of wine amidst a luscious dinner party. The composition is fruity-ambery with spicy accents that have a succulent effect. The ambience of the classic recipe for the mellis accord, which accounts for spicy oriental formulas, is present at the very heart; it evokes the best part of Cinnabar, Opium, and Youth Dew. And last but not least, 

Putain de Palaces by Etat Libre d' Orange. Spare a thought for those who expect a "whore's perfume" to be rich in heavy, oriental notes full of hints and animal scents that refer to instincts. They will be quite surprised. We are dealing with a clear descendant of the Tresor skeleton, the classic, with-a-décolleté accord of rose, fluffy peach, and synthetic notes of violets and clean musk - which is perfectly in line with the choice of this particular perfume as the scent of strippers in posh clubs of other decades. Something strong, something clean, something ladylike, so as to not rouse suspicions in the minds of the clients' wives upon their return home. The fragrance is a bit powdery in the general sense of cosmetic products (lipstick, face make-up)  

For the holidays 2024-2025 I drenched myself with the spectacularly chic Splendida Iris d' Or by Bvlgari, a precious gift from a friend. It is the recalibration of their criminally discontinued Bvlgari pour Femme and feels like the softest pashmina shawl on the shoulders and decolletage. 

I will devote a separate post on my newer scented discoveries to usher forth 2025, but feel free to add yours.

Brooke Shields via pinterest

STYLING

I pledge conscious fashion choices for my 2025 bucket list. Not sure it will always be a choice that can be materialised, since it requires more time and distance spent than I'm usually willing to devote, but we have globally arrived at a time when every little thing matters. I intend to recycle some of my older clothes into newer schemes and styling and update with great quality accessories as always. Heirlooms, silk scarves, and actual leather handbags that have withstood the floods of time need not be crushed at the back of the closet. 

LISTENING

I discovered La Chapelle Musique during the holidays thanks to their Noel recordings and was charmed. Here they are for your inspection (and they have lots of material on their channel). 

BEAUTIFYING

via pinterest Behance rough beauties

 

I have increasingly been using just liquid black liner on my lash line, plus a touch of mascara on my upper lashes, and substituted posh brands for high-street alternatives for the products to do the job. My current duo is Calligraph Pro Matt Liner Waterproof by Catrice and The False Lashes Mascara by Essence. They perform great, staying put until I take them off myself and apart from not budging they also not sting in the eyes. 

On the contrary I have been using posh lipsticks on my lips and intend to continue doing so this year. The Tom Ford lipsticks may suffer from a somewhat vulgarised aesthetic, as is customary to the sex sells adage supporting some brands, but the quality is unquestionable. They melt like butter on the lips when applying, stay nicely put for the most part, and when fading leave a nice stain, plus they come in a wide array of colours which please my artistic eye and warm the cockles of my little heart. The shade 04 Aphrodite with the alluring name is a favourite, in the Lip Color Sheer collection. It's a nice mid-plum, mid-rose shade that contrary to what's advertised doesn't let the natural hue of the lips shine through (and therefore reads warmer than my own set) and leaves a satiny finish. Perfect for everyday as well as dressier occasions, exactly because two glides provide much pigment. The odd thing is it's 55$ in the USA according to Temptalia and 61 euros in the local retail market, more expensive than any other brand, which makes me wonder how physical stores intend to stay open in the long term! But I digress... 

I'm also currently in search of a great blurring primer that can be worn alone over sunscreen in the cooler months and in the warmer springtime ahead. I like soft and satiny things rather than all glam gloss glass skin. Any suggestions? Thanks for your input. 

May 2025 bring many more pleasurable things on!

At the moment: December 2021

 It's been almost two years since my last At the Moment post. Whew, what a realization. These past two years with the pandemic have taken a toll on everyone I suppose. It was productive for me, though I understand it's not the same for all. 

So please do share your own At the Moment snapshots in the comments, if you like. 

 illustration by Jordi Labanda, via pinterest

WRITING

I recently finished writing the perfume part to a small perfume & poetry booklet masterminded by Manos Gerakinis, called MG Connections; it features poetry by Christos Koukis. It's going to be published soon, will keep you posted. 

I'm currently writing for a high-profile digital publisher in Greek and we have exciting plans together. More to come!

 READING

It has been many, many years since I first read 1984, but the pandemic inspired me to take another look. It strikes me as rather ironic that the book is being interpreted both ways, by either part of the political fence. It just goes to show you how "newspeak" is a real thing. 

My other companion at the bedside table is The Templars and the Asasins:The Militia of Heaven by James Wasserman, which made an appearance here. It's a history book about the two battalions of the churches of Christianity and Islam respectively. In it the writer provides evidence about the interaction of the Knights Templar and the Assassins in the Holy Land, which helped transform the former into an occult society. 

SCENTING  

I'm discovering all the things I missed during the quarantine months and revisiting older staples. I noted down The Inimitable Mr. Penhaligon's (linked review -nice but not groundbreaking at all), Imperial Amber by Graham & Pott (linked review-very nice, very smooth oudh scent), and the very new Woudacieux Haute Parfumerie brand with its high ratio of naturals in the blends. 

New discoveries of older stuff include the morning fresh Eau d'Ivoire by Balmain (review), Dolce & Gabbana red cap for women (review & history), Halston classic (review & TV show reference analysis), and photographing my beautiful Guerlain perfume bottles. They do look lovely to my eye, I must confess.   photo by Elena Vosnaki
STYLING

Lately I became obsessed anew with long silk scarves to be worn round the neck. My collection already comprises many in vivid shades of celadon, Hermes orange, fuschia, bright green, icy blue and fluffy ivory,some with motifs, some plain. And I intend to continue wearing them and collecting them in the coming months (my Christmas wish list already has one in it). They give me a sense of comfort, seclusion and snuggly protection, which is great for the winter months as well as for the uncertain times we're living in. 

 

LISTENING

J.S.Bach is a perennial favorite for mental work, it sort of organizes the brain to function optimally I think. St.Matthew Passion, BWV244  is currently at the desktop playing. Magdalena  Kozená's rendition of Erbarme dich, mein Got, set to images from Tarkovsky films, is chilling.

 

Please let me know your own personal highlights at this moment.

At the moment: December 2019

It's been a loooooooong while I last wrote an At The Moment post. There's a reason. I have had my plate full. Rather too full for my own sake. But I think it's time to stop aside and smell the roses and organize things a bit, before the grand organizing of the upcoming "new year's resolutions". This way, by reflecting on what occupies my thoughts, I can better foresee what needs to be adjusted hopefully. You're of course welcome to share your own thoughts and plans in the comments!

via

But first let me digress with a small heart-felt "so long" to one of the people on the Net with whom I felt close to, even though we had never met in the flesh. 
Gaia, the Non Blonde, is no longer with us, due to a sudden heart emergency this past November...My heart sank when I heard the news. So young, so lovely, so loved...
Gaia Fishler,  like her name probably foreshadowed, was a wonderful human being, a woman of genuine glamour and great taste, perfume and otherwise, and a beacon of truthfulness on the internet; a quality which became all the more appreciated in the tsunami of influencers that followed. There was no makeup and grooming advice I didn't take from her religiously; she was meticulous in her search and practical in her pursuits. Her demise is most unfortunate and she will be sorely missed. My glass is raised in loving and respectful memory. 


And there you go. More mundane and practical stuff follows. You've been warned.

READING

The Balkans are a very complicated geopolitical region, a crossroads in Europe. Mark Mazower is the historian to turn to, and his The Balkans: A Short History is my go-to when addressing those issues.
And in a desperate effort to declutter (my library, as well as my house and my life) I turn to Marie Kondo's infamous book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy. Let's see; will it cure my unstoppable accumulation habits? I'll faithfully report back!

via (Condo's not mine, but a girl can dream, can't she?)

WRITING

Among the things I wrote lately are two articles on fragrance ingredients interweaving into producing something different than expected (Fragrance Maturation, How Does it Work?) and whether tester bottles really do contain different juice than actual merchandise (the short answer is no).
The section of my articles in Greek is also growing strongly, check it out on THIS LINK.
Furthermore I'm hoping to organise my thoughts better during the holiday season and start writing my secret project in earnest. You'll be duly notified. ;)

SCENTING

Revisiting some good ol' designer fragrances (which can be equal to niche sometimes) and pondering on which masculine fragrances set my heart aflutter. (great gift options, mmm, I'm looking at you baby).
Starting to wear the Vetiver Oriental bottle I bought in the early fall in anticipation of cooler days. The scent of Lutens' Vetiver itself is perfect for wet weather.  I also want to wear Cuir Intense by Guerlain, an exclusive perfume circulating at the boutique circuit.
Discovering Max Factor's Blasé eau de toilette, as well, thanks to the scented fairy. I'm also getting the Habanita out for those longer winter nights...

STYLING

Unusually warm and wet weather means that gabardine trench coats and light jackets get maximum wear. A soft wrap in cashmere wool suffices for neck warmth and cool draughts. I like this fringed one in eggplant.

via

GROOMING

Thanks to a fellow perfume enthusiast I discovered the merits of Nyx Professional Doll Eye Mascara in the Lengthening formula (there's a Volumising too, but I think that defeats the purpose, doesn't it?). It does make for dolly eyes, so very pretty and fanned out it hurts. Individually separated and nicely smooth without smudging. It washes off easily too, a big plus as I don't like tugging at my delicate hairs.

EATING & DRINKING

It's the season for those delicious spicy honey-dipped cookies with the sprinkled walnuts and cinnamon on top, melomakarona; they're looming out everywhere (yup, even in your corner of the world, I'm telling you, they're everywhere!), beckoning us to bite, and I'm dreading the scales! But if you're braver than me, here's a recipe for you.


LISTENING

In my quest for soundtracks I revisited a cult movie from 1982, based on a cult comic book, that more or less "made" Arnold Swatzenegger the star that he became. Before the demystifying I suppose.  No matter, the music by Basil Poledouris is sublime.

At the Moment

It looks like contrary to what Humphrey Bogart said we won't always have Paris after all. For a Europhile to the core like myself this is a heavy blow. Alas it tinges my thoughts but I'm sure many will agree.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and current activities/favorites in the comments section just below this post.

Thinking

The At the Moment column is usually a way of distraction via description but this little bit lately is resisting distraction. It's hard to avoid thinking what comes next after the 23/11 terrorist attacks in the heart of Europe. Paris has long seemed like the stronghold of peaceful discource between opposing cultures though I'm sure the banlieux have been having their own share of "civil war" from time to time. It's shocking to hear the news and the escalation involving even more countries. I'm crossing fingers and toes and wish I had as many arms as the goddess Kali to be able to wish the terrors away.

Reading

Perhaps not unjustly my thoughts ran to Virginia Woolf and her Thoughts on Peace in an Air Raid. Just finished Letter to a Young Poet though which had been a long while in waiting. Her essay on poetry is most enjoyable to read and think about. Especially when she intones how poetry (life really) should get out of the autistic self and unto the others. (And yes I do get the irony of saying that just as I'm writing about my own self and what occupies me on this post). Next I'm planning on getting an education on the Marvel classics.


Wearing

We've been having the warmest November I can recollect. A light jacket is plenty and I often find myself removing it at noon! I'm on a steady diet of pashminas over lightweight cotton sweaters and long-sleeved T-shirts with blanket scarves. I do lack an animal printed one (so hot this season) and this one from Asos seems to fit the bill.
I'm aching for some cold though I know many will be thinking of the increased cost in central heating. As it is we have not used central heating yet.

I also need a new evening clutch. This Colette frame clutch by Hobo in shade frost ticks two trend boxes in one: fringe and grey. It also looks roomy enough to hold a wallet and keys plus a cell phone.


Perfuming

I've been wearing neglected Orientals lately (and will be devoting a post to my favorite ones soon).
One of them I will whet your appetite with is Cinema eau de parfum by Yves Saint Laurent. Who would have thought back in 2004 that this mimosa and almond floriental would seem almost austere compared with the tsunami of sweet vanillic things to follow?

Listening

Maybe because of Paris I'm revisiting Barbara. I'm especially touched by this song of hers Sans Bagages.

And I'm leaving you with a Greek song by Cretan musician Yannis Haroulis: Άιντε και Ξέχασα.
(And hey I've forgotten)

A black stone rolled and woke life up
and we're escaping from closed windows like the shadows
and all we never dared do we throw to the fire
to warm up our dreams our hands our hugs.

At the Moment

The end of August signals both the end of summer vacation "in vivo" (because the in vitro experimentation continues) and the anticipation of autumn. Therefore expectations and feelings are quite mixed, though the first days of September invariably put a spring to my step. Here are some of the things I do, think, use these days; more to come come September when all the exciting things launch. Please share yours in the comments!

Wearing 

I'm on a strict T-shirt diet. They're plain with no fussy details, they have a scooped neck and quite short sleeves for maximum coolness and they come in a wide array of cool colors: aqua, salmon pink,  fuschia, canary yellow, white of course, emerald green, Prussian blue...They've been a god-sent during the hot days of August. and they go with everything.

Putting an impressive bib-necklace on top is enough to make an outfit. This one I've worn a heck of a lot of. It looks ultra cool up close since it's glazed and looks like liquid glass is overlaid over the snake print. Lots of compliments on it.

 

I intend to follow through with this practical fashion trick during the cooler autumn days opting for thin jumpers with long sleeves.  

Reading 

Derrida, Between the Blinds. It's anyone's guess why I chose to read this in English and not its original French or in a Greek translation (oh wait, probably because there is no Greek translation of this one AFAIK). I found it on Amazon and it looks intimidating enough to keep people off my back during commutes. I might even learn a few things!  :-D

Listening

I discovered the Montreal Guitar Trio and the California Guitar Trio just a little while ago. Here they perform one of my favorites (on many levels) from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (originally by Ennio Morricone)/Reel Matawa (by Richard Matawa) at Montreal in 2009.

Sniffing 

Acqua di Parma Colonia Ambra 

A gorgeous interpretation of ambergris (and woody notes) mixed into the structure of classic Cologne. It doesn't smell citrusy though, instead it smells like a stranger you want to jump his bones. It's unisex and very appealing packaged too. Review to follow.  

Narciso Rodriguez L'Absolu For Her 

Another variation in the endless variety of NR perfumes, this one takes the familiar musk core and injects a healthy dose of jasmine and tuberose. It feels the way it sounds and will have Rodriguez fans perking up their ears this autumn I bet.  

Prada Infusion d'Amande As soft and purring as a kitten by the fire, this once limited edition has made a re-appearance. With come-hinter tonka bean, velevty heliotrope and bittersweet almonds, it's a great transition into the soft textures of the fashions for Fall 2015.

Preening

I'm testing out a new thing for the following months: a copper plum eyeshadow. I'm using Oriflame Copper Plum eyeshadow (these are singles and inexpensive so experimenting comes cheap). This is the effect I'm aiming at, surrounded and deepened by a little greyish taupe in the crease. Isn't it pretty? 

And now on to you. What are you doing at the moment?

At The Moment

Oddly enough June hasn't yet scorched us like I expected, which is a good thing. Dipping my body in the sea for prolonged stretches of time is of course a remedy of the first magnitude, a true baptism.
So far so good, nevertheless, so I am sharing with you some of my latest discoveries and treats. And please feel free to share yours too, in the comments below the post!

via

Wearing

Remember how we used to knot the edge of our baggy T-shirts back in the 80s to imitate our pop idols? It seems like there's a ready made solution out there to have the look without the fuss. This Asos slouchy top with twisty front gave me a good jolt of recollection and made me smile. It also goes with everything.

via Asos.com

I also wear a straw fedora for days spent in the sun or when out and about in the city. (Don't look at me that way. We have to wear sunglasses in the wintertime as well, in Athens.)
This one by David Young, found on Nordstorm, is perfect.



Reading

Nabokov's Speak Memory, a stylized autobiography. It's not only the language that is marvelous, it's the merging of cultures in a complex childhood which leaps off the page.


Beautifying

Latest discovery has been that elusive perfect sunscreen (at least for now, don't know about next year): photo-stable, very high protection (SPF60), mostly mineral filters to reduce inflammation, waterproof to withstand sweat, light tint to avoid the Casper look, smooth texture, no irritating or pore-blocking ingredients. It's Filteray Face SPF 60 Tinted Cream by Coverderm in shade Light Beige.

On my nails and toenails I'm sporting this gorgeous fuchsia-pink nail polish, shade Watermelon (#31456) from Oriflame's seasonal The One collection.


Listening

I have occupied myself with covers these days.
Trifono (aka, "3 voices" in Greek) hereby sing, almost completely a capella, a classic Greek song by Mikis Theodorakis in a quite memorable way.

And I still think that AHA's (remember them?) rendition of the golden standard of the Everly Brothers is very very good indeed.

Perfuming

I've been wearing a hell of a lot my Antaeus (Chanel) and Gomma (Etro) lately. The onset of heat usually means I bring out these leathers and the fang-like acid green chypres. Bandit eau de parfum by Piguet is the logical bridge between the two and that gets a lot of mileage as well.

via 

Eating and Drinking

Addicted to cornichons (what the British call gherkins I believe) which I put into everything, notably potato salad and salmon sandwiches. (Love the spice-blend brine!).
I'm also drinking iced cider for a spike of fruity freshness and enjoy the sunny togetherness too!

What are you enjoying at the moment? 
Please share in the comments!

At the Moment

Though the time for lists is withheld for next week, counting down the minutes to the New Year, I sat and mentally checked all the things which are brightening these few days of rest and play. Enjoy and share yours with me as well. I'd love to read them when everyone is asleep and place is quiet.

Perfuming
This Christmas I'm scenting my home with the Silver Gems candle by Acqua di Parma: the spicy oriental fragrance is a complex melange of bergamot, orange, davana, plum, amber, vanilla, patchouli and cedarwood. It's scrumptious!
I'm also bringing out the sumptuous Guerlain perfumes, such as Attrape Coeur and Vol de Nuit, and of course my vintage Caron's Nuit de Noel (Christmas Eve, how appropriate). If not now, then when?

Reading
Just started Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects and re-reading Philosophy in the Boudoir, even though contrary to the Marquis' advice I have no daughter. I have put this little tome by Randall Munroe and Society of the Spectacle on my wish list in the meantime for January.

Traditional folk carols from Thrace, sung above in the clip by Chronis Aidonidis

Listening
To Chopin's Etudes as interpreted by Pollini, one of my favorite pianists. And Greek Christmas carols, naturally.


Watching
Reruns of Frozen. It's a favorite in our house, what can I say! On a more personal level, not a very festive choice, but I'm catching up (belatedly, I know) House of Cards. And have tucked the original UK series for comparison's sake in my stocking...

Cooking
I have posted in the past several festive and wintery recipes I like to make, from Pork Care with Dried Apricots and Prunes to the classic Italian Pannetone all the way through Making Your Own Rich Vanilla Extract. And of course the iconic Greek melomakarona honey cookies! Apart from the latter calorie-bombs (which have already been consumed in our house, I'm afraid!), this year I am making Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts, Chestnuts and Sultana Raisins. It's very tasty, goes well with any meat course and is super easy to make: you just simmer the nuts and fruit in a spoonful of olive oil in a big pot for 4 minutes, then add the raw rice and as much water as required, plus salt to taste.
Bon appetit!

Wearing
This is my party dress. The fitted bodice and pleated skirt make it easy to navigate, the boat neck is great to show off my citrine and gold chandellier earrings, above (apparently so now!).

Makeup
I have said it before, I will say it again. The Transatlantique Collection 2014 by Dior hid a precious gem. Well, it didn't exactly hid it, it was in plain sight amidst the other more "pedestrian" color choices, but still the limited edition detail bugged me enough to delay in getting the coveted item. Mayday #651 lipstick is a g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s red with a raspberry undertone which should fit any skin with a hint of pink or neutral undertones. My go-to choice for Christmas day! And if you want to match perfume to your lipstick, here are some ideas.


Please share in the comments what you're doing these days. 
And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the winner(s) of the grand prize by Tijon! (There's still time to enter a story on this link, if you haven't yet, to be eligible).
We will be having the year's roundup Best next Monday.

At the Moment

The numinous super-moon of last Monday has literally turned the leaf on September's notebook, serein falling gently on the dry, thirsty leaves for a few evenings in a row. This is an optimistic period for me, the academic year starting always has my spirits up. So sharing some of my current preoccupations might be inspiring. I certainly desire to hear all about yours in the comments!

via

• Cosmetic finds

Early autumn is hair restoration time because, let's face it, Greek summer can be brutal to one's hair: scorching sun, beach lifestyle, salty wind, lots of sweat, lots of washing, they all take their toll.  The latest product I tried and can rave about is Dry Solution Moisturizing Mask by Honor Haircare; a thickish unguent in a greyish cream shade that's meant to be used after shampooing and rinsed after a few minutes. It leaves hair pliable and -bonus points!- very tame and silky (but not greasy) in the high humidity of early September; absolutely no frizz, a small miracle by my standards (Is the saffllower oil the "culprit" for this? I might buy a gallon or two if so. It takes all but a dollop to work, so it's also rather good value for money. The odd part on this particular blog's scope is probably the scent: the sweet (yummy, like honeyed jasmine) smell remains on hair for quite some time. If you fear it might clash with your perfume, I think you're safe unless you're wearing a very strident scent or an already too sweet one; but it's a consideration worth keeping in mind. Thumbs up for the results at any rate.

I have continued my love affair with Christian Dior's Mayday lipstick from the Transtlantic cruise collection from spring. It's the perfect subtly raspberry leaning red for all seasons. Thanks Dorthea and Gaia for the hearty recommendations; that's a purchase I shall not regret.

via

• Home interests

The cocooning season is beginning and I'm ambivalent on it on two counts: for one, too much home time means less movement, more food and that's bad for the waistline (I have decided to keep any summer shed pounds off for good); reason number two, it's so much cozier to not be on the run all the time and having the luxury of preparing a long meal or just lounging in one's homewear.
I'm eyeing a Le Creuset skillet for preparing a mean steak even in the gloom of late November and preparing the last late summer tomatoes into a mean salsa to be kept for wintertime. I'm also equipping my bed with a high count, pure cotton, double hemstitch sheet set in burgundy for the restful nights I deserve.

• Musical Company

I rediscovered Tchaikovsky's The Seasons. The celebrated "June" (Barcarolle) is playing on my computer as I'm writing this. I remember it fondly from my childhood, mainly from the soundtrack of Jean Jacques Annaud directed L'Ours (1988), a film bathed in its singular emotion. Mikhail Pletnev's interpretation is particularly moving, I find, the slightly lento fingering redolent of melancholia.

• Intellectual pursuits

I've just got  Françoise Sagan's play Château en Suède, which sounds like a soap opera turned into a book but is really not. I'm also following Histories of Cultural Materialism, in particular Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard. Margaret Atwood's the Handmaid Tale came highly recommended as a 'young read' from someone I respect and I'm going to give it a shot (anyone read this?)

• Fashion must-haves

A pair of new ankle boots to replace my tattered ones is priority number one. Cuban heel, smooth kid's leather, comfortable seams and a semi-rounded instep. In black or in burgundy if I can find them. I'm browsing Asos and La Redoute for various designs, so much selection around!

via

• Perfume Testing & Loving

Right admist the latest The Different Company scent, Une Nuit Magnetie, opinion to follow as soon as I have formed one. Contemplating whether more Le Labo Gaiac 10 (Tokyo exclusive) can be fitted into my stash and budget. Giving Cuir 28 (Le Labo Dubai exclusive) another run for its money and rather liking its odd ups and downs (and the vaguely familiar vibe, more on which later on).
Serge Lutens L'Orpheline is my latest obsession (in love with its spicy, musky, quiet melancholy) and I'm using up Chanel 31 Rue Cambon Les Exclusifs fragrance like there's no tomorrow!


Tell me all about your (re)discoveries in the comments!

At The Moment

Anticipating the crisp air of the mornings to come and the extinguishing of mosquitos with the first rainstorm of the coming autumn is my greatest mental past-time these days. Yet with the academic year rolling anew, my spirit soars and a flush of energy rushes over me, every year like clockwork. Below you can find a few the things that caught my interest. I'd love to hear about yours in the comments!

Reading
Sartre's Sink by Marc Crick: A DIY book about fixing things around the house viewed through the prism of great literary figures. Makes one want to open a pack of Gitanes (and I don't even smoke!) and contemplate "to be or not to be" about kitchen sinks. The companion books Machiavelli's Lawn and Kafka's Soup are next in line.



Listening
Danceries de la Renaissance by Collegium Aureum. Lively dance tunes to put a spring in your step when going about your business.

Eating
Tons of figs with gorgonzola cheese. I'll probably get both high cholesterol and blood sugar before fig season is over, but it's SO EFFING GOOD.

Dressing
Itching to get out the riding boots and get a new candy-coloured cashmere sweater or two, but for the time being I'm still mostly in summer clothes with the occasional pashmina or light jacket over my shoulders for evening and opting for ballerinas instead of sandals. (OK, the pic above could be me right now, minus the coat and plus about 15 lbs)


Beauty-Making
Seduced by the Ecrin Coleur eyeshadows by Guerlain: that's my kind of makeup. I also want to add Shiseido Salon RD305, a cool red but casual lipstick, to my collection. Since dark berry stains are also very much en vogue for fal 2013l, I'll be using my trusty Black Honey by Clinique with a vengeance.

Pet Peeve
News, broadcasted. There's so much manipulation of news that one never knows who is behind anything. Reading the Net is one solution, but there's so much material out there, it's not always feasible to have a spherical understanding.

Guilty Pleasure
Organizing paper clips, pencils, erasers, markers, stacks of papers etc. "Hold your horses, I'm busy organizing" I scream when interrupted from benevolent forces within the house.

At the Moment

The establishing of spring in my city has been spectacular, with the bigaradier trees already shedding some of their fully ripe, fully fragrant orange blossoms, bees and butterflies doing the crazy mambo and sun warmth reaching 22C at noon effortlessly. This has created an especially optimistic and energized mood in me, as happens every spring like clockwork. The joys of living in a warm place, I guess.
I feel like I should lift the carpets, put flowers in my hair and go through my closets to bring warm weather clothes & accessories at the front and give away to charity anything that doesn't get the tender loving use it deserves (which if you know the bulk of things I accumulate -hanging head in shame- you'd know it's an Herculean task).

Source: honeykennedy.com via PerfumeShrine on Pinterest  And yes, this is Bettie Davis actually!

So what rocks my boat or -at the very least- occupies these days?

Book
I'm reading The Perfume Collector by Cathleen Tessaro (the one who wrote Elegance some years ago, following the journey of a heroine who discovers Madame Dariaux's guide to elegance and ends up discovering herself); a chick-lit opus (which I was sent for your sake) about another heroine who re-invents herself, this time with perfume peppering. Review coming up.

Music
The Marin Marais viola da gamba-highlighting Baroque piece La Sonnerie de Sainte Geneviève du Mont-de-Paris (which lovingly replicates bells happily pealing) is playing on Repeat. There's something very spring-like in it, though I generally love the music of the period.

Food
I had tried the Gourmet vegetable variety mix from Lidl sometime in the autumn and recall being impressed by just how tasty it is; without adding anything more than a little heat, it has a meaty, onion-y richness. A great quick side dish with fresh sea bass, with meat cuts or a great basis for a healthy spring soup.

Skincare
I've started using again the Shiseido Sun Compact SPF34 PA+++ (I told you it's sunny!). For now the SP40 shade looks good as these run lighter than initially showing, the sun protection is sanctioned by the Skin Cancer Foundation and I know that the sweatproof feature will be VERY handy once late May hits with its 32C degrees.
Also taken anew with the scent of Mustela rash cream; orange blossoms and a hint of lilac. Mmm...

pic Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Jazmine on Pinterest

Makeup
I got a little obsessed with blue lately (hello 80s?). The Sephora Colorful Duo eyeshadows in 02 Intense Blue combine a deep, navy blue with slate grey with shimmer. Got mine at clearance for only 9 euros.

Hobbies
Trying to revisit my Italian which is getting rusty.

Guilty Pleasure
Browsing Pinterest. Actually forgetting to stop browsing Pinterest.

What are your current hits and misses? Share them in the comments.