Musings on Choosing.

     As I've mentioned before, when I "re-entered" the perfume realm I wasn't just looking for a fragrance that smelled good on me..... though thats obviously a real plus! I wanted ones that would work with me energetically. Just as one would use the color rays and/or musical notes for example. I want a fragrance that will act as an energetic talisman or amulet. One that will call in and hold a certain vibration and intent over a period of time.
   I'll inject my rant here: I soon realized that with store bought perfumes that was easier said than done! First hurdle was a rather upsetting fashion trend ~ lots of sweet fruit and notes like sugar cube and cotton candy. First response: Yuck!  Second response: What the HELL???  And it wasn't just at the five & dime level, there were some pricey high end frags that smelled like a candy store too. So what if the ingredients were of higher quality? Whether I'm paying twelve dollars or two hundred, I don't want to get cavities from my perfume!  Some of these could induce a diabetic coma, for crying out loud! I'm going to hazard a guess that these are at least partly in response to our youth obsessed society. Women, in particular, insecure about natural aging because of all the media images and hype.... looking for that magickal potion that will create an aura of youthfulness.   (I'll discuss the origins of the word 'glamour' in another post)
    And I usually give a fragrance three tries. I used to say always, but changed my mind after encountering a couple of perfumes that I will simple describe as "nasty as hell".
    OK, back to my original line of thought... When you're sampling fragrances you have quite a few things to consider in just the mundane physical sense. And it takes some time and experimentation. Samples are great because you can take them home and apply at least twice. Quick spritzes in-store will usually give you some idea of whether or not you actually want to persue further testing. First thing; does it match up with your body chemistry? Yeah, yeah, I know. I've heard that whole line about how it doesn't matter. Its bull crap. Body chemistry, skin Ph, hormones, you name it... they all affect how a fragrance will smell on YOUR SKIN. So will your diet. And the weather. Cold ~ hot. Dry ~ humid. And, oh yes, your MOOD. Some of which are hormonally induced, so.......there you go! Enough said.
    Then there are the ones that smell nice enough. People give you compliments when you wear it. But..... it just doesn't "do anything" for you! Or it feels really off balance somehow. Basically it means that the scent works with your skin, it just doesn't jibe with your energy bodies. Follow your instincts. Put it in the back of the wardrobe and plan on unearthing it sometime in the future or ditch it. Cautionary note: Time does change things. Might be you, might be the juice in the bottle. Might surprise you a few years down the road.   I'm just sayin'.
    These are just a few basic tips that I wanted to cover. I'm always finding out more things as I go along. What actually works and what definitely doesn't. Thats part of the fun! I'll be reaching back into my notebooks and bringing out some of my first "reviews". That ought to be funny! I had some pretty awful experiences along the way.  Oh! And another REALLY important tip ~ when you purchase or receive an older fragrance that hasn't been used.... spritz it outside, away from yourself, several times. Trust me on this!!!!! The liquid that is inside that little plastic tube can be truly foul! I know this from first hand experience. And I didn't figure out what was wrong the first couple of times. It can be bad... really, really BAD.
   
   
   
   
    
    
   

My Ruffles Arrived!!!

   Well, a very happy Spring Equinox to me!!! The postman brought me a package. And inside was the bottle of Ruffles EDT that I found for an affordable price on Ebay last week. I'm so excited!!! I didn't even have the bubble wrap off the bottle yet and I could smell this sweet exotic incense wafting up out of the box. This is one of those perfumes that I'm so glad to have back. (I'll search out an EDP next!) Could never figure out why they discontinued this luscious creature. Its ALL WOMAN!!! 
   Such a harmonious blend. The aldehydes are right there at the beginning, then it melts into this glorious floral garden with the hint of woods and vanilla. And yes, a bit of caramel. I still think theres a little oakmoss in there, hiding. And honey! Warmed by the sun and dripping onto the flower petals. Orange blossom and carnation rise to the surface on my skin. The civet in this is like a big, fat orange tabby cat..... resting in the sunlight. But then you realize he isn't sleeping. Hes been looking at you intently all along, just as he'd be looking at prey.  That touch of wildness is a fine thing in this composition. Sweet, earthy and the dry down is exquisite. She is just GLORIOUS!
    Can you guess that this is one of my all time favorites? hahaha

Ruffles by Oscar de la Renta        Floral    launched in 1983

Notes (gathered from various internet Fragrance sites)
    Top: Aldehydes, Orange blossom, Green notes, Fruity notes, Bergamot
    Heart: Carnation, Tuberose, Iris, Orchid, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, Lily of the Valley, Rose
    Base: Honey, Sandalwood, Musk, Civet, Vanilla, Caramel, Cedar                                

Live in Love by Oscar de la Renta

   Think I've found Spring in a bottle! The perfume doesn't just say it to me, it sings it. Its like a lullaby to soothe my harried mind. A gentle melody that very politely asks me to put down those mundane tasks I've set for myself ~ unfurrow my brow ~ and walk out into the garden. A place where sweet flowers scent the air and gentle tendrils of fragrance untangle my mind of worrisome thoughts. All the while proclaiming softly... Spring is coming!    This calls upon me to pause my daily activities and pay attention to the cycles of Nature. The flow of the Seasons. It whispers to me of glorious Spring!

    "Many eyes go through the meadow, but few see the flowers in it."
                                                                                         ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

    Live in Love by Oscar de la Renta is one of those perfumes that I am so glad I found! Its like a crisp Spring morning in a bottle. And its quite a nice bottle at that! I just love the attention to detail in its vintage-like design.   Both container and fragrance are classic and subtle. A soft, refined fragrance that can be worn to almost any occasion. The juice manages to be mature and sophisticated, yet still retains a youthfulness about it. But then, thats what Spring is all about!     
    

   Notes (gathered from various internet Fragrance sites)
    Top: Hyacinth, Muguet, Ginger orchid, Bergamot, Galbanum
    Heart: Sambac jasmine, Orangeblossom (or African Orange flower), Rose
    Base: Sandalwood, Amber, Virginia cedar, White woods, Musk