Splurge Item

Brand: Yves St. Laurent
Product: Opium
*Splurge Item

The eighties are back in a big, and not so good way. Shoulder pads and acid wash jeans abound. While I wish we could seal all this eighties gear in a time capsule for good, I fear it isn’t possible. Fashion is cyclical. What was old always becomes new again. Banana clips, boyfriend cardigans, etc. etc.

I can only hope that the resurfacing of eighties fashion means a resurfacing of bold eighties fragrances. Although Opium officially launched in 1977, it along with Obsession, Giorgio, and Poison define the eighties scent landscape for me. These powerhouse fragrances declined in popularity during the nineties when women began seeking “clean” scents, and I have long feared they would be discontinued. However, I’m encouraged by YSL’s redressing of their iconic Opium scent. The old, tacky rectangular bottle has been replaced by a sleeker sexier vessel more worthy of the sensuous and seductive scent within.

Sprayed sparingly, this is the sexiest juice out there, bar none. It’s what I imagine ancient beauties like Cleopatra and Helen of Troy wore. Laced with jasmine, bergamot, myrrh and amber, it really is fit for a queen. The spiciness could not compliment the winter chill any more. So, instead of buying a new frock for that holiday thing your attending, throw on that standby LBD, and spritz on some Opium instead. Opium is available in various sizes in both EPD and EDT. I recommend the one ounce EDT which retails for $50.

Visit YSL here.
Cut Costs Cuties!
Gemma

 
Brand: Christian Dior

Product: Escale a Pondichery (fragrance)
Splurge Item

Every summer it seems like I smell D&G’s Light Blue on every other woman that passes me by. It bores me. I get it, I really do. It’s fresh and citrusy and as refreshing as a lemon Italian Ice on a 90 degree day. The problem is that it’s been around for a while now, it is sold everywhere, and it has spawned more than several knockoffs and smell-a-likes. I have tired of it.

Citrus is not generally my thing. Chalk it up to body chemistry, or, whatever. It just never worked for me at all. I have an extensive fragrance library, but up until recently you’d be hard pressed to find a citrus perfume. During the dog days of summer, I generally reach for tea scents.

Christian Dior’s Escale a Pondichery has become my “gateway” citrus fragrance. Named for the famous trading post in India, it’s refreshing citrus notes are tempered by black tea and cardamom. It is absolutely refreshing, in the way that floating lazily and aimlessly in the sea close to the coastline is refreshing. I don’t dislike Light Blue, but it’s vibe is more “let’s have a few drinks and chase each other through the back yard sprinkler, then, bang ourselves up on the Slip ‘n Slide”. Call me lazy. I’d rather be floating among the waves any day.

Escale a Pondichery retails for $66 for 2.5 ounces at Nordstrom.

Cut Costs Cuties!

Gemma

Coco EDPBrand: Chanel
Product: Coco EDP

     There are a few items that every woman should have in their closet.  A crisp, white, button-down shirt, a little black dress, and a pair of sexy black heels are musts.  I’m not exactly label conscious, but I do believe that every woman could use a dose of Chanel in their wardrobe.  A classic Chanel bag may be out of the reach of most women; a Chanel gown too impractical.  Many women can, however, find a way to treat themselves to a gorgeous Chanel fragrance.

     Mention the Chanel name in a word association game, and your partner will probably say No. 5.  That’s understandable.  Both men and women conjure the image of a naked and sleeping Marilyn Monroe at the mention of its name.  Go to your local department store, and the sales representative will likely foist a bottle of Coco Mademoiselle or Chance on you.  Seems the Chanel think-tank believes those fragrances to be what the modern woman should smell like.

     I would tell you to bypass all three and reach for the Coco EDP.  If LUXURY had a smell, it would smell like COCO.  Vanilla, Benzoin, Frangipani, Bulgarian Rose, Mimosa….. so many rich notes….. so heavenly.  A light hand is all you need to smell like a goddess all day.  I love it all year, but I love it MOST in the cold weather.  Especially at Christmas.  Think: fireside, glass of red wine, leather couch, and kicking off your sexy heels….that’s Coco.

     Coco EDP is available at fine department stores.  A 1.7 ounce bottle retails for $80.

Gemma

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