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Tom Ford Violet Blonde Eau de Parfum

December 8, 2011
Tom Ford Violet Blonde is my first experience with Tom Ford fragrances. It turned out to be an unexpected love. I was lucky to be gifted a bottle right before the official release, but to my dismay it was not love at first spritz. I have to admit (in all fairness) I made the mistake of not testing this on myself, but rather on a small piece of paper. Back into the violet box this went and it sat on our shelf for a month until my husband noticed it and asked, “ooh, is that for me?” He can never resist a new fragrance, especially when it comes in a beautifully packaged bottle. He has a knack for finding things that smell good – our house is forever filled with some kind of smell-good scent. (I have to hide my Jo Malone tea fragrances because he loves them so much he runs around our house to “freshen” it with Assam & Grapefruit.) Once again, he decided to use a fragrance to fill one of our rooms with scent. He spritzed Violet Blonde in our bathroom and as soon as I walked in, I fell in love.
Violet Blonde is a new addition to Tom Ford’s Signature Line and comes in three different sizes 1 oz ($65), 1.7 oz ($100 and 3.4 oz ($145). It’s a soft elegant floral with a hint of a powdery finish. In the past few months I’ve started to explore a few more Tom Ford mini vials and am amazed at how his fragrances transform once they dry down on the skin. Violet Blonde is no exception. When first spritzed, there is a fruity floral with a hint of green (what I think is the violet). It dries down to a softer floral and warms up with a slight powdery woody feel. I don’t typically like strong floral or green scents, but I’m enamored with Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde. It’s a departure from what I’m typically drawn to yet I adore it.
I’m sure by now many of you have already tested out Violet Blonde. I love the reviews by The Non-Blonde, Fruity Lashes, The Candy Perfume Boy and Temptalia. What more can I add? Not much. I’m still learning how to review fragrances. I highly recommend you read their reviews to get a better sense of how Violet Blonde behaves on the skin. Their descriptions and reviews are amazing. I agree with Gaia that while this is marketed as a perfume for women, men also seem to love it. My husband adores it. Bottom line: dreamy, feminine, elegant and classic.
All photos taken by me. More details shown below for the inspiration, top notes, middle notes and base notes.

What are your favorite Tom Ford fragrances?

Tom Ford Violet Blonde was gifted courtesy of Neiman Marcus.
© The Beauty Look Book.
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Jo Malone Wild Bluebell

August 21, 2011

Jo Malone has introduced a new fragrance collection called Wild Bluebell available in four different pieces: cologne, body & hand wash, body creme and home candle. The collection has arrived at Neiman Marcus and I have fallen in love with every piece in the line. It’s a light and fresh floral that smells like a spring garden with top notes of fresh bluebell (engineered equivalent) and clove combined with hints of lily of the valley, eglantine, jasmine, white amber and musk. The theme is more whimsical and fairy-tale like with the focus on a nymph-like character and white rabbits rather than the actual product.

My local Neimans Jo Malone rep called me the minute it arrived. I asked for her thoughts over the phone and she felt it was a nice light scent but very different for Jo Malone. Her impression was that it would be a wonderful layering piece. A few customers who came in reported they smelled watermelon before it dried down. Although some have not been thrilled with departure of recent releases (Tea Collection & Cherry Blossom) from traditional Jo Malone scents, I have been ecstatic with all recent collections this year These are lighter, fresher, less complex scents that are great for the no-perfume kind of woman like myself. To me, the recent releases feel more youthful and energizing. I love the variety and feel the new releases this year layer well with the other scents in the line.

I went with an open mind not knowing what to expect. I cannot put my nose exactly on what it is I smell except that it’s refreshing and light, just like spring. It’s clearly floral, but the hints of clove and musk prevent it from being overly floral. When I first sprayed it on my wrist, I smelled a slight hint of watermelon, but not in the fruity sense. At first spritz I noticed a fresh wave of fragrance similar to a fresh watermelon but this dries down to a floral. Best Things in Beauty has a wonderful detailed review and Lipglossipping has more information and beautiful preview photos from an event earlier this year. I highly recommend you read their reviews to learn more.

I splurged on the cologne & candle online and the body wash instore. Over the past week I’ve found everything very calming and refreshing. I don’t recommend ordering the candles online during the summer – the heat can be damaging as it will melt the product causing a mess. Mine, thankfully, arrived in perfect condition due to a rush shipment.

The lasting power on the cologne and shower gel is light to medium. I find most fragrances tend to fade quickly on me but I am one that prefers lighter scents that aren’t overpowering. The candles are to die for and Wild Bluebell has been burning in my home the past week. I can easily see myself stocking up on a few during September’s Beauty Event. I love everything about this fragrance and am testing out the body creme right now.

Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills has all the items except the candle which they expect to be receiving soon. The official release is scheduled for September and they are expecting new displays in the Wild Bluebell theme with blue ribbons and little bells for their bags. They have one of the most beautiful Jo Malone displays I’ve ever seen (front and in the corner of the store). If you happen to be in LA, I highly recommend you visit them. This past weekend I met the team at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills for the first time: Navid, Bryan and Henga. All extremely knowledgeable, helpful and wonderful. I highly recommend you visit their store to experience Jo Malone first hand.

The price points and offerings for the Wild Bluebell Collection:

  • Cologne 30 ml $55
  • Cologne 100 ml $110
  • Body & Handwash 250 ml $50
  • Body Creme 175 ml $75
  • Home Candle 200g/45 hours burn time $65

PS – On an unrelated note, Edward Bess will be in-store at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills until Wednesday!

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts? What are your favorite Jo Malone items?

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Serge Lutens L’Eau Eau de Parfum

July 25, 2011

I’ve been interested in trying Serge Lutens L’Eau ever since I read about it on NathanBranch.com over a year ago. I’ve had it on my list to smell every time for ages, yet this fragrance always manages to slip my mind when I am at Barneys – there are simply way too many distractions. This past weekend I finally remembered. It’s been reviewed as the perfume for those who do not like perfume. I was instantly intrigued since I am one of those women who doesn’t really like perfume. Yet after reading so many mixed reviews I spritzed this with an open mind.

I sprayed it on my wrist and was pleased with the simple, clean and pure scent. At first it seemed a bit too simple, slightly unoriginal and very familiar to something else I’ve tried before. Still I liked the freshness and the beautiful bottle. I told the sales associate that I would think about it. It wasn’t until 3 hours later that I decided to go back and purchase it. Throughout the afternoon I kept sniffing my wrist. I was surprised by the longevity of the perfume, especially given the “lightness” of the scent. Also, after a few hours, I did not have a headache  which was a huge plus (I find many fragrances migraine-inducing). Also, as simple as this scent is, I personally found a bit more depth than “simple clean.” Hard for me to describe, but click on over to Nathan Branch’s review and it will make complete sense to you.
As I was looking at all the Serge Lutens bottles, smelling them one by one again, the sales associate recommended I also try the Nuit de Cellophane layered over L’Eau. The combination was interesting but a bit sharp for my taste. A bit too floral, but a sharp floral. She kindly made me a sample to take home which I will be trying out more in the upcoming weeks.

From the fragrance reviews I’ve written you can tell I gravitate towards the simple scents.  I’ve been getting regular use out of all the Jo Malone Tea Fragrances. This is my first Serge Lutens purchase which I know many say is not typical of his fragrances, but I love it. I’ve always been drawn to Un Bois Vanille, yet every time I’ve tried it I find it slightly too heavy for my taste. It smells so much better on my friends. My quest for the perfect vanilla continues. Most are simply too sweet and cloying for my nose. Un Bois Vanille comes so close to the perfect combination of notes for me … but not quite what I’ve been looking for.
Do you own any Serge Lutens? What are your recommendations?
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Bond No. 9 Cooper Square

July 20, 2011

Bond No. 9 Cooper Square Eau de Parfum made its debut a year ago inspired by “that up-and-coming hotspot, Cooper Square, where the East Village meets NoHo, and the Bowery and the new über-Downtown begin.” I believe this was designed as a unisex scent, but to me this is predominantly masculine and extremely complex. My husband fell in love with this the minute he smelled the sample from a Saks catalog describing it as “incredible”. The notes include cognac, juniper berry, lavender, myrrh, oblibanum, patchouli, cashmere wood, musk, vetiver, ciste labdanum and timberwood. This comes in three different sizes (check pricing and sizes here on BondNo9.com) in a lovely silver bottle with a Bond No.9 print in a see-through metallic coppery-gold type of finish.

I have to admit this isn’t really a review from me, but more of a mini photography project. I could not resist playing with my photo apps using the beautiful reflective silver bottle as my test subject. I’m still new to the different lenses, filters and lighting options – this was the perfect opportunity to play. These apps can make even a shopping cart look good. (Just google hipstamatic images and you’ll be amazed.)
I’m horrible at describing complex scents, but if I were to describe this, I would say it’s spicy, earthy, rich and completely seductive. If this were a movie, it would be the equivalent of Meet Joe Black. I asked my husband for his thoughts (since it is his cologne).

Me, “describe Cooper Square for me … please.”
His response, “I don’t know, it smells good and I just spray it on.”

L-O-L. We’ve known each other for nearly a decade and ever since our first date, he’s shown an amazing ability to find amazing scents … for him of course. It doesn’t matter what he wears, it just always works. In this sense, we’re opposites since I find it rare that a fragrance smells good on me. When it comes to describing fragrances, I guess we’re the same: we just know it when we smell it. 

Some instagram and hipstamatic fun:

There are a couple Bond No.9 fragrances I’ve tried from samples that I liked. Given the fact that I’m super fickle with scents, I’ve never splurged on a bottle for myself. I can’t help but admire the displays at Saks everytime I go though. Visiting the individual stores is high on my list of things to do when I eventually find the time to go to NY 🙂
What are your favorite Bond No.9 scents? Do you like them? Or do you find them too strong?

All photos taken by me. Kindly do not republish, thanks! For inquiring minds, all photos are still taken with my trusty Sony (see it here) and the vintage photos were taken with my iPhone 3G.
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The Scent Bar – Los Angeles (Lucky Scent)

April 18, 2011

My dear friend Laura has been raving about The Scent Bar – Lucky Scent for years and this weekend we finally made a point to visit it together. This was my first visit and it was truly wonderful (aka perfume heaven). When it comes to fragrances I am overwhelmed, slightly intimidated and utterly lost. If you ask me what I like I will be at a loss for words – I just know it when I smell it. I have recently started to explore the world of scent a bit more with simple fragrances from Chloé, Tocca and Jo Malone, but perfume is something I know little about. If you are ever in LA, make The Scent Bar a top priority to visit for the ultimate perfume experience. I highly recommend reading Nathan Branch’s Interview with Franco Wright (co-owner of Lucky Scent) and another interview from We Heart This: Behind the scenes with Lucky Scent/Scent Bar.

For my experience and thoughts: The retail space is small and quaint but they carry walls of perfumes organized by notes. Seeing all the bottles lined up was just beautiful. There is a bar to sample fragrances. We spent about two hours with Rachel and Steve – both walking encyclopedias on fragrances. Rachel’s knowledge of all the scents and brands was astounding. Her ability to pick out the right fragrances for the two of us (Laura and me) was almost magical. It was almost like a two hour tutorial on fragrance. Those who have been to Lucky Scent know that no words can really describe the experience.

Walls of heaven:

After each whiff we would analyze what we smelled. Then Rachel and Steve would pull something else for us to compare with different undertones. They made both of us feel completely at home. I think we could have spent all day there.

I cannot remember all the brands we sampled but the two that stood out to me were Serge Lutens and Keiko Mecheri. Amy from Café Makeup, Josie and Laura have all gushed, swooned and raved non-stop about Serge Lutens. I felt drawn to the Bois de Violette, Fleurs d’Oranger, Louve and Un Bois Vanille – but I was looking for something a bit lighter and less complex. Something without too much spice.

I discovered Keiko Mecheri’s fragrance line for the first time. I’ve read about some of her scents on The Non-Blonde and Nathan Branch before but since this is a hard to find brand, I had never paid much attention. Every fragrance we smelled from Keiko Mecheri was exquisite. Her website KeikoMecheri.com has an interesting sampling program which I am anxious to explore.

Hours later (yes hours), Laura and I had narrowed down our selection to several Keiko Mecheri fragrances. I personally loved:

  • Les Nuits d’Izu (part of the Les Hesperidés line) – with notes of Yuzu, Rose japonica, jasmine, littoral moss, hinoki, musk
  • Hanae (part of her Les Eaus Tendres) – notes include white petals, Japanese grapefruit (yuzu), wildberries, crystalline musk
  • Peau de Péche (part of her Les Eaus Tendres) – notes of white peach, orris powder, sandalwood, amber wood
I left with Les Nuits d’Izu and a few samples of other Keiko Mecheri and Serge Lutens. I am not the best at describing fragrances, the Les Nuits d’Izu is light and fresh with a subtle hint of rose. The musk, jasmine and citrus hint from yuzu blends well with the rose so it’s not too floral. The musk and citrus stay the longest on the skin while the others fade, but overall I found the lasting power to be extremely good.


I already have my eye on Hanae which layered beautifully with Les Nuits d’Izu, but I must be good and use up what I have acquired. I cannot rave enough about our perfume experience at The Scent Bar. It was truly unique and the attention and service we received was phenomenal.

Have you been to The Scent Bar before? What are your favorite discoveries from Lucky Scent? I’m all ears to hear about your experiences there.

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Jo Malone Tea Fragrance Blends: Fresh & Light

February 24, 2011

Jo Malone has released a limited edition collection of five tea inspired colognes perfectly described as “tempting, refreshing and engagingly unexpected.” There are three tea inspired fragrances Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber and Fresh Mint Leaf ($55 each for 30 ml). The other two colognes Sweet Milk and Sweet Lemon are the layering scents designed to be spritzed and combined with the other tea fragrances to reflect the actual tea drinking experience. Each scent in this collection is amazingly delicious and I ended up with four of the five.

Assam & Grapefruit citrus grapefruit with a spicy herbal undertone, mate, cardamom, almond and patchouli: Reminiscent of the Lime Basil and Grapefruit scents because of the citrus undertone, but overall more spicy and herbal with a musty smell. One of the more complex scents in the tea collection, but still simple and pure.

Earl Grey & Cucumber top notes are bergamot with cucumber, vanilla & musk undertones: Earl Grey is actually one of my least favorite teas to drink simply because it reminds me of a flower. The scent of Earl Grey is very soothing and delicious, I just am not a fan of flowery teas. Put into a bottle combined with cucumber and a hint of vanilla translates into a fresh and light cologne. Those who are familiar with Aqua di Parma’s Mirto di Panarea Eau de Toilette is similar in undertone (the bergamot) however, the Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber is a lighter, milder and less spicy and overall less complex version of the Aqua di Parma.

Sweet Milk creamy sweet blend of star anise, almond and vanilla: This smells like a scrumptious tea cookie. Sweet creamy vanilla scents are hit or miss for me. There’s something calming about milk based scents but sometimes on the skin the fragrance can turn once mixed with one’s natural body chemistry. The result is sometimes nauseating. At a first spritz of Sweet Milk on the small paper strip, I almost gagged. My Jo Malone rep assured me it was not as sweet on the skin and he was right. I layered this with the Earl Grey and it turned out to be a surprisingly nice combination. Still, I don’t think this scent is for everyone, if you get a chance to smell this, try this on the skin rather than just on the paper.

Sweet Lemon lemon, sugar, pineapple, peach and fresh green cypress: A fresh sweet lemony scent that smells like something picked fresh from a garden. The peach undertones evoke a slight pear-like scent (very slight). The cypress gives this a slightly earthy smell which prevents this from being overly citrus.

Fresh Mint was absolutely delicious but I simply couldn’t picture myself wearing the scent. I think it would have made a lovely candle. The intensity of these colognes is soft which, unfortunately, makes lasting power only about 4 hours. After 4 hours, I can still smell remnants of the cologne on my wrist, but it is significantly faded. Still, I prefer more natural scents. It would be great if these were upped in intensity a few notches to last longer, but I love each of these for their pure and simple quality. Other than the intensity, the only other things I wish were different: why limited edition and why not in other forms like candles, body creams, and bath gels?

Have you tried Jo Malone Colognes before? $55 for the amount seems extremely pricey, but the exquisite clean packaging along with the luxe boxes make these irresistible to at least pick up and try. Neiman Marcus currently has a gift with purchase instore and online. The top photo features two mini colognes in Grapefruit and Orange Blossom in a small leather case with a $150 purchase.
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Tocca Bianca Eau de Parfum

January 14, 2011


Every now and then I receive a special request to write about fragrances. This is an area I have not explored very much so I must refer you to two fragrance connoisseurs (my go-to resources) for exquisite perfume photographs and beautiful detailed descriptions: The Non-Blonde and Nathan Branch. Both have lists of fragrance and perfume resources on their sidebars which I find tremendously helpful. I have only reviewed one fragrance before, Chloé Eau de Fleurs in Lavande, but today I bring another review of Tocca’s Eau de Parfum in Bianca (1.7 fl oz/ 50 ml, $68).

For perfumes, I always look at the packaging first. If the scent is bottled in a beautiful container then I am more likely to pick it up and smell it. Tocca’s Eau de Parfums come in the prettiest round vintage-like bottles making them beautiful eye candy for my dresser. The box packaging is just as exquisite and has a beautiful inscription inside. The little details make opening it all the more enjoyable.



According to Tocca, this scent is “inspired by Tea time in Italy” with the following notes:

  • Top notes: Bergamot, Lavender, Mandarin and Lemon Orpur
  • Middle notes: Rose Petals, Jasmine and Green Tea
  • Bottom notes: Musk, Sugar
It’s fascinating how fragrances react with one’s natural body chemistry. On the little spray cards Bianca smells very clean and fresh, while on my wrists it smells like soft roses and jasmine. I normally avoid strong floral scents but this one is soft and subtle.

In case you are wondering what my fragrance preferences are, I am the type of person who prefers scented shower gels like Molton Brown Coco de Mer and Fresh Sugar Lychee rather than perfumes, so when it comes to fragrances I look for ones that are very subtle. All of Tocca’s scents fit the bill for soft and pretty. I have my eye on Giulietta next. For more descriptions, check out Karen’s review at Makeup and Beauty Blog.

My two fragrances:

As a side note, in my last survey I asked readers to share their favorite fragrance picks. I received over 500 recommendations, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I have made a list of scents to check out which will keep me busy over the next few months testing a few here and there every time I pass by all the pretty bottles.

I bought my Tocca at Sephora. You can find where Tocca is carried through the Tocca Store Locator on their website (linked for your convenience).

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