Perfume for a Princess : White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum

I thought that I could care less about the royal wedding, yet I woke up early on Friday to see the pictures of the dress and by the end of the day, I knew all of the details of the ceremony and had strong opinions on random things, from Princess Beatrice's hat to Sally Bercow's cleavage. Ok, I admit it, the wedding was enjoyable.  I loved it all--the dress, the jewelry, the bouquet, Prince's red uniform! 

Later that day I learned via Basenotes that Kate Middleton (now, the Duchess of Cambridge) wore White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, the creation of British perfumer Michael Boadi. It is described as, "As fragrant as a bouquet of white flowers, quivering in the gentle April breeze, this is a delicate and nuanced scent. The top note of stately gardenia evokes classicism, whilst heart notes of ylang ylang, muguet and jasmine bring a trio of frivolous white flowers into play. Amber wood underscores this light, fresh bouquet, adding depth and deep rooted tradition."

For those who are curious, White Gardenia Petals is available via Roullier White for 70 British pounds, 50ml.

Top 10 Perfumes To Make You Smile : Favorite Fragrances Spring 2011

 

Spring awakens and excites. As the weather oscillates from chilly gusts of rains to languid sunny warmth, I find my mood shifting likewise. Yet, whatever surprises spring may offer, I nevertheless find it an enchanting period of transition. It is the anticipation of the balmy days of summer, of new adventures and of memorable discoveries that fuels my spirit every spring. As for seasonally appropriate perfumes, this season I realized that what drives me to change my fragrance wardrobe is not the weather, but my mood. I have been craving fragrances that are joyful and uplifting rather than challenging and cerebral, pleasing and affable rather than edgy and complicated. The plush oriental favorites from Guerlain (Shalimar, L’Heure Bleue, Tonka Impériale), fruity chypres (Gucci Rush) and fruity florals (Frédéric Malle Le Parfum de Thérèse, Parfums de Rosine Rose D’Été) have been a constant presence on my vanity table for the past few months, rain or shine.

With my Top 10 of Spring 2011 list, I would like to share with you several fragrances (and one delightful fragrance related activity!) that never fail to put me in a good mood. Since everyone has their own ideas about what makes a fragrance joyful, I would love to hear which of your favorite perfumes give you a rush of happiness and pleasure.

By Kilian Beyond Love : Perfume Review

Star rating: 5 stars--outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars--very good, 3 stars--adequate, 2 stars--disappointing, 1 star--poor.

What exists beyond love? Nirvana, fulfillment, restlessness?  I confess that I am generally hard wired to ignore fragrance marketing and avoid connecting the perfume name with its olfactory character. Yet, in the case of By Kilian Beyond Love, I can say this--the first time I smelled it, I felt euphoric. A lush tuberose set into an exquisitely polished frame of woody amber and vanilla, Beyond Love proves that the only thing existing beyond love is joy.

Herbes de Provence and Escalivade Recipe : Scented Plants

by Elise Pearlstine

There is limestone all around shoving its way up through the grasses, shrubs and trees of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A breeze blows by with the scent of aromatic plants, clean, herbal and slightly astringent. Rosemary hangs over a rock wall by an old olive press that is preserved in a small roadside park. The large, lacy white flowers of Queen Anne's lace (wild carrot) poke their showy heads above the vegetation of the fields and sway in the breeze. I am disappointed that the lavender fields are few and far between along the main road but we spot a few and enjoy the hazy purple view.

Le Labo Santal 33 : New Fragrance Release

Le Labo is launching a new fragrance Santal 33 on May 1st. It is the second addition to the classic perfume collection. Santal 33 includes notes of Australian sandalwood, papyrus, cedarwood, cardamom, iris, violet, ambrox and leather accord. Update: the perfumer is Frank Voekl. Le Labo has already collaborated with him on Iris 39, Baie Rose 26, Musc 25 and their Santal 26 candle. Santal 33 contains 30% of essential oils, and it is classified as the Eau de Parfum. It is currently available from Colette and is priced at 170 euros/100ml.

Inspiration: "Do you remember the old Marlboro ads? A man and his horse in front of the fire on a great plain under tall, blue evening skies - A defining image of the spirit of the American West with all it implied about masculinity and personal freedom.  This man, firelight in his face, leaning on the worn leather saddle, alone with the desert wind, an icon so powerful that every man wanted to be him and every woman wanted to have him...