My perfume collection is my wardrobe. The only difference is that while I would not pick a ball gown for an average day at the office, I can easily select a lush and dramatic perfume, an olfactory haute couture equivalent like Guerlain L'Heure Bleue or Chanel Coco, if it suits my mood that particular morning. Yet, the fragrances that constitute my staples are often more along the lines of a little black dress: versatile, elegant, with enough subtlety to make a great day time perfume and plenty of character to make the transition into the evening.
What is your perfume equivalent of a little black dress (for men, a perfectly tailored blazer or a crisp white shirt)? What fragrance makes the best morning into evening transition for you?
My favorite little black dress is undoubtedly Christian Dior Eau Sauvage. Its composition of citrus and basil over a smooth, luminous woody base never fails to make me feel elegant, whatever my outfit choice for the day. I also appreciate the understated allure of Guerlain Après l'Ondée, Love Chloé, Serge Lutens Bois de Violette, Chanel 28 La Pausa, and Frédéric Malle Le Parfum de Thérèse, which are among my favorite daytime fragrances, my talismans guaranteing a good start for the day.
Photography by F.C. Gundlach, Siv Benno and Pierre Hogard, cocktail dress by Pierre Cardin, Paris 1962.
I tend to go for "pair of jeans" perfumes more than LBD perfumes (due to my line of work), but when I want to feel "dressed" for venturing out of the cave I reach for Champagne de Bois, or a Chanel. Any in my little collection will work---while the only one I've really fallen for is Bois des Iles, they all smell like a perfectly tailored little black dress: 28 La Pausa (as you said), Eau Premiere, no. 19, or Bel Respiro... sparkly things, I guess. These all have something sparkly and uplifting about them! :)
Posted by: dee | January 22, 2011 at 01:12
LBD fragrances - great question!
I think I go with Dee here and say Chanel: Eau Premiere, 28 La Pausa or No22 are great - elegant but a little sparkly. I also like Vol de Nuit as a day to night perfume and Malle´s Dans tes Bras, for when I am in a more somber mood.
Posted by: Olfactoria | January 22, 2011 at 03:06
Though I don't own either, I'd have to answer CdG+SJ or FK Abslou Pour La Soir. One other ends of the spectrum, surely, but either would make me feel confident for a nice occasion.
Posted by: Eric Brandon | January 22, 2011 at 03:38
Great question! I'd say Chanel No 22.
Posted by: Marina | January 22, 2011 at 07:32
Great topic! I will read everyone's responses with interest because the daytime version of the "little black dress" is my favorite category. Favorites for me include Chanel 31 Rue Cambon and Eau Premiere, Shalimar Ode a la Vanille, and Prada l'eau Ambree. I'm sure I'll think of others as soon as I click the submit button.
Posted by: Ann C | January 22, 2011 at 07:33
well, well, well.. I just thought about last two weeks and the most used for the office wear were Diorella, Apres L'Ondee. Jicky was also one of them, I find her easy and comforting. However, the most used are Cristalle and Cuir de Russie. They just feel appropriate plus the effects of sobriety and certain strictness. I feel like I have some aura of authority wearing them.
Posted by: Xenia | January 22, 2011 at 08:05
Sparkling and uplifting is always great. I find that all of my LBD perfumes are florals and woods. I mentioned a few that I keep wearing the most lately, but of course, I have more. The new L'Heure Fougueuse is getting up there too.
What are your pair of jeans perfumes then? Another great and much needed category!
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 08:50
I am glad that you mentioned Dans Tes Bras, because when searching for something else, I unearthed a sample of it (a typical story!) and have been enjoying it very much. Made me realize that I have neglected it quite unjustly!
B, what concentration of Vol de Nuit do you prefer?
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 08:52
Eric, I completely agree on CdG+SJ (I need to smell MFK fragrance again, as it has been a while since I tried it,) but that CdG is fantastic, versatile, elegant, yet with a twist, like most fragrances from the line.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 08:56
Ah, another favorite one! That incense drydown is one of most elegant epilogues I know.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 08:58
I finally tried Shalimar Ode a la Vanille the other day, and I enjoyed it very much. As much as I dislike an idea of a flanker to Shalimar, I liked how the woods-leather-animalic notes are balanced against vanilla in Ode a la Vanille. Can see how it would make a terrific LBD perfume.
The moment I finished writing my list, I thought of at least 10 other fragrances I could have put on it. I can relate! :)
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 09:01
So true, there is a degree of austerity in Chanel fragrances that give that character. I find the same thing with Carons, while most of Guerlain perfumes are definitely more languorous and seductive.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 09:02
Eau Premiere without a doubt. It's beautiful and also versatile. Judging by the comments here, many agree. I love Chanel in general.
Thanks for a great blog.
Posted by: Suzy Q | January 22, 2011 at 09:15
I'm thinking about buying a Chanel Exclusif in one of the smaller bottles. It sounds like you recommend 28 La Pausa as an elegant daytime scent. I've sampled--and loved--it, but haven't bought a bottle because I didn't want it in the jumbo size. I think it might be my next fb purchase.
Posted by: Ann C | January 22, 2011 at 09:16
JP Sublime is one of my favorite LBDs. I'm saving my last bottle and looking for more. As an alternate, I wear Estee Lauder Beautiful. I agree with Xenia that Diorella is a great choice. Used up my last, though.
Fun topic.
Posted by: Danny-girl | January 22, 2011 at 09:20
I am very glad that Les Exclusifs are available in the smaller sizes. Besides the fact that I would never use up that much of any perfume, I do not find those huge bottles comfortable to use.
28 La Pausa is gorgeous, and for a daytime perfume, it works perfectly. My only qualm is that it does not last that well on me.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 09:34
Chanel does elegance well, doesn't it? Eau Premiere is among my favorites too. I feel that if I wear it, I could be donning yoga pants and a T-shirt and still feel elegant.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 09:35
I am glad that you mentioned Sublime, because it is such a beautiful fragrance. It is somewhat underrated, in my opinion, but it is definitely elegant and memorable.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 09:37
Little Black Dress/Crisp White Shirt...I can get the two of them together from iris-centered perfumes. Yes, 28 La Pausa, but also Hermes Hiris, Prada Infusion d'Iris (this one especially good if I actually have to get unusually stressful during the day, mental and/or physical), Iris Pallida...it's something about the both somewhat austere/bracing/somewhat energy driving and simple elegance of iris scents that make them day into night. Mind you, it has to be a rootier iris, not a candied one; I have things to do during the time, clear sharp thing, that doesn't lend itself to sweet distraction. ;)
I like the idea of Eau Sauvage, the citrus slap to get you started, the more animalic aspects to suggest something more sultry (hello, moving down the neckline on that dress/removing the cheerful daytime scarf). I think perhaps if I had to step beyond iris in search of a fragrance LBD, I'd go for...oh, let's go offbeat, and say DKNY. The "is it a perfume or isn't it" scent of cobblestones and ozone and citrus and tomato leaves...it keeps me interested for a long time without letting me decide if I like it, and by the time I decide I like it, it's time to shift gears. Ergo, day (mental) night (relax).
Posted by: ScentScelf | January 22, 2011 at 11:47
Reading these answers with great interest because my own are so different--but maybe my relatively reclusive/artsy and extremely casual lifestyle has something to do with that. Parfum de Therese, for example, is one of my favorites, but I always feel very dressed up wearing it, ditto for most of my Chanels. (That doesn't stop me from wearing them, but it does make me stand up a bit straighter, and I'm more likely to put on some lipstick.) Most of my LBD go-to's are niche: Eau d'Italie's Paestum Rose, Parfums DelRae Mythique, Annick Goutal Neroli, Shiseido Feminite du Bois, the old version of Black Cashmere, and yes, OK, Coco, but only in the relatively close-wearing parfum. These are all things that delight me, but don't get in the way. I never worry about overwhelming or distracting anyone...
Posted by: sweetlife | January 22, 2011 at 12:01
I'm with Marina - Chanel 22 is never wrong no matter what the occasion.
Interesting how many of us go with Chanel perfumes, given that she invented the LBD. Coincidence?
Posted by: Style Spy | January 22, 2011 at 12:07
I currently have the EdT for "casual" use, I used to have a small decamt of the perfume and I love it, as soon as I find myself with too much money on my hands I want to invest in the parfum. It is so much rounder and deeper, more three dimensional than the EdT, which gives only a glimpse of what Vol de Nuit is capable of. And the bottle, ah, gorgeous!
Posted by: Olfactoria | January 22, 2011 at 12:35
Another Chanel fan here. My first thought was 31 Rue Cambon, followed by #5 and Eau Premiere. Another lbd scent is Tom Ford White Patchouli, which to me is elegant & sexy with a whisper, not a shout. I guess that's what means a little black dress scent to me. Great topic! I've enjoyed everyone's comments, too.
Posted by: rosarita | January 22, 2011 at 12:52
Good point since I prefer fragrances with longevity. Perhaps I'll consider No. 22 instead. I sprayed on a bit from a sample to refresh my memory about this fragrance; I could still smell a trace on my wrist even after a shower.
Posted by: Ann C | January 22, 2011 at 13:17
I am testing the EDT and the parfum right now, so which is why I asking. Still deciding by testing on the blotter, but I will put on skin later--that is the best test.
I agree the bottle for the extrait de parfum is one of my favorites!
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 13:39
No 22 lasts for days on me, whether in the EDT or the parfum. It has a warmer, richer base than some of the newer Les Exclusifs, which may account for the lasting power. The newer ones are mostly light woody notes and musk, which is certainly lovely against the delicate floral accords.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 13:41
Heritage by Guerlain for me is a perfectly tailored blazer with a crisp white shirt. It's bold, clean, elegant yet very sensual. Also, L'Instant de Guerlain Eau Extreme and Terre d'Hermes.
Posted by: LostArgonaut | January 22, 2011 at 14:33
Delightful explanation! I am not in a mood for LBD right now (craving something along the lines of a cashmere sweater--it is freezing even with the heater on full blast,) but you are making me crave iris.
Iris does have wonderful blend of austerity and bracing energy!
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 14:41
How could I forget Annick Goutal Neroli!! I knew I am missing something. Ok, that is the fragrance that I wear most often when I want something elegant and understated, and I get lots of compliments on it.
In my fantasy I have a lifestyle where I needed the LBDs of the kind Siv Benno in the photo is wearing. I see myself sauntering through the office, with a little jacket over my backless LBD and a scarf trailing some sort of lovely perfume. The day is over, I am off to some glitzy event in my LBD, high heels and perfect up do. The fact is--I hate glitzy events and avoid them if I can possibly help it, I hardly wear heels these days and I wear mostly pants or black jeans. And on an average day, my sillage is a mixture of things that leaves me smelling more like an accident at the perfume factory. :)
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 14:47
For me personally, it is definitely a combination of the fact that I associate Chanel with elegance and the relative restraint of Chanel's classics. They have the kind of austerity that Guerlain never possessed (even the masculine Guerlain fragrances, with some exceptions, have a degree of flamboyancy to them.) I love both types and pick depending on my mood.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 14:50
Me too, so enjoyable to read the comments, because all of us associate elegance with something else.
I also think that White Patchouli is very sexy, elegant and refined, but quite sexy as well.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 14:51
I just love your characterization of Heritage as "a perfectly tailored blazer with a crisp white shirt." I can definitely see that! Another great Guerlain fragrance.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 14:53
I literally never wear dresses and only rarely wear skirts. I use my bike quite lot, as most Dutch people do and I find trousers much more comfortable anyway.
But thinking of an elegant not too obtrusive scent for daytime wear I have been thinking of:
Calyx- Prescriptives, Silences- Jacomo, Cristalle-Chanel, Eau du Sud - Goutal, Aromatics Elixir- Clinique, White Linen- Lauder, any Vetiver fragrance, Diorella- Dior, Pour Monsieur- Chanel, any of the Hermès Jardins, Hiris- Hermès, First-VCA, Nina (1987)-Nina Ricci, New York- Nicolaï, L'Homme de Coeur-Divine.
I will stop here. I think I rather like elegant scents but not every single day.
I have also greatly loved your post on the (pyramid) structure of scents. It's very interesting to hear some of the technical detail!
Posted by: Austenfan | January 22, 2011 at 15:38
I hardly ever wear dresses myself, especially in the winter, so I can relate.
Your list is great, and it reminded me of several favorites I have not worn in a while--Nicolai New York, for instance. I also agree on vetiver as conveying an idea of understated elegance. It is in a similar category as iris for me in this regard.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 16:42
For my "crisp, white shirt" fragrance, I love Armani Prive Vetiver Babylone just bright and earthy enough, and there's something of a buttery quality in the dry down that i find heavenly... My "day off" scent, when you just need that little bit of a pick me up, I'm actually becoming enamored with Cologne du Perfumer from Guerlain, to me, it's my epitome of a skin scent.. There's just something alluring about it...
Posted by: Stephen | January 22, 2011 at 16:43
I think the closest one for me is Guerlain Derby, though I must admit I'm not really the "crisp white shirt" type. More like "disheveled academic", really.
Posted by: Fernando | January 22, 2011 at 17:03
I recently got to smell it too at the Guerlain counter and I loved it. In general, I love Guerlain colognes, many of which as you say, have this alluring warm skin character as they dry down. It is such a nice contrast with the initial bracing citrusy impression.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 17:07
:) As someone who has spent a lot of her time around academics, I can relate more to the latter than to the "crisp white shirt" type.
I am resmelling Guerlain classics again this weekend, and Derby is at the top of my list of favorite chypres. That green leather-iris-moss combination is impeccable.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 17:14
Donna Karan Black Cashmere?
Posted by: Hannah | January 22, 2011 at 17:51
Black Cashmere is one of my favorites too, definitely very elegant and versatile. I also love its pebble shaped bottle.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 18:10
My POJ perfumes are: anything from JHAG, Prada EDP, Agent Provacateur, DK Gold, Via Camerelle, and Eau des Merveilles. Hmmm... do I detect a salty theme???
Posted by: dee | January 22, 2011 at 18:42
Hmmm... I think I need to try no. 22 this afternoon; it sounds so good!
Posted by: dee | January 22, 2011 at 18:45
Believe it or not, SL Douce Amere. It is soft & subtle on me once it settles. Love the beginning also,
Posted by: brightlights | January 22, 2011 at 19:32
Love the Chanel fragrances, they are among my favorites! But the one I'm most attracted to are not understated ... Coromondel, Coco, Allure Sensuelle
Posted by: brightlights | January 22, 2011 at 20:06
Middle of summer here... so favourite LBD/day-to-night scents are Eau des Merveilles, Hiris or Sur Le Nil, and good ol' Stella or Bronze Goddess for a go-to jeans scent :)
Posted by: Lily | January 22, 2011 at 20:38
Ah! I forgot my beloved L'eau d'Hiver! Versatile, loads of character and tres chic.
Posted by: Lily | January 22, 2011 at 20:42
I see an amber theme here, for sure! All of those fragrances have wonderful, rich ambery accords.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 23:38
It is really a striking fragrance. The combination of aldehydic white florals and incense is just smoldering.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 23:39
I can definitely see it. It is a very elegant oriental fragrance. I can also see how you would gravitate to some of the richer Chanel orientals (as you mention to rosarita above,) if you love Douce Amere. On me, it also wears in a more subtle way than other Serge Lutens orientals.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 23:41
Such gorgeous choices for the summer! It makes me long for some sunshine and warmth. Here, it is the coldest day of the year so far, or at least, it seems so....
L'Eau d'Hiver is another fragrance I see as a perfect LBD perfume. It has a beautiful sillage, subtle, but not overly so.
Posted by: Victoria | January 22, 2011 at 23:45
For me some vintage azuree cologne does the trick - a fantastic cheap ebay find! I also love some armani prive ambre soie if the time is just right.
Great topic and wonderful replies - thank you
Posted by: aotearoa | January 23, 2011 at 03:30
Where in the hinterlands have I been lately to miss the Exclusifs in smaller bottles? Thank you for the great news - to me. Rue Cambon is on its way to my perfume wardrobe.
So true about La Pausa, if it lasted longer I would love to own a "smaller" bottle.
Posted by: Rowanhill | January 23, 2011 at 04:06
So true dee. When it doubt, Chanel 19. Cool and elegant, it never fails to deliver. Its more austere side takes me through any meetings during the day and then softens wonderfully towards the evening.
At the warm and elegant end of the perfume spectrum and also in my LBD category is Ormonde Jayne's Tolu. Very feminine.
Posted by: Rowanhill | January 23, 2011 at 04:14
I am also with chanel 22...and 31rc. Actually, most of the exclusive range fell pretty LBD
For me narcisse noir extract,eau de soir, jubilation25 and mitsy do the trick too...classy, elegant and super refined!! I love these all, probably cause i hardly ever wear a LBD but can wear all of these with super casual clothes!
Posted by: hongkongmom | January 23, 2011 at 05:46
I love the classics from Lauder, above all, Azuree and Private Collection. She defined the American idea of elegance. Such a visionary.
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 10:22
I myself found out recently from the comments here. With some many new things on the market, it is not easy to keep track of everything. I now want a small bottle of Coromandel.
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 10:24
For some reason, Tolu has been on my mind lately. Must find my sample! :)
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 10:26
That's the same reason I am drawn to these kind of fragrances--they make me feel elegant, whatever my outfits!
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 10:28
Hee, hee! Well know that I understand the operating fantasy I totally understand your choices, V! And when I want to be That Sort of Lady I definitely go to Chanel--my vintage No 19 in parfum and EDT (depending on the weather), and Rue Cambon 31 in particular--though Guerlain is not such a bad choice either, especially Plus Que Jamais and Attrape Couer, though the latter I would save for cooler months.
The other perfumes are, I suppose, more like my best-foot-forward version of myself, when the situation will be too stressful to maintain a fantasy. They have been tested and have withstood the test!
Posted by: sweetlife | January 23, 2011 at 10:36
Oh goodness, and coming back to add Cuir de Russie, which I am lucky to have in vintage parfum. Almost never wrong for me in any situation...unless I don't feel like leather that day. It happens. Rarely. But it happens.
Posted by: sweetlife | January 23, 2011 at 10:37
Tolu is a perfume with a capital P!
Posted by: Carla | January 23, 2011 at 11:26
I would love to know what your test shows. I've only tried the EdT in stores, and I wasn't that impressed.
Posted by: Carla | January 23, 2011 at 11:28
What beautiful perfumes to wear to the office! Wonderful wardrobe, I think. Especially Diorella and Cristalle.
Posted by: Carla | January 23, 2011 at 11:31
I hear from so many women that Eau Sauvage is a favorite. And Kouros!
Posted by: brian | January 23, 2011 at 12:18
Thank you :)
Posted by: Xenia | January 23, 2011 at 12:39
Austerity - that is exactly the word I was looking for... thank you for finding it :)
With Carons, I have to say, I betrayed them. Despite my own likes and dislikes I shifted towards indifference after reading Luca Turin's reviews of them in his book. I have to say I tend to agree with a lot of what he says. He cannot force me into liking something I do not like, but make me doubt my own choices that he can. There is something powerful about written words, since they can shape experiences based on initially rather unstable ground. By instability here I mean a certain lack of agency or authority that is in opposition to roofless marketing strategies, and subjective point of views. On the other hand, this instability can be rather liberating.
however, back to Carons, do you agree with LT and his reviews of the curent state of their creations?
Posted by: Xenia | January 23, 2011 at 12:59
For me, the scent that perfectly transitions from day to night is Amoureuse by Parfums Delrae - this scent is particularly versatile in California - where you might wear Levi's and a tank top in the day and then just throw on a shawl at night for dinner at a restaurant or a friend's house. We're having that kind of weather right now in L.A.
Posted by: Skilletlicker | January 23, 2011 at 13:45
You know, the most interesting thing about reading these comments is a range of what each one of us finds comfortable and versatile. Little black dress, after all, is just an idea conveying effortless elegance.
I love your choices for either the fantasy or the reality. Feminite du Bois is another fragrance I should have mentioned. The problem with making lists is that something always gets left out!
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:30
Those are my favorite kinds! :)
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:30
I completely agree with Carla! An ideal office wardrobe, in my opinion. :)
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:32
Since I do not like the reformulated Vol de Nuit, I was not impressed either. The structure of the fragrance is more or less in place, but it is very pale.
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:41
I like both, but I would not wear Kouros personally. Eau Sauvage is so close to the classical cologne in spirit that it has a more androgynous character to me.
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:44
I agree with Luca and Tania on some Carons, but not on all. Nuit de Noel, Tabac Blond and Parfum Sacre are still quite good. Of course, they do not smell exactly like they did in the past, but then again, neither do 99 percent of the older perfumes. Those three still have the distinctive character of the originals, so I enjoy them.
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:48
I was in California just a couple of weeks ago, and the weather was perfect, just like what you've described. That makes me wish to return! :)
Posted by: Victoria | January 23, 2011 at 16:50
Thank you
Posted by: Xenia | January 23, 2011 at 17:23
I have been thinking about this post for several days. I love reading what readers wear as elegant. If I need the LBD fragrance, I turn to Molinard de Molinard, still one of the most exquisite fragrances to me. I wear it with anything or for anything. I know I'm well-dressed. when I wear it. Nahema and Joy are also fragrances I would choose.
I have a friend who is one of the most elegant women I know, the embodiment of grace, and she always wears Knowing. So when I wear that fragrance, I feel graceful and elegant.
Posted by: Mimi | January 24, 2011 at 12:17
Such interesting and unconventional choices!
Knowing is one of the most dramatic woody chypres I know, and yet it has a beautiful and elegant presence. Very interesting! I do not wear it often, but whenever I do, I get compliments on it. People definitely notice it.
Posted by: Victoria | January 24, 2011 at 14:22
With the exception of 31 RC which I have yet to try, I am your lbd scent twin. My jeans fragrances are OJ Osmanthus and Prada Infusion D'Iris.
Posted by: sunsetsong | January 24, 2011 at 15:16
Several for me. However, for January they are Guerlain's SDV, Gourmand Coquin, By Kilian's Rose Oud & Voyage d'hermes.
Posted by: Shamira | January 24, 2011 at 17:16
so interesting to read the comments... as always on your blog, V.
the first thing that comes to mind when i think of a LBD is Elizabeth Arden 5th avenue. it's beautiful, sexy and elegant to me - all at the same time.
it may seem an odd choice but very often when i dont know what to wear i reach for Poivre Piquant by L'Artisan Parfumeur - it's got character and warmth but isnt over the top.
Posted by: Natalia | January 24, 2011 at 17:36
Perfect winter elegance! I can definitely see how these perfumes would be particularly lovely LBDs.
Posted by: Victoria | January 24, 2011 at 17:46
Natalia, I liked your mention of Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue, because today I was resmelling the whole Arden range. 5th Avenue struck me as very elegant, but seductive as well. There is a strong element of glamor about it.
Poivre Piquant does not surprise me at all as your choice for something to wear when you cannot think of anything else. It is often mine too for this same reason, along with Frederic Malle Angeliques Sous la Pluie. Very comfortable, yet elegant still.
Posted by: Victoria | January 24, 2011 at 17:49
I once read an article in which a woman said she thought Dior Dior was the most elegant, glamourous fragrance she'd ever smelled. It's available on TPC, but I hate to try it for fear I'll love another impossible-to-get fragrance.
I'm sure you've smelled it and wonder what you think.
Posted by: Mimi | January 25, 2011 at 12:37
Dior Dior is a very elegant floral, lush and rich, but somehow it does not catch my attention for long. There are so many different fragrances now that convey a similar message of glamor and elegance that I do not find it necessary to hunt down a bottle of this perfume. Now, a bottle of something like Diorama, that is a different story! Totally worth the trouble.
Posted by: Victoria | January 25, 2011 at 13:25
After the initial blast of the wonderful elements which I enjoy very much my skin very quickly tames Tolu into office appropriate spicy, incensy softness. The staying power is very good. It is one of my perfumes receiving the most compliments. People want to get closer for a better sniff.
Posted by: Rowanhill | January 27, 2011 at 06:24
Tolu is perfect for a cold winter day. I have been wearing over the past couple of days, since it got mentioned so much here, and I am enjoying its spicy-woody warmth.
Posted by: Victoria | January 27, 2011 at 09:33