December 21, 2011

Does your fragrance wardrobe need a shake up?

I spend a lot of time encouraging others to edge a little out of their comfort zone when it comes to revamping their style.

It’s those little tweaks and shifts that can make a huge difference to how you feel about yourself when getting dressed each day.

So, I got to thinking: why, oh why, don’t I apply those same principles to my choice of fragrance? That final accessory I add each morning?

Quite frankly, when I looked at my fragrance habits of late I found they were more than a little wanting. I was on a fast track to Fragrance Rut-Ville and I needed an intervention. Stat.

My current fragrant wardrobe: get set for a shake-up kids

Now, in defence of my fragrance rut, I must stand up for my current collection.

I’ve got a soft floral (Chanel No. 5 and Chanel Eau Premiere), floral oriental (Jean Paul Gaultier Classique) and woody oriental (Prada Candy) wardrobe mix going on. Clearly the Gemini within comes out in my fragrance choices as well as my multiple-personality wardrobe. Oops.

Each is a delight to wear. Each makes me feel great when I wear them. It’s just that – like fashion – I like to mix things up a little. Live on the fragrance edge, if you like.

Which is how I found myself in the fragrance hall at my local Myer store for a scent styling session aimed at injecting some new blood into my beauty cabinet. (You can check out the video here)

There was a lot of spraying and card sniffing but it was so worth it.

Much like the process I take my styling clients through, choosing a new fragrance is all about these three things:

Your lifestyle

What you’re currently wearing

“Playing” so that you try something you might not have picked up off the shelf yourself

That’s exactly how I ended up with my fragrance wardrobe overhaul short list: Belle d’Opium (modern oriental), Armani Code (floral oriental), Chanel Coco Madamoiselle (floral oriental) and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb (floral).

Belle, you were a little too spicy, sorry I really wanted to like you for old times’ sake. Armani, you showed great potential. Chanel, it was almost a no-brainer.

But then … then I met Viktor & Rolf. Think: big bunch of white flowers with a drop of vanilla.

Oh V & R, I think we’ll have a lovely summer together. I really do.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ... yes, I think you and I will be very happy together

Do you have a favourite fragrance? One you like to wear every day? How long have you been wearing it? Have you considered a fragrance wardrobe shake-up?

By Nikki Parkinson

50 comments

Martina Hart

Just love this post. I am also a big fan of JPG Classique. Consider it my signature scent. But partial to JPGsquared in winter for a date. Work or summer fragrances include DKNY Pure and Estee Lauder’s Green Tea( reminds me of O deLancome ).
But that Flower Bomb is gorgeous and it was on my wish list for Christmas. It’s still there but I have a birthday coming up. Hopefully……
http://www.fivelittleflags.blogspot.com/ Kell

Oh Flowerbomb!! Wow, am also late to the perfume party but that perfume is the bomb. Have loved it long time, has some beautiful memories for me. You must be smelling so pretty Nikki!
tuffhr

Very late to this thread – and how, I don’t know, because I’m a perfume junkie! Not recovering and totally unrepentant.

I have some staples that are on my dressing table all year round, others that are definitely seasonal (Guerlain’s Apres L’Ondee is definitely summer, Cabotine’s Gres is definitely winter, as is Guerlain’s Mitsuoko). So – there are a couple of men’s colognes – Chanel’s Anateus, Pour Homme. Guerlain’s Vetiver. Coty’s Chypre, tracked down via Ebay because it’s no longer made. Worth’s Je Reviens, only a pale ghost of it’s former self, but still lovely. Number 5 (always). And some early Guerlain – Vol de Nuit, Chamade, and Chant d’Aromes. Prada’s Infusion de Iris.

Then there’s the weekend ones – fragrance oils! Frankincense, Sandalwood and Meditation Balm.
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http://www.shehascuteshoes.com Vikki (@shehascuteshoes)

Hugo Woman or Victorias Secret Sexy Little Things Noir for the day depending on my mood – lol.

Marc Jacobs Daisy or Chanel Christalle for night and special occasions.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Nice choices!

Anne Callaghan

My bottle of Elizabeth Arden – Blue Grass does need a refill there is very little in it to shake up. I have been wearing it for decades now and I am waiting Santa.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

I’m sure Santa is listening!

http://lovinglifeandstyle.blogspot.com/ Nicole Filipaina

I really enjoyed reading your perfume rut and your right, there’s always room for change and improvement, Flower bomb is one of my favourite perfume’s. I also were Bulgari Noir and Bulgari Jasmin, my lust have perfume at the moment is Tom Ford’s is Violet Blonde but I like to wear that when I’m going out on a special occassion. In the summer time I like to wear Kiehl’s essence oils in pear and gardenia and musk they are divine.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh, Nicole … your fragrance wardrobe sounds nothing short of exquisite. I want to come and visit!

http://3pickles.blogspot.com Marnie

My little fragrance wardrobe is always happy to take on new friends..lol
My go to favourite is Dior’s Addict. On other days, GPG original, Issey Miyake, Anais Anais, Miss Dior & Hypnotic Poison.
Would love to add that Kim Kardashian original to my gaggle of friends this year…
I’ve left many hints
x Marnie

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh Marnie, I think I want to hang out in your fragrance wardrobe. It must be almost walk-in in size?! LOL. x

Danielle

I love Estee Lauders new one. Not sure of the name but it smells like gardinias. Sensuous nude is great as well, my new fav!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Sensuous Nude is the new Estee Lauder fragrance. Love that it’s on trend like all the nude shoes in my wardrobe!

http://www.achooyou.blogspot.com Beth

I have always been a Ralph Lauren Romance girl but recently have been drawn to Estee Lauder – Beautiful and Pleasures – Intense, your absolutely right though, time to shop around I think and find a “new me”

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

There is always room for the “new” or “revamped” me … but I do like your choices.

http://footprintsaustralia.com/blog Janet

Unfortunately as a hay fever sufferer I’ve never really been able to get into the perfume scene . Just starting to dip my toe in after TWO YEARS of injections to get my allergies under control, and finding my old faves don’t really do it for me anymore.

I used to love “Beautiful” by Estee Lauder (wore it on my wedding day, it was my hubster’s fave perfume back then); Le Jardin D’Amour which reminds me of when we fell in love as it was the fragrance I wore then; and Anais Anais for something fresh and pretty.

I guess because I’m older I’d like something different, but not too strong because of my allergies … time to go shopping I think!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Hi Janet, I totally get where you are coming from. For many years I suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and this affected my ability to wear perfume without a sneezing fit. Some fragrances will still bring that on. Can I suggest you look at organic aromatherapy blends made into a spritzer? I have a selection of these blends from Twenty8 and they’re all incredibly beautiful. http://www.twenty8.com/store/pure-essential-oil-synergy-blends You just need to add three drops to a small spritzer bottle of pure water and you have a scent to suit your mood.
Kathie

Here’s a little tip for anyone with a sensitive nose…Spray your perfume on the back of your hair. It doesn’t irritate your nose and it stays on longer, and when you leave a room a little bit lingers!!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Great tip – and I used to spray fragrance on my legs!

http://lipstickandcake.com Steph @ Lipstick & Cake

I’m guilty of going between my two favourite frangrances – Stella in Peony and Abercrombie and Fitch 8.
Might put a late order into Santa this year for a new perfume..or two!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Don’t say “guilty”! But if it means a late call to Santa, say it. LOL. I like your choices though x

http://Www.homestagingbrisbane.com Imogen

My ‘go to’ perfume is Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin. I smelt it on a male friend about 8 years ago & have been wearing it ever since. On cold days & ‘hot’ evenings it has to be Channel No 5, the first grown up perfume I was ever given 20 years ago by my brother in law. I sometimes wear my husband’s aftershave (clinique or Jo Malone Vetvier) if I want to get a sense of him with me. I love having a long relationship with my perfume and for my kids to say “that smells like you”

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh Imogen … I love your fragrance story. Just beautiful. So many emotions and memories are attached to fragrances and you’ve created some great ones.

dianne

Certainly must be a time for renewing fragrances… I recently invested in a new scent. Have to say I fall into the lazy category when it comes to scent & wear the same one everyday. Sometimes i break out a different one for a night out. But after reading your post I will rethink this strategy. I agree with Alicia & can’t wear perfumes worn by friends. Thanks for another great post Nikki & thanks for revamping my look in January it was definately one of the great highlights of my year & I learned so much in those 2 sessions. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh, Dianne, I’m so glad that something we did in January together has continued to help you throughout the year. And yes, I think fragrances can be used the same as mixing up our accessories, so give it a try. I will be!

Kathie Cussen

It must be the time of year for a fragrance shake up as I have just gone huntering for something new I tried a lot of different ones but there wasn’t anything that I just fell in love with until I tried Dolce & Gabbana “The One”. I sprayed a little on and all day I kept getting a little waft of this gorgeous aroma. Now there is a lovely little gift box under the Christmas tree with my name on it!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh Kathie … how lovely that it is called “The One”. And Merry Fragrant Christmas to you!

http://myshoeboxlife.com Shelley

I went on a mission last week to find a new fragrance and failed miserably! 2012 is definitely the year to shake up my look, and I’ll definitely be finding a new scent to go with it. PS Any suggestions for a mid 30′s chic fragrance greatly received!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

I don’t think you can categorise fragrances by our age. Head into a fragrance hall and go through the process I did above. You want them to be able to suggest at least three to you based on the ones you already like or use – then narrowing it down is surprisingly easy.

http://www.myplayhouseadventures.com Kirralee

That v & r does sound lovely, but I recently started using Crabtree & Evelyn rosewater perfume. Old-fashioned? Perhaps. But I love it.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Don’t ever apologise for your choice of fragrance. It really is what works for you. x

Katie

I’m a huge fan of Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. I always
feel fabulous when I’m wearing it. Beautiful choice!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Ooh, I love it when the V&R fans come out of the fragrance woodwork!

Dawn Harris

I wish you could smell through the internet – I’m curious about the Viktor & Rolf. I’m definitely a floral oriental girl usually. My two faves are Coco Mademoiselle and Nina Ricci’s Premier Jour. A new fragrance sounds like a fab idea though (been wearing the other two for YEARS!!) Great post Nikki.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Now THAT would be a great idea, wouldn’t it? If you start with those two fragrances as a starting point, get advice about which ones are similar but would give you a different fragrance perspective.
http://planningwithkids.com/ PlanningQueen

I think you would love Flower Bomb then. It has been my love for the last 18 months, Coco Mademoiselle is my other keen go to.

As Nikki knows, I just bought a large bottle of Flower Bomb duty free for hubby to wrap and put under the Christmas tree!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

That was a good move, Nic!

http://www.katrinaleechambers.com Katrina from The Block

I love perfumes. I am a fan of Victoria Beckham at the moment. But I think I’ll add some of your suggestions to my must-have list!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Perfume is a very personal thing … be prepared: you might sniff mine and not like at all!

http://funandvjs.blogspot.com/ Brismod

I’m a perfume junkie, I have owned and worn so many different fragrances over the years. My sentimental favourite is Sublime by Jean Patou which is an oriental scent. And for cheap and cheerful everyday use I like Lolita by Lolita Lempicka. xx

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

LOL. Confessions of a perfume junkie. Love it. Very stylish choices.

http://wangirls.blogspot.com Charmaine

I try to add one or two new fragrances a year for the variety. But two fragrances that are always in my range are Anais Anais by Cacharel and White Linen by Estee. Which fragrance I spray on each day depends on what my day is going to be like. I’m going to check out Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, thanks for the recommendation.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Your two favourites are proof that a great fragrance really does stand the test of time.

http://laureneesti.blogspot.com Lauren

I have been wearing Issey Miyake l’eau d’issey since I was 16…so 9 and a half years.
I supplement that with Body Shop’s Neroli and Jasmin as my after gym perfum.
Everytime I decide to try a new scent I spend ages sniffing my way through the perfume counter at DJ’s only to end up with my favourite again…perhaps I need your help!!
The V&R sounds interesting, I will have to keep an eye out so I can go have a sniff! xx Lauren

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oooh, but that is a lovely fragrance. And you do mix it up after your gym sessions. Don’t want to force you into something new … just open your mind (or your olfactory LOL) to it.

http://heartbeatoz.tumblr.com/ Jacki

Interesting Post my Partner was going to buy me some Perfume for Christmas so I dropped him in DJ’s 2 Minutes later I got a phone call from a very confused Male so I had to Pick my own after lots of sniffing I ended up with Stella by Stella McCartney, earlier on in the Year I fell in Love with Elie Saab which managed to lure me from my Old Favourite of Oscar , didn’t try the Viktor & Rolf but will look out for it and have a sniff.

Alicia your fragrances sound wonderful I will give Mecca a visit over here in SA.

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh, that’s so funny … it would be like sending them to buy lingerie. Choosing a scent is such a personal thing. What one person LOVES just might not sit well with you. Always good to sniff out a new one every year or so. Just to see if there’s something else out there that could work for you.

http://www.seaofghosts.com Alicia – Sea Of Ghosts

I just wrote a big post about this on a forum I frequent!

I always wore citrus (specifically pink grapefruit) based fragrances but went through some life changes and realised I needed a new signature scent. All the pink grapefruit perfumes were a little too sweet and young, I wanted something complex, grown up and a little bit sexy.

I trawled the department store counters but the only fragrances I liked were already owned by someone I know… and I have very sentimental attachments to smells so I could never knowingly wear a fragrance that is also worn by someone I interact with regularly, it becomes displacing.

I hit up Mecca because they carry more obscure brands and ended up with Escentric Molecules Escentric 01 which I sometimes layer with Serge Lutens L’Eau for day wear. Escentric 01 is a slightly woody, velvety scent laden with ISO Super E, the “pheromone” chemical, and L’Eau is a light, clean, watery scent. Together they’re fresh but complex and slightly mysterious.

I just found my night fragrance the other day and am so excited to receive it from eBay – Jo Malone’s Oud and Bergamot intense cologne. It’s darkly musky but not stuffy; and slightly feminine without being sweet. So delicious!

http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

Oh, Alicia … you are one clever fragrance wardrobe Queen. And having just met you I can’t imagine you wearing a pink grapefruit scent. Complex and mysterious is WAY more your style. If you’re ever in Brisbane, do visit Libertine Parfumerie http://www.libertineparfumerie.com.au/ – awesome place for finding a fragrance no-one else is wearing.