Do You Smell What I Smell?

It’s about that time again that I bombard you with a sensory surfeit.  With the holiday shopping season in full swing, nothing puts a smile on my face more than a shiny new perfume bottle and a great Christmas candle.  It’s almost impossible to walk through a department store without noticing the amped up fragrance department this time of year, and you certainly can’t flip through a December fashion magazine without getting whamboozled into needing a new perfume with countless fragrance samples and advertisements.  It is undoubtedly the busiest time of year for the industry, with many of the designers and celebrities alike launching their new scents just in time for the mad dash to the 25th.  I’ve composed my top ten fragrance fantasy wish list, any of which I would be more than happy to receive under my tree (hint hint, Santa)!

1. Guerlain, ‘Vol de Nuit’ Powder Spray, $87 for 0.61 oz.  This silky, ethereal loose powder included in the Holiday 2011 Collection is infused with an updated version of the legendary Vol de Nuit scent originally introduced in 1933.  The powder has light reflecting properties that create an iridescent veil for your face, hair, and body.  The scent is a sophisticated retro combination of chypre, galbanum, jasmine and vanilla accords.  The puffer applicator and classic packaging tops it all off.  Available at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus stores and online.
2. Tom Ford, Violet Blonde, $65 for 1 oz.  Being a fan of anything Tom Ford (he was the creative director for Gucci and YSL before the creation of the Tom Ford brand in 2005, what’s not to love), it’s not really rocket science that I would also love the classic scent (and name) of his new scent, Violet Blonde.  A sophisticated fragrance with durability.  This is not a sweet, flirty fragrance by any means, but powerful, opulent, elegant, and oh so European with notes of Italian Mandarin, Baie Rose, Tuscan Orris Butter, Jasmin Sambac, Cedarwood, and Soft Suede.  Available at Sephora stores and sephora.com.
3. Dior, Miss Dior Cherie, $60 for 1 oz.  Quite the opposite of the previous two scents, Miss Dior Cherie is a precious little blend of fruity-floral love and romance.  Notes of Jasmine and Patchouli make this young, girly scent modern and captivating.  Available at Bon-Ton stores and online.
4. Boyfriend, Boyfriend, $65 for 1.7 oz.  Intriguing, right?  That’s what I thought, too.  I like  masculine scents, and I’m totally not into really light “airy” perfumes, so I figured this fragrance by Kate Walsh would be right up my alley.  I know it seems a little generic, but this fragrance is meant to smell like your boyfriend... on you (meaning the scent he leaves behind after a nice big hug of course).  This scent balances vanilla, golden amber and night blooming jasmine with masculine musk and woods.  Borderline genius.  Available at Sephora stores and sephora.com.
5. Kiehl’s, Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection, $29 for 8.4 oz.  This isn’t really a scent, but it is a body item that is still creeped way up to the top of my list!  Kiehl’s, which was founded as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village in 1851 remains as one of the leaders in skin care and beauty.  Natural ingredients and simple, recyclable packaging are just two small reasons why Kiehl’s is still on top!  Considered the richest moisturizer from the Kiehl’s line, this season Creme de Corps is available in a limited edition packaging featuring artwork by Jeff Koons.  100% of the net proceeds from this collection will go to The Koons Family Institute on International Law and Policy, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.  Get some!  Available at www.kiehls.com.
6. Bath & Body Works, Be Enchanted Signature Collection, $5 - $40.  This frosty floral scent is inspired by all that glitters and features notes of iced pomegranate, chilled wildberries, sugared violet, and whipped vanilla.  Perfect for some holiday cheer.  Available at Bath & Body Works stores and online.
7. WoodWick, Cinnamon Chai Candle, $23.99.  Cinnamon is one of my favorite flavors and scents throughout the entire winter season.  Woodwick candles feature a natural wick made from organic wood that creates the soothing sound of a crackling fire.  The WoodWick premium candles are made by the Virginia Candle Company right here in the USA and last up to 175 hours! I love things that are made here in the US, and I would definitely love the warm scent of this candle!  Available at Ulta stores or virginiacandle.com
8. Philosophy, Amazing Grace Fragrance Layering Collection, $49.50 (a $72 value).  Clean up your act with this three piece set of products scented with Philosophy’s signature Amazing Grace fragrance.  This set is perfect for any girl because of its classy, light scent that is super fresh!  It’s also formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan, meaning it’s eco-friendly and suitable for health nuts.  Available at Sephora stores and sephora.com.
9. Sexy Little Things, Noir Tease Eau de Parfum, $45 for 1.7 oz.  Let’s face it, the main reason I like this scent is because it would look cute on my silver vanity against my pink bedroom wallpaper.  The scent is ok too, I guess.  It’s girly, flirty and playful with notes of black vanilla, frozen pear and blooming gardenia.  Available at Victoria’s Secret stores and victoriassecret.com.
10. Yves Saint Laurent, Parisienne, $39 for 1 oz.  This is not a new scent this year, but it is my favorite, so I had to include it on my list.  Parisienne is described as “the essence of a woman who is incredibly free”, so perhaps that’s where it captured me.  It’s a floral scent with a woody base that leads to it’s mysterious nature.  Love, love, love this scent.  Available at Sephora stores and sephora.com

For even more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store website at www.purplezebrashop.com and follow me on twitter @goodnpretty.  Email me at goodnpretty@gmail.com for topic suggestions, requests, or questions!