No Longer a Niche Virgin

Having been here awhile, I've read hundreds of stories about really fancy frags, but I had never jumped on the bandwagon. Though I'm always interested, I can't get my hands on any high-end stuff in my hometown in central NY, and at those prices I am unlikely to buy blind. Besides, even though I can afford them, I try to be frugal, with the intention of saving up for things like flamenco guitars, which I do indulge in on occasion.

Taking a trip to a real city is always great, and this time it was Boston. I was armed with really good Boston ideas, particularly from Joel Cairo. I approached Barney's somewhat nervously, wondering if my first time would be awful (as it is for many), and wondering if I would get my heart broken. Would I like this, and would she? Would she still respect me in the morning, or would she go and tell her friends how lame I was?

I was drawn inexorably to the fragrance counter, and the stunning beauty there greeted me pleasantly. While my pulse rate went up, my nervousness subsided a little, as things were beginning to go better than expected. After being stunned by the selection of Serge Lutens and Frederic Malle, I finally asked to try some. After agonizing over which of these amazing creations to choose, I finally decided on Ambre Sultan. Mmmmm, pure oriental exoticism. After everything had gone better than anticipated, I reflected that the aphorism is true - the first time is better if you're initiated by an experienced, beautiful woman.

I also tried the CDG Odeurs, 53 and 71. Like many, I didn't really get these. I think it was 53 that brought to mind freshly deceased fish (admittedly better than the long-standing kind). The SA sniffed again, and seemed to agree. I liked CDG Man, too, but I've heard from you that it's very close to Gucci PH (my wallet thanks you, folks!). CDG Guerilla 2 was very nice.

It was great to finally find out what all the fuss was really about for Creeds. I went to Neiman's, snorted a bunch, and even ended up with a couple samples. GIT was very nice. SMW was remarkably similar to the copy that I have. But $200? Despite nice qualities, none were that good to me.

Possibly the biggest surprise was how great Terre D'Hermes was... just intoxicating - you aficionados were right. The earthy bottom blended with the fresh bright top is beautiful. It almost caused me to jump me. Other finds included Enver (sp? Belgian, she said, I think) and Follia di Aquarama, both very pleasing. The new Varvatos Vintage may be of interest to some - adds a sweet element to the leather and so on; I liked it better than regular John Varvatos.

Yes, yes, I know, Ambre Sultan has a very strong personality, so it shouldn't be bought blind.

My pal Thrax's enthusiasm for his niche frags contributed to my finally giving in. Joel and Thrax, it's all your fault! I'm headed down the road of niche debauchery!!!!!!!

(i put more details about my Boston shopping in the City Guide forum)

Right! I had mentioned in my city shopping post that I got a good-sized sample of VE, yet another reason I like Barneys! VE is great quality stuff, but I've come to find that I'm a mild fan of vetiver, but not necessarily a highly enthusiastic one.

But Malle must have something that I'll like. I went fairly mental sampling the Serge Lutens frags, so FM got short shrift somewhat. Olfactory fatigue, you know. I think I'll start with a sample from somebody here!

That's a valid point. For instance, around here complaints about Creed longevity are almost as plentiful as laudatory comments. I actually strolled with about 3 finalist scents on before buying AS, and its strong adherence was a point in its favor.

Very good Tamara, and thanks!
I wonder what would happen if you and I both walked into a party with this on. I think it would be great fun... we'd blow 'em away!

Thanks for the nice comments, all! Yeah, it's funny about places I wouldn't go if it weren't for fragrance. I was wandering around Louis Boston down the street, but after seeing the $1500 shoes and the like, I freaked out and left before finding the snazzy frags that are purportedly on the 4th floor. The excessively opulent vibe in there just gave me the creeps, a sort of feeling that I was trespassing, though I was fine in Barneys and a couple other high-end places.

Thanks!
I'm a professional player, nowadays mostly solo classical and/or flamenco guitar. My interests are wildly diverse, so I end up playing other styles, too, but these days it's mostly music with a latin flavor. I'm still much better at discerning notes, chords, and rhythms than fragrance notes, but I'm working on it.

I suppose those of us that worry about scent expenditure can find some comfort in the staggering expense of designer clothes. And it's cheaper than collecting cars.

Manos, my friend,
Homer in hell with donuts! Excellent image!
Great story about Louis. You're right, it would be hard to invent a weirder pick-up statement than that. In a more traditional vein, I like the Spanish one that translates, "So many curves, and me with no brakes".

As for the SA, it was the delightful Zoe, a blond absolute stunner dressed to the nines in diaphanous black. I'm standing there trying to pick another Serge Lutens to try, really fighting the urge to stare at her while she's standing directly in front of me.
(and me being a virgin and all.. )
Even so, she's not arrogant or haughty, but disarming and charming. If she's there when you are, I think I can safely say that you will not object to being waited on by her. [sorry, ladies] On her card, she actually replaced someone's name with hers, and maybe you met the crossed-out person. Tell her Dave from Syracuse sent you. Incidentally, she appeared not to be aware of BN.

I'll be interested in your opinion of 53 and 71, I know people like them. I consider myself eccentric, but fragrance-wise, I'm only a little bit weird. And you can weigh in on all the Malles!

Cheers, "Torgo"

MG,
Your point is well taken! I'm back on a "fragrance diet", and convinced myself that it isn't a diet by realizing that I can go for a month without repeating anything! (longer if I consider the samples and copies that I have). My plan is to only do one niche thing if I'm in a world-class city, and that doesn't happen too often for me. We'll see how long I can stick to that.

You bring up an interesting point - the idea of thriving on rejection of your scents. An interesting independent, contrarian stance. For me, when a certain type of person thinks my frag is bad, I know I've made a good choice! And of course there are the times I deliberately tried to gas a really annoying work colleague with way too much juice. That was fun!

In any case, your warning is heeded, and I'll go back to one of my other addictions, exercise. As a musclegod, I'm sure you can relate to that!

Oh, Man,
Is that what happened? It was all like a hazy dream, and I was wondering why I seemed to lose my shirt and pants somewhere in the store, and now I'm suddenly scheduled for bankruptcy court, and hey, there's the repo man, knocking on my door! I'm not worried... I've got my 35 SL's hidden in a secret compartment.

Thanks for setting me straight. I feel your pain, brother!