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fragrance for my grandmother

post #1 of 13
12/19/07 at 2:21am
Thread Starter 
Please help!
I want to purchase an eau de parfum for my grandmother, who is French and very chic (ex minister's wife) so the fragrance has to be chic as well. However, i have a problem selecting. Since she is usually sticking to one fragrance I would like it to be something exceptionally nice.
Last time I gave her Chanel No.5, but now I want something different... Could you recommend me a good mature and chic smell, but at the same time not too much like No.5. Now I am thinking of First by Van Cleef & Arpels.. I also like Miss Dior Cherie, which is totally not suitable (I think) for a woman of 75 years old... Maybe there is something that combines qualities of something like First or No.5 and Miss Dior Cherie?? Something balanced yet still suitable for an old woman? I am looking forward to your expert advice, as this is the reason I decided to register on this website.
Thank you in advance....
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post #2 of 13
12/19/07 at 2:42am
Welcome, vazioli!
As soon as I read your post, I thought about Frédéric Malle Iris Poudre. Très chic, in my opinion: it uses aldehydes in the opening (like No. 5) but they are much softer and the iris in its heart is just beautiful. I think it's in the same league as No. 5 but different enough to own both. Depending on where you are located, it may not be readily available to sample, though!
As a side note, there is no unsuitable fragrance for a 75 years old woman: my mum, who is 72, adopted Andy Tauer's L'Air du Désert Marocain as her signature perfume after sniffing it on me. And on her, it's much better than on me
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post #3 of 13
12/19/07 at 4:47am
Thread Starter 
Thank you dear Lady in Black.

I am currently in Vienna. However, I have never seen creations of Frederic Malle here.... I checked online, the price of a 50 ml bottle is 105 Euro with no shipping and taxes... This would be somewhat a stretch for me... As well it might be difficult to find it in stores. Could you recommend any other, perhaps more available, options?
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post #4 of 13
12/19/07 at 6:24am
I think sticking with the classics is perfect, as she will most likely be familiar with them and their reputation. So, IMO Guerlain - Shalimar, or L'Heure Bleu might be nice! Also, Caron's Bellodgia might fit the bill. For something more modern, how's about a Burberry frag? OR ~ a goodie bag of samples to select from!
Good luck, I'm sure your grandmother will be pleased with your thoughtfullness!
--------------------------------------
Oops, almost forgot about "Stella" - Stella is a fantastic rose scent, nice quality and modern too!
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post #5 of 13
12/19/07 at 7:37am
Infini, by Caron. Dry aldehydic floral - beautiful and chic for someone of any age!
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post #6 of 13
12/19/07 at 12:26pm
Get her something from the 1920's, some kind of Chanel/Caron/Guerlain
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post #7 of 13
12/19/07 at 2:15pm
Welcome Vazioli,
Though your grand-mère is 15 years older than I am, I agree with other posters that she will more than likely appreciate something classic - or even a new interpretation of classic scents.

Here are a few that I think she may adore, most have been suggested above:

Caron: Bellodgia
Narcisse Noir

Guerlain: L’Heure Bleu (very French and très chic)
Parure (if you can find it)
Après L'ondée
Nahema

Patou: 1000

Lancome: Mille et Une Roses / 2000 Et Une Rose
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post #8 of 13
12/20/07 at 11:33am
Heure Exquise by Annick Goutal
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post #9 of 13
12/20/07 at 12:02pm
Serge Lutens Daim Blond

http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/detai...36104&section=

Frederic Malle Iris Poudre

http://www.barneys.com/b/browse/prod...searchBox=true
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post #10 of 13
12/20/07 at 2:28pm
It's hard to beat Bellodgia, but have you considered Shalimar (eau de parfum or parfum)? Always an excellent choice for anyone of any age, but generally especially near and dear to the hearts of women your grandmother's age.
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post #11 of 13
12/20/07 at 10:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vazioli View Post

Please help!
I want to purchase an eau de parfum for my grandmother, who is French and very chic (ex minister's wife) so the fragrance has to be chic as well. However, i have a problem selecting. Since she is usually sticking to one fragrance I would like it to be something exceptionally nice.
Last time I gave her Chanel No.5, but now I want something different... Could you recommend me a good mature and chic smell, but at the same time not too much like No.5. Now I am thinking of First by Van Cleef & Arpels.. I also like Miss Dior Cherie, which is totally not suitable (I think) for a woman of 75 years old... Maybe there is something that combines qualities of something like First or No.5 and Miss Dior Cherie?? Something balanced yet still suitable for an old woman? I am looking forward to your expert advice, as this is the reason I decided to register on this website.
Thank you in advance....

Ageism seems to be what is throwing the sticks in your wheels, I think.
Forget her age.
Close your eyes.
Bring up the best memories of her that you have, throughout your entire life.
What emotions do they bring?
Now what do these emotions smell like?

THAT's the scent you want for her. It will be very personal, straight from the heart. Those are always the best. And it will suit her to a T.
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post #12 of 13
12/22/07 at 5:25pm
In my opinion "Le parfum de Therèse" Malle is perfect for your grandma
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post #13 of 13
12/23/07 at 7:35pm
Angelique Encens would be nice too!
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