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Suggestions for an Opium/Samsara lover!

post #1 of 19
12/12/08 at 10:52am
Thread Starter 
After two decades of wearing NOTHING but Opium and Samsara, a very dear friend of mine has announced a desire to buy a new frag. In fact, she has been looking to expand her repertoire for a while, but insists that she 'hates all the new stuff on the market' (ie everything that has followed since the big '80s scents: e.g., aquatics, 'ozone' scents, most gourmands and fruity florals).

A breakthrough for her was a recent purchase of Coco parfum (another '80s scent) that she wears for special occasions, but she is now looking for something more everyday.

Any super oriental suggestions, dear friends?
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post #2 of 19
12/12/08 at 11:55am
How about Must de Cartier?
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post #3 of 19
12/12/08 at 12:00pm
More everyday, but still spicy - or orientals in general? Just thinking that spicy orientals suitable for day wear would be quite a narrow field to go at.

Off the bat I can think of Bvlgari Omnia, but I have it on today and I don't love it.

Oh, there is Serge Lutens 5 o'clock au Gingembre in the spicy oriental category - that is nice and not too strong for day.

L'Air du Desert Marocain is fab, but might be quite hardcore on the incense front for some.

YSL Nu is another one perhaps. Again, a liking for incense would be handy.
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post #4 of 19
12/12/08 at 1:02pm
I think Le baiser du dragon will fit...and possibly AL Madame X too.
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post #5 of 19
12/12/08 at 1:07pm
Badgley Mischka might be a nice one for her! (Coco was my first suggestion )
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post #6 of 19
12/12/08 at 2:21pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks so much, gang! I think the Cartier suggestions are absolutely spot on!

VM: I guess any orientals would do the trick; they needn't be too muted. After all, this lady is an academic and keeper of Egyptology who wouldn't shrink at wearing lashings of Opium in the classroom/museum. Is Nu still in production?

Ubuandibeme: I have tried Badgley Mischka only fleetingly, but will instruct her to add it to her list. Many thanks
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post #7 of 19
12/12/08 at 4:29pm
You can find Nu in web stores at a very reasonable price. If you go that route, make sure you get the EDP and not the EDT, because they are totaly different fragrances.
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post #8 of 19
12/12/08 at 8:26pm
As an oriental lover, and Coco fanatic, I recommend Givenchy Organza Indecence. It is not an edible vanilla, and has gorgeous sandalwood and muted spice. Also, Shiseido Feminite du Bois (or any of the Serge Lutens Bois series) is very satisfying.

Has she considered Shalimar? The EDP and parfum are so wonderful.

I have ordered a decant of Divine L'Inspiratrice because in sampling I found it to be sort of a cross between YSL Rive Gauche and Coco. I really want to learn more about this one. Could be an option for your friend.

One I have tried but do not own--Theo Fennel Scent. It is relatively new to the shelves, but has a very classic oriental quality to it. I have not quite fully embraced it yet, but I think it is worth a try.

I keep thinking of new things...so more editing to add: Miller Harris Fleur Oriental and Kenzo Amour (or its flankers)
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post #9 of 19
12/12/08 at 8:50pm
What about a cool light chypre? The new Givenchy III, Lubin; Nuit de Longchamps, or Molinard de Molinard are all easy to wear.
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post #10 of 19
12/13/08 at 12:22am
I just thought of Rochas Byzance. I bought it around the same time I bought Samsara, long time ago!
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post #11 of 19
12/13/08 at 4:35am
I second Badgley Mischka, Le Baiser du Dragon, Divine L'Inspiratrice and Feminite du Bois - all great suggestions!

Nu EDP is the more "hardcore" spicy / incensey one of the two, but I picked up the EDT in T K Maxx for a song, and it is very wearable for daytime.

There's also Le Feu d'Issey, if that hasn't been discontinued, I would have said Theorama but I know that has gone,

What about Bois des Iles, which has a little spicy kick to it? Or Black Cashmere, which is back in town. Or Iris Taizo by Parfumerie Generale, or Jo Malone Kohdo Night Dark Amber and Ginger Lily - which you can find on Ebay still.
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post #12 of 19
12/16/08 at 10:33am
I love my Samsara, as well. Someone recommended Le Baiser du Dragon and I have that and like it a lot too, as well as Shalimar.
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post #13 of 19
12/16/08 at 11:01am
Adding Bal a Versailles by Jean Desprez and Pheromone by Marilyn Miglin.
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post #14 of 19
12/16/08 at 11:43am
How could I have forgotten Dior's Addict...if you need a sample, I'd gladly oblige!
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post #15 of 19
12/16/08 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 
So many thanks, everyone. Your ideas are greatly appreciated.

So much so, in fact, that I have compiled a list of your suggestions for my friend and plan to invite her for a supper-and-sample-sniffing party. She is very excited at the prospect!

I'll report back, if anyone's recommendation hits the spot!
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post #16 of 19
12/16/08 at 2:51pm
I was offline for a while and just saw this. The first lush scents that came to mind were
Carnal Flower, Nirmala and Sacrebleu.
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post #17 of 19
12/16/08 at 3:26pm
The great and powerful Angel.
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post #18 of 19
12/17/08 at 12:13am
You should try Michael Storer's Winter Star. I just got my bottle in the mail yesterday and can't wait to try it out.
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post #19 of 19
12/17/08 at 8:47am
If you can find a bottle of Balenciaga's Rumba, it might fit the bill. A warm, spicy, very womanly scent. Not too long ago, there were bottles on almost all the discount sites going for a song.
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