Ive finally done a write up on our weekend escapade!
On Thurs a week ago, I was doing some clothes shopping in Nordstrom's, and they did not the item in the color I wanted, but another Nordstrom -- in a high-end shopping center -- did. I could have it shipped to me (they offer a shipping service), but I've been thinking to going to that other mall for a while, since they have Neiman Marcus and other high-end stores. So it was a perfect excuse to go there on a Saturday. An_oud_girl (AOG) lives less than 5 miles away from me, so I invited her to join me, and she graciously accepted.
First we went to Nordstrom's -- it looked like they were getting ready for a 'fragrance festival' or just had one, as there were tables set up with gifts sets, etc, and a lot of company representatives were on hand. We sniffed some classics and got a few samples to go. Overall the counters were buzzing with activity -- I was not sure if it was a regular occurrence there or not. Made me think "Is the recession over already?"
Then we moved over to Neiman Marcus. They were also quite busy, and a few samples were sitting out unprotected - YSL Elle and L'Homme, which we picked up. AOG made a purchase at the Estee Lauder counter, so we got some samples there too - Amber Ylang Ylang, Tuberose Gardenia and Sensuous. The "higher end fragrances" including Creeds were in a room off to the side, so we explored there as well. We sniffed Creed Love in Black and both said "Eww!" It reminded me somehow of Miel de Bois -- cooking grease mixed with something sweet: honey for MdB, and violets for LinB -- similar effect. I sniffed a few other Creeds on paper, but they were too 'manly' for me. AOG found Shalimar parfum, and I really liked it on her, and wished I had seen it too! It was lovely. We also had a chance to sniff at a few new releases: AG Matin d'Orage (meh), Prada Infusion d'Oranger (meh) and JM Dark Amber and Ginger Lily (AOG liked it a lot).
After NM, we ran out of time and had to go back. I did not know they also had Bloomingdale's in the same mall; otherwise we probably would not have lingered at Nordstrom's as long. (Although Bloomingdale's selection seems to be similar to NM, at least online).
Overall, it was a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to the August BN get together, although I'm a bit concerned about how 'full' the program is. We spent slightly over 2 hours sniffing, and by the end we were out of skin and losing track what we sprayed where. I had put something on my forearm, which smelled divine, but I could not remember what it was! On the other hand, I had to wash off Estee when I got home -- the stuff is that strong!
~~~
As an aside, Nordstrom's "free perfume sample" approach is totally working. Although I've not purchased a fragrance there yet, I spent about $170 there last weekend on clothes! Granted, I've not done much clothes shopping in the last three years, so I needed an update to my wardrobe. (Macy's used to be my "higher-end" store, but I don't have a reason to go there any more, he he). Also, they say perfume is expensive? I'd say it's downright affordable especially compared to clothes!
On Thurs a week ago, I was doing some clothes shopping in Nordstrom's, and they did not the item in the color I wanted, but another Nordstrom -- in a high-end shopping center -- did. I could have it shipped to me (they offer a shipping service), but I've been thinking to going to that other mall for a while, since they have Neiman Marcus and other high-end stores. So it was a perfect excuse to go there on a Saturday. An_oud_girl (AOG) lives less than 5 miles away from me, so I invited her to join me, and she graciously accepted.
First we went to Nordstrom's -- it looked like they were getting ready for a 'fragrance festival' or just had one, as there were tables set up with gifts sets, etc, and a lot of company representatives were on hand. We sniffed some classics and got a few samples to go. Overall the counters were buzzing with activity -- I was not sure if it was a regular occurrence there or not. Made me think "Is the recession over already?"
Then we moved over to Neiman Marcus. They were also quite busy, and a few samples were sitting out unprotected - YSL Elle and L'Homme, which we picked up. AOG made a purchase at the Estee Lauder counter, so we got some samples there too - Amber Ylang Ylang, Tuberose Gardenia and Sensuous. The "higher end fragrances" including Creeds were in a room off to the side, so we explored there as well. We sniffed Creed Love in Black and both said "Eww!" It reminded me somehow of Miel de Bois -- cooking grease mixed with something sweet: honey for MdB, and violets for LinB -- similar effect. I sniffed a few other Creeds on paper, but they were too 'manly' for me. AOG found Shalimar parfum, and I really liked it on her, and wished I had seen it too! It was lovely. We also had a chance to sniff at a few new releases: AG Matin d'Orage (meh), Prada Infusion d'Oranger (meh) and JM Dark Amber and Ginger Lily (AOG liked it a lot).
After NM, we ran out of time and had to go back. I did not know they also had Bloomingdale's in the same mall; otherwise we probably would not have lingered at Nordstrom's as long. (Although Bloomingdale's selection seems to be similar to NM, at least online).
Overall, it was a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to the August BN get together, although I'm a bit concerned about how 'full' the program is. We spent slightly over 2 hours sniffing, and by the end we were out of skin and losing track what we sprayed where. I had put something on my forearm, which smelled divine, but I could not remember what it was! On the other hand, I had to wash off Estee when I got home -- the stuff is that strong!
~~~
As an aside, Nordstrom's "free perfume sample" approach is totally working. Although I've not purchased a fragrance there yet, I spent about $170 there last weekend on clothes! Granted, I've not done much clothes shopping in the last three years, so I needed an update to my wardrobe. (Macy's used to be my "higher-end" store, but I don't have a reason to go there any more, he he). Also, they say perfume is expensive? I'd say it's downright affordable especially compared to clothes!
That's what I thought when I looked at the stock market today. Might be true for many, but not for some of us.
