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I've Hit The Wall. Again.

post #1 of 46
2/12/10 at 9:36am
Thread Starter 
I have a problem. I really enjoy this hobby but I'm extremely picky, to the point where I wind up being disappointed in virtually every fragrance I try, even the most highly revered. I look at all the glowing reviews, do some research and get all excited about a new fragrance, then I manage to obtain a sample and my reaction ranges from "blah" to "WTF is this sh*t?!" It is a very rare occurrence indeed when I actually find something that I love and wind up buying a full bottle.

I've been on BN for five years, but a couple of years ago I lost interest and wasn't liking anything that I was trying, so I left for a long time. I returned a while back and have been actively posting and sampling a ton of new stuff. I even found a couple of new fragrances that made it into my Top 5. However, I recently hit the proverbial wall again. I've scoured the boards and the web, but there's really nothing more out there that I really want to try.

This is a very tall order, but I need somebody to step up and suggest something that will get me excited about fragrance again! Are there any lesser known niche frags that just blow you away right now?
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post #2 of 46
2/12/10 at 9:42am
Just curious - do you feel this way about the fragrances in your top 5 list too?
I've learnt from experience that reading glowing reviews BEFORE sampling a scent is an easy way to set yourself up for a major disappointment.
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post #3 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:01am
Hey Windy City,
I'm just curious...what are your top five? (I'm assuming Eau Noire is one of them given your avatar?)
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post #4 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:03am
Echoing others sentiments about learning what your favorites are. It would be cool to see what's in your wardrobe, too.
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post #5 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:14am
Obviously today for me my recommendation is going to be Habit Rouge Eau de Parfum... but take it with a grain of salt... I'm still intoxicated with the newness of it; I'd have sex with it if I could.
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post #6 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:19am
Yeah I kind of am too. I've done lots of samples but only enjoy them rarely. I see this as more of a good thing than a bad thing. Imagine how expensive it'd be if you liked 3/4 of the samples! I've tried MANY, many scents but at the moment only plan on adding 3-4 more scents to my wardrobe. Everything else I've tried is just rather unremarkable, too expensive, or discontinued.
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post #7 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrclmind View Post

I'm still intoxicated with the newness of it; I'd have sex with it if I could.


Just make sure you don't get your "member" stuck in the bottle. That would be an embarrasing trip to the emergency room for sure!
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post #8 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:45am
Can't help ya. Can't ever tell what you'll like or what will make you excited. Who's to say you won't come back to me with the same letdown expectations that you tell us happens? In fact that's the most likely outcome isn't it? Can't help ya. Nothing we know or pleases our noses can be sure of pleasing yours.

One is interested in sniffing or one isn't. As you point out about your history.
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post #9 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post

I have a problem. I really enjoy this hobby but I'm extremely picky, to the point where I wind up being disappointed in virtually every fragrance I try, even the most highly revered. I look at all the glowing reviews, do some research and get all excited about a new fragrance, then I manage to obtain a sample and my reaction ranges from "blah" to "WTF is this sh*t?!" It is a very rare occurrence indeed when I actually find something that I love and wind up buying a full bottle.

I've been on BN for five years, but a couple of years ago I lost interest and wasn't liking anything that I was trying, so I left for a long time. I returned a while back and have been actively posting and sampling a ton of new stuff. I even found a couple of new fragrances that made it into my Top 5. However, I recently hit the proverbial wall again. I've scoured the boards and the web, but there's really nothing more out there that I really want to try.

This is a very tall order, but I need somebody to step up and suggest something that will get me excited about fragrance again! Are there any lesser known niche frags that just blow you away right now?

I NEVER take into consideration the tone or emotion that is in reviews for this very reason. People tend to be passionate about things they like and things they don't like. Considering how subjective this stuff is, we shouldn't really take into account momentary bursts of emotion. I'd say lower your standards a bit.
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post #10 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:55am
With fragrances, as with all things in life you kind of have to find your own way.You could get 101 suggestions here, and where would that leave you? Be satisfied with you have been wearing, or just start sampling every fragrance you can get your hands on. This is such a tough question to answer,because opinions vary so much on most fragrances. Maybe take a little break, and just wear several of the same fragrances for a while, and see where that leads you. Either way good luck.
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post #11 of 46
2/12/10 at 10:57am
Have you tried extending your search to natural perfumery? I really want to try some of Ayala Moriel's stuff but can't afford to try them yet. Either that or try to explore the arabian style perfumes from Abdesalam, Amouage attars and the other less well known arabic perfumes.

I'm sure if you search within these options, you will open up a new world to explore.
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post #12 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:01am
That's a nice little emotional roller coaster you've got yourself strapped into there. How would I recognize such? Hmmm? Guilty.

Sounds like time to step away and let the market recharge with new offerings. Look for some alternate diversions, even those quasi-related to fragrance. The high in this hobby comes when you're chasing prey, which one then occasionally catches. It's tempting to keeping going right back to the most feel-good part, but eventually there comes a point of diminishing returns. Thus, the wall.

I've noticed that if I sort of forget about fragrance and get caught up in a good mood with something else, then return to fragrances while in this happy state, that my wardrobe juice actually smells better than ever.
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post #13 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:01am
Five fragrances that have wowed me of late:

1. DelRae's Amoureuse
2. Gucci No. 3 ( discontinued but still available online )
3. Neil Morris' Gandhara
4. Dawn Spencer Hurwitz's Viridian
5. Killian's Back To Black

This list is diverse in terms of genre, but is strongly reflective of my own taste in fragrance. No promises as to how they'll make you feel.
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post #14 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:06am
You don't have to discover something new constantly. Just take a break from sampling and enjoy what you have that you like.

I know I have been in similar ruts and I finally realized it was time not to force it. It was time to be content.

There will be other times when trying new things will work again. At least they did for me.
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post #15 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:08am
Take a look at my wardrobe, eenie meenie miney moe something, and try it.

Otherwise, have you tried Invasion Barbare yet? It's one of the least talked about fragrances here on BN, although there are a few ppl who really enjoy it here, including myself.
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post #16 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:11am
I think it's okay if you can come with perhaps a dozen frags you love. I have tried perhaps a hundred or more frags and I found FBW perhaps 25 at most. Nothing wrong with that. See if you can go one week without wearing anything - it's more difficult than you might think.
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post #17 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diamondflame View Post

Just curious - do you feel this way about the fragrances in your top 5 list too?
I've learnt from experience that reading glowing reviews BEFORE sampling a scent is an easy way to set yourself up for a major disappointment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by arlecchino View Post

Hey Windy City,
I'm just curious...what are your top five? (I'm assuming Eau Noire is one of them given your avatar?)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Galamb_Borong View Post

Echoing others sentiments about learning what your favorites are. It would be cool to see what's in your wardrobe, too.

My top 5 are listed in my signature below. I'm still loving all of them, in fact I'm wearing Lumiere Noire as my SOTD. As for my wardrobe, it's pretty much outdated at this point as I ran into some difficulties trying to edit it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by L'aventurier View Post

Otherwise, have you tried Invasion Barbare yet? It's one of the least talked about fragrances here on BN, although there are a few ppl who really enjoy it here, including myself.

Very interesting that you mention Invasion Barbare. This is a perfect example of something that seemed to be right up my alley but wound up disappointing me. So now it's joined the approximately 200 other scents sitting on my swap list.

However, for the record, I would like to say that IB is a really top-notch scent and I could definitely see others loving it. I absolutely love the top notes but I found the drydown to be too woody for my tastes. I would recommend that everybody give this one a try though!
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post #18 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:56am
I'd still be interested in seeing a semi-updated wardrobe, so we can try to recommend things that you may like.
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post #19 of 46
2/12/10 at 11:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post

My top 5 are listed in my signature below...

Where's your sig?....wait, where's my sig? I can't see anyones sig! Help!
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post #20 of 46
2/12/10 at 12:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtgprox05 View Post

I'd still be interested in seeing a semi-updated wardrobe, so we can try to recommend things that you may like.

How about going off my Top 5 for now:

TOP 5
1. Eau Noire Cologne by Christian Dior
2. New Haarlem by Bond No. 9
3. Chergui by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido
4. Lumière Noire pour Homme by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
5. New York by Parfums de Nicolai

I've seen that people often recommend Sables for those who like Eau Noire and Aomassai for people who like gourmands. I've tried both and didn't really love either of them.
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post #21 of 46
2/12/10 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by arlecchino View Post

Where's your sig?....wait, where's my sig? I can't see anyones sig! Help!

I don't understand. You can't see my signature? I can see mine and other people's as well.
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post #22 of 46
2/12/10 at 12:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post


Chergui by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido

[...]

I've seen that people often recommend Sables for those who like Eau Noire and Aomassai for people who like gourmands. I've tried both and didn't really love either of them.

Going on Chergui - are other tobacco fragrances of interest to you? I'd definitely recommend giving Ambre Narguile, Tobacco Vanille, and Back to Black a try for other variations on sweet tobacco.

How about exploring more of the Lutens' line in general?

As for Eau Noire, in addition to Sables, other good immortelle fragrances include Marquis de Sade, Fougere Bengale, and Immortelle L'Amour.
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post #23 of 46
2/12/10 at 12:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post

How about going off my Top 5 for now:

TOP 5
1. Eau Noire Cologne by Christian Dior
2. New Haarlem by Bond No. 9
3. Chergui by Serge Lutens Les Salons du Palais Royal Shiseido
4. Lumière Noire pour Homme by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
5. New York by Parfums de Nicolai

I've seen that people often recommend Sables for those who like Eau Noire and Aomassai for people who like gourmands. I've tried both and didn't really love either of them.

Well let's see. I didn't like Aomassai at first either. If you didn't, let it drydown, and the caramel disperses and leaves just a tiny trace of it for effect, it becomes more woody after that. Have you tried Frapin 1270? That's my favorite gourmand, and Penhaligon's Endymion as well, but it's more understated, which seems to go against most of your favorites.
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post #24 of 46
2/12/10 at 12:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scentsitivity View Post

You don't have to discover something new constantly. Just take a break from sampling and enjoy what you have that you like.

I know I have been in similar ruts and I finally realized it was time not to force it. It was time to be content.

There will be other times when trying new things will work again. At least they did for me.

This echoes my sentiments exactly. Sometimes one can become too obsessed with the means and neglect the ends. I have often taken time out from sampling in order to enjoy the fruits of my labours.
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post #25 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:17pm
Thread Starter 
First of all, let me thank you guys for all your helpful thoughts and suggestions. I appreciate it very much and please keep them coming.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtgprox05 View Post

Well let's see. I didn't like Aomassai at first either. If you didn't, let it drydown, and the caramel disperses and leaves just a tiny trace of it for effect, it becomes more woody after that. Have you tried Frapin 1270? That's my favorite gourmand, and Penhaligon's Endymion as well, but it's more understated, which seems to go against most of your favorites.

Yes, I got a big decant of Frapin based on a friend's strong recommendation, and it was definitely good, but just missed the mark for me for some reason that I can't explain.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Galamb_Borong View Post

Going on Chergui - are other tobacco fragrances of interest to you? I'd definitely recommend giving Ambre Narguile, Tobacco Vanille, and Back to Black a try for other variations on sweet tobacco.

How about exploring more of the Lutens' line in general?

As for Eau Noire, in addition to Sables, other good immortelle fragrances include Marquis de Sade, Fougere Bengale, and Immortelle L'Amour.

I recently went on an immortelle kick, trying Sables, MdS and FB. I also sampled an immortelle fragrance by Divine. It should come as no surprise to anyone that I didn't really like any of them. The only one I haven't tried yet is Immortelle L'Amour.
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post #26 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:21pm
Have you tried Guerlain Bois d'Armenie?
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post #27 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtgprox05 View Post

Have you tried Guerlain Bois d'Armenie?

No but I wouldn't mind trying it. Is it any good?
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post #28 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post

No but I wouldn't mind trying it. Is it any good?

Oh yea. Sweet and smokey vanilla and incense.

Also try the previously mentioned Ambre Narguille.
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post #29 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtgprox05 View Post

Oh yea. Sweet and smokey vanilla and incense.

Also try the previously mentioned Ambre Narguille.

OK, I think you may have ignited the fire again just before the flame was extinguished. I just added Bois d'Armenie to my wanted list. If anybody has some, feel free to check out my lengthy list of available swaps and let's work something out.
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post #30 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post

I don't understand. You can't see my signature? I can see mine and other people's as well.

No, I can't see yours or mine or anyone's...I'll have to figure that out, maybe I have a setting out of whack.

Have you tried Guerlain Heritage? If not, based on your top five I think that's one that would seriously wow you.
Also, for what it's worth, I think you would enjoy Parfumerie General Coze and MPG Eau des Iles (which I find quite similar to one another)...have you tried either of those?
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post #31 of 46
2/12/10 at 1:46pm
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In part what makes a beautiful sunset so wonderful for me is the fact it isn't an all day/every day experience. I feel the same about great art. If I constantly viewed a particular Vermeer or a particular Picasso it would lose some of it's charm for me, I am quite sure of that although I have never had that experience.

I think of fragrance in much the same way. I enjoy flitting from scent to scent each day, sometimes several times a day in fact. Some fragrances I just like, some I love and a few others I could have and have had multiple episodes of their being short term obsessions in my life. The great variety of fragrances available and worn by me seem to not to allow me to tire of wearable fragrances as a whole. Of course, the fact that I was virtually wearable fragrance free as far as colognes and perfumes for almost all my pre-Basenotes life probably helps in that regard.
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post #32 of 46
2/12/10 at 2:56pm
Gourmands: Parfumerie Generale Cadjmere, Guerlain L'Instant Extreme
Immortelle based: Parfums d' Empire Fougere Bengale
Classics: Guerlain Heritage EdT

Chergui is simply irreplaceable. however, i found a similar formation of sillage in Tauers Vetiver Dance.
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post #33 of 46
2/12/10 at 3:04pm
After looking at your swap list.
I'd say you've exhausted your options.
Enjoy what you have.
Try some Demeters or cheapies, one may surprise you.
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post #34 of 46
2/12/10 at 3:21pm
I've found that when I have to force myself to sample, rather than do it willingly, I'm not in a very receptive state of mind and I tend to write off nearly everything. After revisiting some of those scents in a more receptive state I found I enjoyed many of them, and at least one has moved into my top 10 (M7).

Wait until you really feel the itch and desire to sample. Only then will you be in the mindset to appreciate any potential gems you come across.
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post #35 of 46
2/12/10 at 3:30pm
Here's a real challenge: go try to find some Lorenzo Villoresi Virginia. Judging from your top 5 you ought to like it - tobacco, immortelle, patchouli...though one can never know. I agree with the means and ends comment. Consider what is important to you: is the the perfume or the search? Major difference.
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post #36 of 46
2/12/10 at 4:49pm
I know what you mean. I sample tons of stuff with mostly disappointments. Try these two. I blew my mind upon first whiff. They renewed my faith in what can be achieved with a good nose and quality ingredients.

Oudh Lacquer by Soivohle

Shem-el-Nesim by Grossmith
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post #37 of 46
2/12/10 at 7:28pm
+1 the Ambre Narguile. Also maybe Pd'N Vanille-Tonka for not so sweet vanilla and incense. And do try the Douce Amere from your previous thread. Maybe the femme Roma - herbal opening, then orangy, vanilla with pepper - not too sweet, a very nice oriental.
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post #38 of 46
2/12/10 at 7:43pm
Hmmm, I suggest you try these mate;

Robert Piguest - Visa
Robert Piguest - Bandit
Robert Piguest - Fracas
Diptyque - Eau Lente
Quorum - Quorum PH
L'artisan's - Dzing!
L'artisan's - Dzongkah!
Knize's - Knize-Ten
++ Loads More!

Trust me, maybe some underground shopping will do the trick for ya, You don't know...
you might even enjoy some of the "Demeter" frags!

Oh, and good on'ya' for enjoying Chergui, A fine scent indeed!

- Balava
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post #39 of 46
2/12/10 at 8:41pm
"(formerly known as CreedFan)".... I was wondering, why is no Creed left in your top five, WindyCity, and in case the 6 - 10 bracket was not empty, which Creed might be included?

Challenging topic, by the way, and beyond standard replies make this a fascinating read! I feel tempted to also suggest a fragrance, but to be sure I must first study your fine swap list in detail.
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post #40 of 46
2/12/10 at 9:11pm
I think Dullah makes a good point on checking out some cheapies. One may certainly surprise you. It may not blow your mind, but if you enjoy wearing it day to day ( for work or casual wear), then mission accomplished, right ?

As well, like SoS mentioned, I get frustrated more in these situations. Maybe retry some fragrances/samples that you initially wrote off. I also find that in these frustrating times I tend to make very poor decisions or haste ones. I basically buy a few bottles that just are no good to me.

Lastly, maybe by reading alot of reviews and threads, something may just "click" when you read it ( with regards to a particular fragrance. This may seem strange, but it certainly happens with me.
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post #41 of 46
2/12/10 at 9:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrclmind View Post

Obviously today for me my recommendation is going to be Habit Rouge Eau de Parfum... but take it with a grain of salt... I'm still intoxicated with the newness of it; I'd have sex with it if I could.

A man in a red riding habit will always turn my head, too, mrclmind! The original "habit rouge" (red suit)... I am glad you love Habit Rouge so...

http://www.artpictures.co.uk/gijh1386.htm
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post #42 of 46
2/13/10 at 5:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCity1014 View Post

I have a problem. I really enjoy this hobby but I'm extremely picky, to the point where I wind up being disappointed in virtually every fragrance I try, even the most highly revered. I look at all the glowing reviews, do some research and get all excited about a new fragrance, then I manage to obtain a sample and my reaction ranges from "blah" to "WTF is this sh*t?!" It is a very rare occurrence indeed when I actually find something that I love and wind up buying a full bottle.

I've been on BN for five years, but a couple of years ago I lost interest and wasn't liking anything that I was trying, so I left for a long time. I returned a while back and have been actively posting and sampling a ton of new stuff. I even found a couple of new fragrances that made it into my Top 5. However, I recently hit the proverbial wall again. I've scoured the boards and the web, but there's really nothing more out there that I really want to try.

This is a very tall order, but I need somebody to step up and suggest something that will get me excited about fragrance again! Are there any lesser known niche frags that just blow you away right now?




Brad,
Have you tried Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir?
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post #43 of 46
2/13/10 at 6:23pm
Maybe the real dilemma is that you don't know what you're looking for?

Like SOS, I've often tried fragrances, hated them, and then later on realized I really like them when I'm in the mood for them.
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post #44 of 46
2/13/10 at 6:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by L'aventurier View Post

Maybe the real dilemma is that you don't know what you're looking for?

Like SOS, I've often tried fragrances, hated them, and then later on realized I really like them when I'm in the mood for them.

Agreed.

Most, if not all of my HG fragrances were ones I initially overlooked.

And, I still don't truly know what I'm looking for...
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post #45 of 46
2/13/10 at 6:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by L'aventurier View Post

Maybe the real dilemma is that you don't know what you're looking for?

Like SOS, I've often tried fragrances, hated them, and then later on realized I really like them when I'm in the mood for them.

+2 I'm finding out I truly enjoy stuff I had once written off more and more.
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post #46 of 46
2/13/10 at 6:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Quarry View Post

That's a nice little emotional roller coaster you've got yourself strapped into there. How would I recognize such? Hmmm? Guilty.

Sounds like time to step away and let the market recharge with new offerings. Look for some alternate diversions, even those quasi-related to fragrance. The “high” in this hobby comes when you're chasing prey, which one then occasionally catches. It's tempting to keeping going right back to the most feel-good part, but eventually there comes a point of diminishing returns. Thus, the wall.

I've noticed that if I sort of forget about fragrance and get caught up in a good mood with something else, then return to fragrances while in this happy state, that my wardrobe juice actually smells better than ever.

+1. Time to take a break. You have a solid collection of rich fragrances --- each arguably the the star of their respective lines. Enjoy your collection and think of other things for a while. Come back in a year or two an check out what has been released over that period.

As far as a frag to try: Jicky in the parfum concentration. One of the richest and most opulent lavenders. It is right up there with Eau Noire.
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