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Any love for Santa Maria Novella ?

post #1 of 45
5/13/10 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
I thought it was about time to explore beyond my usual field of Guerlain ,Caron, gardenias and tuberose ( yeah ,gets abit boring , I am sure ! *LOL* )

So I ordered a decant of Santa Maria Novella Melograno ( okay ..yes, a little influenced by Vesper of James Bond fame ! ) and a sample of Honeysuckle too .
I think there is some love for this old house on the men's side of Basenotes but what about us ladies ?
What do you think of Santa Maria Novella ,their longevity ,their style of perfumes, etc ...in particular Melograno ( as I bought a decant completely unsniffed, bought blind as a bat... )
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post #2 of 45
5/13/10 at 5:50pm
I don't recall having smelled Melograno, but I thought Caprifoglio (honeysuckle) was more of a neroli. I very much like Garofano (carnation). Violetta is also very good.
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post #3 of 45
5/13/10 at 5:59pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks 30 Roses- I was hearing an echo here for a while ! *LOL*

Yes, the carnation caught my eye too.
I'm looking forward to something different because my experience with pomegranate is limited to Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir which I don't like. I hear there's a touch of incense in Melograno so , I'm keeping my fingers crossed !
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post #4 of 45
5/13/10 at 9:40pm
I realize I didn't comment on longevity. Speaking solely about SMN Garofano, it had significantly greater longevity on my skin than Lorenzo Villoresi Garofano did. Violetta lasted about as long as my other violet perfumes do.
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post #5 of 45
5/13/10 at 9:44pm
Haven't tried many of them but I have and love Melograno and Nostalgia.
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post #6 of 45
5/13/10 at 10:31pm
Thread Starter 
30 Roses- thanks - I am hoping for longevity,on my skin, even if these are 'colognes' .

Tigs- glad to hear it ! I am actually very much looking forward to trying out Santa Maria Novella. I wish I could click my heels and go their shop in London ! Darn !
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post #7 of 45
5/13/10 at 10:58pm
If you're interested in SMN, I highly recommend giving Magnolia a try! I really love it - I tried it last year in the Deep South on a broiling day, and it has a lovely, lasting mixture of green notes and white flowers. It's not authentically magnolia in the truest sense, but it's a muguet-jasmine accord that's very enjoyable to me!

I'm glad this thread came up, actually. I'd completely forgotten Magnolia until I tried to think of which SMN to recommend you.

They make a Tuberose, but I found it kind of blah - nice but one-note, it's-been-before-and-better tuberose on the soft side. Same with the Muguet.

Nostalgia and Peau d'Espagne are unusual leather fragrances, Nostalgia being cool and petrochemical and Peau dirty and spicy. My mother quite liked Peau, but I didn't. Nostalgia is a fun one to experience, but not something I want to wear.

Mellograno was not my thing - tart, candied pomegranate.

Tobacco Toscano was vanilla with a slight rubbery quality to my nose.
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post #8 of 45
5/13/10 at 11:24pm
I'd wholeheartedly recommend the wonderful green/floral Ginestra for this time of year. It is allegedly supposed to resemble the scent of Scottish Broom and for me does so pretty accurately. Completely unisex and with decent sillage/longevity to boot- I can't see anyone being disappointed by it.
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post #9 of 45
5/14/10 at 12:55am
I own the Epagne in parfum strenght, totally gorgeous leather with a medial note.
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post #10 of 45
5/14/10 at 3:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JON RODGERS View Post

I'd wholeheartedly recommend the wonderful green/floral Ginestra for this time of year. It is allegedly supposed to resemble the scent of Scottish Broom and for me does so pretty accurately. Completely unisex and with decent sillage/longevity to boot- I can't see anyone being disappointed by it.

Ginestra is the only SMN that I own, so far. I'm with Jon it's great! The other two I've tested are Melograno and Eva. I found Eva to be underwhelming, but I think it has some fans here. Melograno is compelling and different I can see falling in love with it!
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post #11 of 45
5/14/10 at 3:11am
I tested some and use with great happiness Melograno (of which i am on the search for a new bottle, at the moment as well) and i like it a lot but i also had one bad experience with "Gold Musk" or (Muschio oro) which i disliked it strongly. It developed harsh and poignant and has an odd musk note whichi couldn't do. Long lasting...! ;-)

But altogether very fine fragrances!
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post #12 of 45
5/14/10 at 6:52am
The only one I tried is Patchouli and I loved it a lot. Top 3 patchouli for me.
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post #13 of 45
5/14/10 at 7:24am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the amazing suggestions everyone !
So I have a list of SMN's to try out now.
i also heard good things about Fieno / Hay .

Suga- the magnolia sounds great . Re.melograno - I am not sure if 'tart' is up my street but I am willingto give it a go. The last pomegranate experience was Jo Malone - not a good one to me !
Donna- I didn't know SMNs came in parfum strength !
Haunani - ooh Ginestra ,another one I did think about - I hope I like Melograno - it's completely out of my comfort zone which was the idea , I guess.
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post #14 of 45
5/14/10 at 8:16am
I've got their Musk and Santa Maria Novella (also in the directory under Classica). They're both great. I want to get their Pot-pourri and possibly Imperial Lavender too.
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post #15 of 45
5/14/10 at 10:47am
Mystic, I haven't been to it but there is a SMN boutique here in L.A. -- do a roadtrip! I don't know any hardcore perfumistas in real life, I'd be happy to meet you there to sniff stuff. Plus, of course, Lucky Scent is practically right next door ...
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post #16 of 45
5/14/10 at 2:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thalia View Post

Mystic, I haven't been to it but there is a SMN boutique here in L.A. -- do a roadtrip! I don't know any hardcore perfumistas in real life, I'd be happy to meet you there to sniff stuff. Plus, of course, Lucky Scent is practically right next door ...

Thalia- where is the SMN boutique in LA ?? Is it near the Scent Bar ?????
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post #17 of 45
5/14/10 at 3:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mimi Gardenia View Post

Thalia- where is the SMN boutique in LA ?? Is it near the Scent Bar ?????

It's on Melrose Place (no kidding!) in the West Hollywood/Beverly Hills area. 8411 Melrose Place.

Scent Bar is on Beverly between La Cienega and Crescent Heights, so yeah, pretty close! And there's Barney's and Saks at Rodeo Drive, so those are both sort of in the area too. And Fred Segal ...
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post #18 of 45
5/14/10 at 3:16pm
There is a Santa Maria Novella in Beverly Hills - I went there once. It's on the same street as the Marc Jacob boutique(s) and down the street from the Alexander McQueen store. Melrose Place?? Lovely little, ivy-covered storefront. The lady working there the day Ray, I (and Brent - from SmellBent) went there was so helpful, super easy going - she let us smell to our hearts content. The range is so huge, it's a bit overwhelming.

The only one I own is Nostalgia. In addition, I highly recommend Ginestra (just lovely!) and Imperial Lavender (but it might be too mascline for you mystic...maybe not?).
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post #19 of 45
5/14/10 at 3:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeperez23 View Post

There is a Santa Maria Novella in Beverly Hills - I went there once. It's on the same street as the Marc Jacob boutique(s) and down the street from the Alexander McQueen store. Melrose Place?? Lovely little, ivy-covered storefront. The lady working there the day Ray, I (and Brent - from SmellBent) went there was so helpful, super easy going - she let us smell to our hearts content. The range is so huge, it's a bit overwhelming.

The only one I own is Nostalgia. In addition, I highly recommend Ginestra (just lovely!) and Imperial Lavender (but it might be too mascline for you mystic...maybe not?).

oh no , Lavender sounds wonderful !

Gee whiz ,darn it- I was there and I missed it. Next time, next time !
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post #20 of 45
5/14/10 at 4:03pm
Muschio is absolutely divine. Marescialla is also an interesting one, has a great story attached to it also. I love Santa Maria Novella Cologne, which is said to have been created for Catherine de Medici before she left Florence to marry Henri II Dauphin of France.
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post #21 of 45
5/14/10 at 6:53pm
Based on my experience with Nostalgia & Melograno, I think SMN has a couple of the "edgiest" scents out there -- which is in contrast to the old world, staid image they might project. I've only tried a few of their fragrances, and I think some probably are very straightforward and conservative though.

Melograno bears no relation to pomegranate, so put that idea out of your head. I wasn't sure if I liked it at all at first, but I couldn't stop thinking about it and sampling it, and I'm actually hosting a split soon. I'll be curious to hear what you finally think of it.

I also recently got a decant of Peau d'Espagne, which is some serious animalic leather. I also have a decant of Fieno/Hay on the way, unsniffed, but it sounds so good to me.
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post #22 of 45
5/15/10 at 7:49pm
I have Melograno (and had it before Casino Royale - great movie btw) and find it reminds me of Chanel No. 5 (aldehydes?), and SMN Iris is my absolute favorite Iris. I also tried Nostalgia and thought it was too fun!
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post #23 of 45
5/15/10 at 7:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perfume_Addict View Post

I have Melograno (and had it before Casino Royale - great movie btw) and find it reminds me of Chanel No. 5 (aldehydes?), and SMN Iris is my absolute favorite Iris. I also tried Nostalgia and thought it was too fun!

I love Chanel No.5 so I guess I'll be fine and dandy with Melograno !
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post #24 of 45
5/17/10 at 8:52am
I love their Caprifoglia, and also their Iris, so unique and beautiful. I intend to try more of them when I can.
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post #25 of 45
5/17/10 at 4:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by CHARDKAY View Post

I love their Caprifoglia, and also their Iris, so unique and beautiful. I intend to try more of them when I can.

Chardkay - Caprifoglia is fantastico !!!!! It's the honeysuckle I have been searching for.
Melograno is lovely- yes it is- no pomegranate in sight. This is so much like Hermes' Caleche and somewhat a little like Chanel No.5 but more Caleche.
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post #26 of 45
5/18/10 at 12:10pm
Surprised no-one has mentioned Citta di Kyoto - a wonderful incense and iris. Fieno is beautiful too - warm hay with a touch of green and a gentle haze of florals.
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post #27 of 45
5/18/10 at 3:52pm
Another vote here for Ginestra. A beautiful, soft green fragrance. It's one of my go-to summer scents. Can't imagine summer without it. But then, I've never met a broom fragrance I didn't like.

I'd love to try Melograno; it sounds lovely. Ditto Citta di Kyoto.
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post #28 of 45
5/18/10 at 8:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brielle87 View Post

Muschio is absolutely divine.

I love this one, too. A warm, powdery, vegetal musk, made from Sumbul roots - very old fashioned and comforting. I'm also a fan of the divine, Potpourri, Vicotriana in a bottle.
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post #29 of 45
5/20/10 at 7:41pm
What is the best place to by SMN in the U.S. online?

They sound so wonderful.

I would like to try some day...
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post #30 of 45
5/21/10 at 4:36am
Primrose, Aedes carries the scents. I know from visiting the store that they carry more of the SMN scents than they list online, so if you don't see what you want, call them and ask.
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post #31 of 45
5/21/10 at 7:27am
Thread Starter 
Lafco has Santa Maria Novella too - the best thing is ... I *THINK*..they don't charge California tax. Every little helps ...
www.lafcony.com
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post #32 of 45
5/21/10 at 8:08am
Thank you, Mimi and Roses!
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post #33 of 45
5/21/10 at 8:20am
I love Melograno and Muschio. Will try more.
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post #34 of 45
6/18/11 at 6:43am
Anyone tried their Gardenia?
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post #35 of 45
6/19/11 at 12:17am
So excited to hear there is a boutique on Melrose!! I have heard they do some great tobacco based fragrances. I wish I would have known they were so close to Scentbar! Guess I have another LA weekend coming up!
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post #36 of 45
6/19/11 at 12:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by furrypine View Post

Anyone tried their Gardenia?

I remember sniffing it once; I remember it being a disappointing jasminey-tuberosy thing in the vein of Chanel's Gardenia.
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post #37 of 45
6/19/11 at 2:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugandaraja View Post

I remember sniffing it once; I remember it being a disappointing jasminey-tuberosy thing in the vein of Chanel's Gardenia.

Thanks! I have a chance to get in on a spilt, but having never smelled a real gardenia and your lukewarm comment, well, maybe I will reconsider. And jasmine is iffy on me..
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post #38 of 45
6/19/11 at 2:49am
I visited the SMN shoop in Florence and was amazed at the beauty of the
place. There are cloisters outside and the shop itself is very grand despite looking
like an ordinary front door to someone's house from the outside!

I bought the Cologna Classica, which I love and then my sister bought me a bottle
of Melograno. It's a STRONG cologne, definitely unisex an I have to be in the mood for it. It is
made from very high quality materials, however.
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post #39 of 45
6/19/11 at 5:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by furrypine View Post

Thanks! I have a chance to get in on a spilt, but having never smelled a real gardenia and your lukewarm comment, well, maybe I will reconsider. And jasmine is iffy on me..

Having smelled many gardenias, I can tell you that very, very few fragrances capture it at all closely. The most accessible, still-in-production one that does a decent job is Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia. Most of the time you read gardenia on the bottle it's probably better if you've never encountered a real one, as it tends to be a fruity jasmine tuberose. Real gardenias aren't fruity at all, but rather, buttery, milky, almost cheesy and mushroom-like under a smooth layer of sweet floral smoothness. Tom Ford's Velvet Gardenia ( discontinued, but still available some places ) and JAR's Jardenia ( crazy expensive ) also do a decent job of recreating the scent, though no fragrance I know is 100% accurate.
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post #40 of 45
6/19/11 at 5:48am
I was at the shop in Soho, NYC few weeks ago. Love the concept, but struck out with every fragrance.
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post #41 of 45
6/21/11 at 3:26pm
I love SMN Vaniglia- my favorite vanilla
Citta di Kyoto reminds me of a fresh updated version of vintage Halston (+1 Iris & Incense as stated by Hilaryjane )
Zagara (orange blossom) is a refreshing summer staple for me!
I'd love to get Ginestra.
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post #42 of 45
6/21/11 at 5:08pm
I'll guess that they're have the same problem as Aqua Di Parma... just too many in the lineup that it's a daunting task to even start working through the line.
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post #43 of 45
6/23/11 at 1:38am
Haven't posted here in awhile but wore my much neglected Melograno recently. I first encountered SMN when I wandered into a boutique in Venice. I like Iris and Violetta and have tried on Rosa as well. They all last forever on me.
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post #44 of 45
6/23/11 at 2:20am
From the ones I have smelled, I liked Peau d'Espagne
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post #45 of 45
6/24/11 at 12:29pm
I tried the Hay fragrance today and liked it. Reminds me how the northern california hills smell in summer.
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