Today I Bought - July 2012

Fantastic gitft from a girlfriend of mine: vintage Jolie Madame EDT dated 1960...

Honore des Pres Vamp a NY

Notes include tuberose, rum, Bourbon vanilla, Peru balsam, Tolu balsam and benzoin.

Checking off a longstanding fixture on my wanted-list! Morgane Le Fay Blue
Notes: Pink pepper, galbanum, lily of the valley, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, benzoin, musk, incense.

Dahila Noir Edt samples..till I can get a FB!

A 100ml bottle of Habanita edt, BNIB for a great price from ebay. After sampling this recently, l couldn't stop thinking about it, & having heard rumours of the edt's discontinuation, l thought it's now or never!

I did the same thing last month, teardrop - got that bottle of Habanita edt before it's too late. Congrats, and enjoy!

This month...
Chanel Cristalle edt to replace an emptied bottle
Guerlain Eau de Cologne du Coq just because I felt like it.

Patchouly Indonesiano Parfum 100ml by Farmacia SS. Anunziata.....just because.. =)

Went a little over board today:

my latest acquisitions: a 75ml bottle of cuir de russie, a 120ml bottle of jil sander man scent 79 and a 100ml bottle of navegar, all three at an amazing price so couldn't resist. this is it for quite a while, i will stop for now and try to clear the c/c damage (unless someone comes my way with a fb of black tourmaline or eau du fier, lol).

Wonderful additions to your collection. I wish I had one of those Chanel Les Exclusifs in my wardrobe.

thanks lucas. hopefully one day my friend, hopefully one day. chanel doesn't mail to poland?

I'm so happy you got this, it's a great fragrance!!

Like the Chanel Cuir de Russie, Danny.



Just received (another) backup of Ungaro II. I think it is safe to say I now have enough of this stockpiled to last me well into old age.

i know! i was thinking of you when i've posted the pic. i think we are both obsessed about it (you being the bigger one, lol).

I've jumped on the Habanita bandwagon too - bought a backup tester bottle before the old ones all disappear. I haven't smelled the new one yet, but I know the old one is a steal at $20/100ml.

Also got these at the Guerlain boutique on Rue Saint-Honore while in Paris last week:





I had lunch (and took photos) at the Costes afterwards, and sniffed, but didn't buy any fragrance there.

and a Chanel Pour Monsieur stick deo for traveling - versatile enough to wear with anything.

and from eBay, going back to the beginning in my chypre wanderings ...



and finally, in the most epic trade ever with a very good BN friend, a full bell bottle of vintage Shiseido Iris Silver Mist:

Rumours of EDT discontinued???? I know they just released a "Modern EDP" but hadn't heard about any discontinuations. Congrats on your purchase. I think Habanita is one of the best buys in perfume-land.


I got half oz of Feraud2- which I can find zero info on.

It's no rumour, folks: The original "HABANITA" is discontinued, and will never be made again, neither in EDT nor in P. I knew this quite some time ago so I'm afraid I ordered so much I'm having a hard time finding room on the shelves of the "cave" (whence the First Edition Iris Silver Mist circa 1993 above ^^^^) Interestingly, the "new" habanita uses the now nearly impossible to obtain parfum (+/- $500.00 an ounce on e-bay) as an inspiration, and forgets the EdT completely--the new EdP is nothing at all like the EdT, but very much like the Parfum: In the Grand Tradition of (now obsolete) French Perfumery, these were two different scents entirely, designed to be worn together. There are still many 100ml bottles to be had on e-bay for as little as $20.00US for 3.3 ounces in the original black Lalique atomizer. I find it difficult to imagine living without this, so I must have at least 50 of them. As it says on my e-bay buyer rating pages over and over and over: "Bulk Buyer" LOL--but when I see that "10" available in the box--I just can't *not* buy all 10--especially when something is discontinued! For the record: My latest acquisitions: 1x30ml vintage "OPIUM" parfum, 1x vintage 120ml "OPIUM" eau de toilette splash, and 1x vintage 60ml "Opium" perfumed bath oil: I got to thinking: I *need* Opium. Interestingly, there really isn't much of the vintage left.....I think all of us *need* at least 7ml of Opium parfum in that swell bottle, just for reference.......

MdM - if there are any other old things falling off of the shelves of your cave, I'm always ready to help you make room.

I just ordered a couple more tester bottles of Habanita EdT before they are all gone. It's hard not to at these prices. My wife has recently fallen for it, and the first bottle is going fast. One backup won't be enough.

By the way, I was in the mega Sephora on the Champs-Élysées last week. They had only the new version, judging from the flat, wide boxes on the shelf. They just had an old EdT tester out though. I went there specifically to try the new EdP, too. I may just have to blind buy it.

Lovely bell jar, rubegon! Congrats! I was so tempted to buy exactly the same bell jar from ebay (maybe it was a European listing only, I don't recall, but it's gone by now) at a very good price, but then I do not like the newer Iris Silver Mist. I got myself the Shiseido Rose de Nuit instead - ready to be picked up from my local mail service point today!

Went into store with the intention of getting Tobacco Vanille or Black Orchid. Ended up leaving with this:

Dear Lord, this is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!!!

Chergui was my first niche! welcome to BN broxwood

robegon, you got the Coty Chypre! Same bottle as I have. Of course, after I sent you a decant (; Tell us all about it. Enjoy!

Alfarom, I was staying at a friend's who has all her mother's old perfumes including JM of same vintage. Next time I visit her, I am bringing decant supplies.

Myself, awaiting DvF Volcan d'Amoura rarityfrom ebay as well as sample vials of Amarige Mariage just because the notes sounded so festive.

Very nice leathery-floral a-la Bandit (well, sort of). I wasn't familiar with the vintage since I got it as a gift...Just LOVELY!

Thank you Larimar! I tested ISM from a Perfumed Court sample - not sure how recent a vintage - and have been fascinated with it ever since. I was about to go to the SL shop to buy a bell of it (I was in Paris last week) when MdM proposed a trade for a certain elephantine flacon I had recently acquired. It's now the prize of my collection!

I love it! This one seems a bit earthier and less "pretty" than I remember the sample I tried. Not a fragrance to wear out for me - perfect for quiet moments alone.


Thanks, alfarom -I agree!


I did, jujy! I think blind bought it before your sample even arrived - I had been keeping my eyes open after I missed that last bottle, and got it at a good price. I have been on a real chypre kick lately, and this is a great addition to the collection, and not just for "archival" purposes - I find it very wearable. Now I'm on the lookout for a bottle of the parfum ...

I was wondering how close it would be to Chanel pour Monsieur, as CpM has been said to be the closest thing to the original Chypre de Coty. I like the Coty more - it's a bit more overtly floral and feminine in the opening, but it settles into it's "chyprosity" quickly. Its refreshing and bitter, while still seeming substantial - if that makes sense. Surprisingly tenacious for an EdT - probably because it has more oakmoss than any "chypre" made these days?

Oh, and I just got another thing I've been wanting for a while. Semi-blind - I have the EdT, and after Larimar's comments on it, I knew I'd love it.

Vol de Nuit parfum tester:

my recent purchases (and blind buys) of slumberhouse norne and pear & olive arrived today.

will need to sample later as I'd like not to be thrown out of the movies this afternoon.

1889 Moulin Rouge Histoires de Parfums, blind buy
1969 Parfum de Révolte by Histoire de Parfums, blind buy
Avignon - CDG

My first multi-niche spree. Still keeping a bit safe to my tastes, as I need some amount of patchouli in everything. I love the risk and surprise of blind buys (of course I read a ton of reviews first).

Also ordered decants of Tubéreuse Criminelle by Serge Lutens and New York by Nicolai.

Tesori d'Oriente Neroli & Cardamom, again for a present.

A full bottle at last - C'est magnifique





Top notes - Lemon Peel, Basil, Lotus Blossom, Ambrette Seeds
Heart notes - Olive, Jasmine, Magnolia
Base notes - Benzoin, Ambergris, Musk

Great job Jon-I remember you posting that one up before, those notes sound divine! So curious!.

Picked up a backup of my almost depleted Avignon. And Kobe.

Oooh Alityke, Wrappings sounds like such a unique classic. Thanks for being the first to alert me of its existence.

Oh my, I fell into a Sunday vintage binge...

Xs Extreme Girl!!!!!--only a mini, but still soo excited.
Vintage Jacomo Silences
Vintage Pucci Vivara (mini) with traditional pucci pattern packaging
Noa by Cacharel
Ivoire de Balmain vintage edt and body cream
Molinard de Molinard vintage

alfarom- that Jolie Mdme is a gorgeous specimen of understated packaging.

Ooh and it seems like the recent Best CDG thread has inspired many of us to restock Avignon.

@ anomie- Oh man, I was just thinking yesterday how much I would *really* love to try XS Extreme Girl! The notes I see for this make my mouth just water. Need to try soon!

Some lovely gifts for my recent birthday...thanks to the wonderful people involved..I love you.

Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle



vintage Monsieur Carven



Nino Cerruti EDT



...and a vintage Guerlain Eau De Cologne ad...

I have been staying away as my spending was becoming far too enabled by you lovely folks and all the great info on here about what to try next ...but I have to remark to....
Jon Rogers: ENJOY - I bought a bottle in May and I LURVE it - so good.

Nothing to declare from self - but you guys are hauling some fabulous stuff! Happy birthday alfarom!

Thanks dear.

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Thanks dear.

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Thanks dear.

'forgot' about this one, can you believe it? i think i have a problem..

Ah Danny! Laboratorio Olfattivo! I really like Alambar from their line, and I'm still up to try Daimiris and one of their newest perfume - Noblige.

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Today I bought samples of:

Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio
Annick Goutal Ambre Fetiche
Parfum d'Empire Azemour Les Orangers
Parfum d'Empire Eau de Gloire.

And almost forgot to mention that because I'm such a great client of my local niche perfume shop who supports them a lot on their website I'll be gifted with free samples of Amouage Interlude Men and Interlude Women

Thanks very much, ladies . It is a delight for sure. "She who must be obeyed" loves it too so it looks like it will be a shared experience.




Belated Birthday Greetings to alfarom

(some rather nice gifts you got there, F )

missed out on your b'day MR F, belated wishes (must've been away!). 21 again?
you've got some lovely gifts, enjoy. & i'm sure the guerlain vintage ad will end up framed on your wall.

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spur of the moment impulse buy i'm afraid MR L, i'm still on the fence with this one as it reminds me too much of eldo's tom of finland (nothing against it but don't wear it too often and don't want two similar frags that are not part of my daily rotation). it might end up on my swap list, we shall see how it behaves in colder weather.

Never tried Tom of Finland, but I will one day

L'Air du Temps Couture Edition

Hoping it smells like the vintage...

Danny, how many times do I have to tell you? 19, I'm 19!!!


Thanks Jon! Hugs!

I spotted Wrappings in House of Fraser Belfast.

Parfumerie Generale Cuir d'Iris and Tonkamande.

Wow, this ISM vintage is stunning !

If someone has a cave full of MKK 1998, i gladly want one lol


Prepare the insulin !

I am enthused A tester bottle (sans cap) of the new edition Habanita Molinard EDP arrived today. I've been wearing it for about 3 hours now and declare it quite worthy to sit on the shelf next to my current EDT and vintage cologne in the flower shaped bottle. The EDP doesn't lose the essence of what is Habanita, yet re-introduces H to a new generation. It's sharper in the top and less powdery in the bottom- making it edgy and contemporary - possibly the reaction experienced nearly 100 years ago, when first introduced in the roaring 20's.

In my opinion Molinard did an outstanding job with this release and set a standard that other houses should aspire to reach when they reformulate.

Surrender to chance samples arrived today. Got Tobacco Vanille, Comme des Garcons 2, Musc Ravageur, Carnal Flower, Lys Mediterranee and Portrait of a Lady.

That's very encouraging to read, Knit. Definately on the 'to test' list now.
Enjoy !

Etro Via Verri Vintage

Congrats, Donna. Sounds like a great deal on that bell jar. PG Cuir d'Iris is high on my wanted list after testing it several times.


Thanks, Mon-Petit! I feel very lucky to have gotten it. Only on Basenotes could this happen! I hope you find your vintage MKK one day too!


Thanks for the report, Knit. The powder bomb dry down is one of the things I live about Habanita. My wife has been wearing tons of it, and I've been in smoky/powdery heaven! The new one sounds great too, though. I'll likely be blind buying it before too long ...

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Congrats, Donna. Sounds like a great deal on that bell jar. PG Cuir d'Iris is high on my wanted list after testing it several times.


Thanks, Mon-Petit! I feel very lucky to have gotten it. Only on Basenotes could this happen! I hope you find your vintage MKK one day too!


Thanks for the report, Knit. The powder bomb dry down is one of the things I live about Habanita. My wife has been wearing tons of it, and I've been in smoky/powdery heaven! The new one sounds great too, though. I'll likely be blind buying it before too long ...

Midnight Oud by Juliette Has a Gun 100ml

Couldn't resist. Wish it were possible to taste how this smells:

I won a used bottle of vintage Diorissimo edt. I know this one has a tendency to go off, but it ended at $35 so I felt it was worth risking. Anyway, it arrived today and it's perfect

Congratulations! I'm planning a new hunt soon too!