I never would even touch Fragonard. It was just too ringard. For many years, they just made copies. That's all I ever knew them for, was makers of imitation scents. They have a boutique in that underground mall in Passage du Louvre and between trade shows during Fashion Week I wondered in--it is ringard in that very French way--the way of the Ringard trying to be Parisian--Boxes & bottles: Not the most appealing. However--I sprayed one on my wrist--simply because I was *SO EXHAUSTED* and needed that "change the moment" pick me up & had already gone through the usual set of substances & was still over everything--nothing looked good to me--If I saw another dress I would scream--and this--whatever it was I tried: I *think* it had to be one of their men's scents--I just can't remember for the xanax--was VERY nice: & you know me and how I detest men's scents (except Givenchy Gentleman, and also Monsieur de Givenchy) I suppose if my Mother was a Nina Ricci Girl, and I had come out remotely normal, I would be a "Givenchy Dude." At any rate, this Fragonard performed beautifully and showed every single sign of quality anyone could expect--those signs now completely absent in current Guerlains, for example--but none of the in your face signs inherent in Caron. I would rate it "perfect," only because I remember thinking: "Hmmmm. If I were not le MdM, and were someone else, I could very easily make a signature out of this." (abstract, I know.) Galimard, I have never smelled anything from that range: Fleurine bought an huge bottle of something last time she was in paris. She might have some thoughts on it--There are other, smaller houses in Grasse--and the fact that the whole town is *about* perfume. I do think we should investigate renting a chateau. It will be much less expensive than invading a B&B--and perhaps more fun. Mike will be annoyed because there will be no spa, or masseur on hand, and, it being the provinces and all, not likely a way to do the total day of beauty thing: But I could be wrong. The one thing that we need to clarify is this: First, *ARE* we really going? I ask because, if we are, we should all start a "Ringardes" savings account. That's why I thought early summer of 2014 was a good time slot: We might all start putting 20's (E's or D's) in a secret piggy bank immediately at least once a week immediately as of now--and also: *WHO* is up for it really. There is *no way* this will be a BN "meet up." I'm not having randoms. Cleared invitation list thus far runs thus:
Grannies: Your Writer, LB, and Reine des Champs Ingami. ("the Old Ladies")
Rednecks: Dr. P, Rube, and Fleurine. ("the Nerds")
Renegades: SB, MB, and....Mike? ("the Trouble Makers")
That makes three teams of 3, 9 Ringardes in all. We can jump teams if we need to for arrivals if I air-drop in. ShinyBeast & I--I'm seeing this as a tandem--anyone else is welcome to join in the sky dive if brave enough. This said: I will only know if I'm willing *after* Burning Man.
If we added a team, or bumped up our teams to four members, (I'd prefer to avoid the number 4 in all instances) we could accept some applications. I'd love it if Foustie would come, but of course there's no way to predict if she would be down. I'd also like to approach Forfreddie for potential canditature. I do think a troupe of nine is a good call: We also might need to weigh in if Ringarde Players will be bringing spouses. I might need to bring Grisette & La Marquise de Lambasle: Especially if we rent a chateau. Nigel has already declared that he will not be:
Parading about the Provinces in a frock
So that's as far as that went. Grisette & La Marquise are happy to be dressed. they are both used to this and already have extensive wardrobes, some with Elizabethan Ruffs, all with matching leads. (though both prefer their standard Hermes ones, which have their signature colour--they are short hair silvers and have that strange greeny-taupe coat, a colour only Hermes does in a lead) If I air-dop in, neither will be able to come. Nigel is already in all of his states at the very idea that I would think to do this and has lain down the law. This said, I *know* both would be thrilled to do it. They both LOVE flying. (This may have something to do with the doggie opium I get in France called "Haldog"--their drug of choice: Available at any French Chemist's.) No cats are welcome, so, Fleurine: Please don't start. G & la M de L would be delighted because they adore killing them, so, just so you're aware of that detail from the get go. As a threesome, we all loathe cats. I've already had my Cat Death moments with neighbours and don't wish to re-live the drama.
On another note: I'm done posting on the BaV thread. Rube, you might now begin again speaking to LB. If needs be: I'll erase all of my tell-tale posts.