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I'm not Cary Grant...

post #1 of 58
12/2/12 at 12:48pm
Thread Starter 
I'm a newbie here and trying to educate myself on fragrance. This site is wonderful and the members top notch.
I believe I am making progress; however, I am hoping to quicken the process with some direction from the pros.

Let me state that I am not Cary Grant. I am not Sean Connery either. I am not a rap star, rock star or star of anything. I am a middle aged professional with a wonderful wife & 3 lovely daughters. I am not looking to attract women with my scent. I'm certainly not the nightclub type.

I am a conservative man and I do not like anyone to invade my personal space. For that reason, I respect others' personal space as well. I do not wish to wear a fragrance that announces my entry into a room; rather, a fragrance that rewards someone if they get close enough.

I am looking for a fragrance that embodies quiet sophistication, authority & confidence with a bit of humility as well.

I hope that makes sense....

I should state the fragrance I've worn the most is Acqua di Parma Colonia....followed by Creed Original Vetiver.
I would think Creed Royal Scottish Lavender might be along the lines of what I'm looking for. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
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post #2 of 58
12/2/12 at 1:55pm
Caron L'un pour l'homme as you seem to have a strong attachment to lavender and this is the most faithful representation of it in any fragrance I know, tempered by vanilla and sweetened by amber. Be warned, it's also a little soporific - in a pleasant way - so do not operate heavy or dangerous machinery immediately after use.

Givenchy Gentleman is a sophisticated and sensual leather fragrance with excellence longevity though you may find the projection a little too loud, it would depend on your skin type. Cerruti L'Essence is a quieter version of leather, and a personal favourite, but many fragrance fans are disappointed by its apparent subdued and fleeting nature.

L'eau Boisee by Guerlain starts with a brief strong lime, which yields quickly before melting into a satisfying and woody vetiver.

On wood notes, the judicious application of Encre Noire is a good introduction to these accords.

Finally, I've always felt Chanel Egoiste Platinum to represent a businesslike introduction to aromatics, though again some are alarmed by its silage.

Hope any or all the above are of help.
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post #3 of 58
12/2/12 at 1:57pm
Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT or EDP.
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post #4 of 58
12/2/12 at 2:00pm
Cologne du Parfumeur by Guerlain or No.89 by Floris might fit the bill.
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post #5 of 58
12/2/12 at 2:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drseid View Post

No.89 by Floris might fit the bill.

Good recommendation.
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post #6 of 58
12/2/12 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Awakening950 View Post

Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT or EDP.

+1 I hesitated as it can be considered a little adventurous, an outstanding fragrance nevertheless.
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post #7 of 58
12/2/12 at 2:41pm
Great thread title :-)

I think 2 excellent suggestions have already been made - Givenchy Gentleman and Habit Rouge.
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post #8 of 58
12/2/12 at 2:41pm
Dunhill For Men (1934)
Equipage
R de Capucci
+1 on Caron Pour Un Homme

Of the above, I think Equipage fits closest to what you say you're interested in.
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post #9 of 58
12/2/12 at 3:03pm
Bois du Portugal
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post #10 of 58
12/2/12 at 3:31pm
Careful with the Givenchy Gentleman. It has a strong patchouli/tobacco note that isn't everyone's cup of tea (either the wearer or those around him). To me it's pretty nice, but I am a "powerhouse" fragrance fan.
Your criteria would be readily met by VanCleef & Arpels pour homme. Guaranteed. It exudes authority and masculinity. Don't go overboard with the trigger. And it can be had for < $30.
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post #11 of 58
12/2/12 at 4:42pm
+1 for Creed Bois du Portugal. It is masculine sophistication in a bottle with its wonderful woodsy dry down. Two sprays at most and you are set. Givenchy Gentlemen is also a long time, dear friend of mine. I highly recommend both.
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post #12 of 58
12/2/12 at 5:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by senore01 View Post

+1 for Creed Bois du Portugal. It is masculine sophistication in a bottle with its wonderful woodsy dry down. Two sprays at most and you are set. Givenchy Gentlemen is also a long time, dear friend of mine. I highly recommend both.

++1
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post #13 of 58
12/2/12 at 5:56pm
For me, Tom Ford for Men Extreme fits this bill perfectly.
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post #14 of 58
12/2/12 at 6:10pm
Chanel Allure Homme
Creed Bois du Portugal
MDCI Invasion Barbare
L'Occitane Eau de Vetyver
L'Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme
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post #15 of 58
12/2/12 at 7:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mesaboogie View Post

Chanel Allure Homme
Creed Bois du Portugal
MDCI Invasion Barbare
L'Occitane Eau de Vetyver
L'Instant de Guerlain Pour Homme

I'm a big fan of L'instant eau extreme - but I've read so many dissenting voices about this family of scents recently.
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post #16 of 58
12/2/12 at 7:57pm
Step your game up a notch with,

Histoires de Parfums 1725 Casanova
MDCI Invasion Babare
Creed Windsor

Some really classy scents.
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post #17 of 58
12/2/12 at 11:59pm
+1 Equipage & Bois du Portugal.

Also try Cartier Declaration, Lancome Balafre & MPG Santal Noble.
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post #18 of 58
12/3/12 at 1:12am
+1 On Dunhill for Men (0riginal 1934)-It's an EDC but lasts forever
Egoiste by Chanel
Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet
Creed--Royal English Leather.

These should do for now

Welcome to the madness

Cheers,

Mario
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post #19 of 58
12/3/12 at 1:25am
Welcome to Basenotes! Looks like you have very good taste.

One of the best high quality fragrances I know for a gentleman like you....

Creed Pure White Cologne

Get a sample and then get in on a split of it here on Basenotes so you don't have to pay exorbitant prices. Other higher class Creeds to try are Windsor and Jardin d'Amalfi. And if you can find it, try some Creed Vetiver 1948. It has been discontinued but is probably one of the most suave/classy fragrances Creed ever made.

If you're into some sweeter gourmands, L'Instant de Guerlain Extreme is one of the classiest, IMO. Also Tom Ford Noir de Noir.
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post #20 of 58
12/3/12 at 2:16am
Royal Scottish Lavender is excellent. I also like Bvlgari pour Homme Soir, very sophisticated while also being a very good modern fragrance.
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post #21 of 58
12/3/12 at 4:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JiveHippo View Post

Step your game up a notch with,

Histoires de Parfums 1725 Casanova
MDCI Invasion Babare
Creed Windsor

Some really classy scents.

I've arranged for samples of all of these scents....(the recent Windsor) as well as some of the classics mentioned above..(Guerlain; Givenchy;Creed;Hermes).

I'm having difficulty finding decants of Royal Scottish Lavendar!

I thank you all for your well thought out recommendations. I am hoping to report back in awhile once the decants arrive.

Regards...
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post #22 of 58
12/3/12 at 5:04am
Suggest Rive Gauche PH and Eau de L'Occitan

- - - Updated - - -

Suggest Rive Gauche PH and Eau de L'Occitan
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post #23 of 58
12/3/12 at 7:02am
[QUOTE=Assiduosity;2774304]
Finally, I've always felt Chanel Egoiste Platinum to represent a businesslike introduction to aromatics, though again some are alarmed by its silage.

More likely to be alarmed at the actual smell of it.

I suggest a trip to Penhaligons as a starter Maybe 'Douro' or 'Racquets Formula'
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post #24 of 58
12/3/12 at 7:17am
Juniper Sling by Penhaligons will give you your sharp fresh top notes that you seem to like, but it dries down to a much quieter pepper and leather skin scent.

It is really fun for the wearer at the beginning, a very uplifting and refreshing Juniper accord, but it quickly quietens down. It is sophisticated, a confident choice I think, and not showy.

As always with these nice threads, will you let us know how you get on?
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post #25 of 58
12/3/12 at 7:20am
Esencia Loewe
By Kilian A Taste of Heaven
Cartier L'Heure IV Fougeuse
Penhaligon's Sartorial

+1 on 1725 and MDCI Invasion Barbare.
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post #26 of 58
12/3/12 at 7:30am
Hermes EAU D'ORANGE VERTE might be a good fit.

Cheers . . . Wally
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post #27 of 58
12/3/12 at 7:45am
Your self-description actually suits a fragrance wardrobe of great potential, undeniable class and timeless elegance.

Please hereby allow my humble scent suggestions, at least regarding the testing/sampling possibilities:

(among others)
Chanel PM Concentree
YSL Pour Homme
another vote for-
Penhaligons Blenheim Bouquet and also Opus 1870
another vote for-
YSL Rive Gauche
Also:
Guerlain Eau Imperiale
Dior Eau Sauvage EDT (although the Fraicheur Cuir or Parfum flankers, while more adventurous, are still classic enough to be
worth testing)
Voyage d'Hermes EDT or EDP
Loewe para Hombre
Polo Green
Aramis Tuscany
Gucci Nobile
Original EDC by Farina Gegenuber (1709)
Roberto Capucci pour Homme
Cerutti 1881 (the initial version, the flankers being, with few exceptions, less spectacular, though personally I do like Amber)
Guy Laroche Horizon
Yardley English Blazer and/or English Lavender
La Martina Hombre
Paco Rabanne pour Homme


Enjoy sampling, comparing, experiencing and more!
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post #28 of 58
12/3/12 at 7:58am
How about Czech & Speake-Oxford and Cambridge Welcome to BN.
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post #29 of 58
12/3/12 at 9:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken_Russell View Post

Your self-description actually suits a fragrance wardrobe of great potential, undeniable class and timeless elegance.

Please hereby allow my humble scent suggestions, at least regarding the testing/sampling possibilities:

(among others)
Chanel PM Concentree
YSL Pour Homme
another vote for-
Penhaligons Blenheim Bouquet and also Opus 1870
another vote for-
YSL Rive Gauche
Also:
Guerlain Eau Imperiale
Dior Eau Sauvage EDT (although the Fraicheur Cuir or Parfum flankers, while more adventurous, are still classic enough to be
worth testing)
Voyage d'Hermes EDT or EDP
Loewe para Hombre
Polo Green
Aramis Tuscany
Gucci Nobile
Original EDC by Farina Gegenuber (1709)
Roberto Capucci pour Homme
Cerutti 1881 (the initial version, the flankers being, with few exceptions, less spectacular, though personally I do like Amber)
Guy Laroche Horizon
Yardley English Blazer and/or English Lavender
La Martina Hombre
Paco Rabanne pour Homme


Enjoy sampling, comparing, experiencing and more!

Mr Russell...

Thank you very much for this well thought out list.

I have purchased a small bottle of Rive Gauche PH (due to the general agreement by many)and I have also purchased a sample set from Penhaligons...which includes Blenheim's, 1870 and Sartorial. In addition, I will most likely purchase Floris 89 blind...due to the multiple suggestions...

I've also purchased Murdock's Black Tea at the advice of someone I trust...for something that's different (for me)...

I'll report back as decants arrive.

Certainly, the members here have helped me to accomplish my immediate goal of a more focused path to my preferred fragrances. My sincere thanks to all responders. I hope to be a helpful participant in the future.

Regards,
Ron
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post #30 of 58
12/3/12 at 9:56am
I'm sure there'll be 2 or 3 from the Penhaligon's set that'll suit you fine.....

If you want to try a good lavender scent, go for Serge Lutens Gris Clair.

Looks like you're going to enjoy yourself......
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post #31 of 58
12/3/12 at 10:38am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HDD8 View Post


Looks like you're going to enjoy yourself......

Indeed.
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post #32 of 58
12/5/12 at 4:46pm
Lesson #1: More expensive "niche" scents are not necessarily superior to cheaper, designer frags.
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post #33 of 58
12/5/12 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigsteve View Post

Lesson #1: More expensive "niche" scents are not necessarily superior to cheaper, designer frags.

I have to agree with bigsteve.
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post #34 of 58
12/5/12 at 8:10pm
I really like the idea that you are searching for "practical" and appropriate fragrances, and hope you will let us know how your sampling adventures resolve themselves.
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post #35 of 58
12/6/12 at 10:12am
Thread Starter 
I have received my Penhaligons sample pack. It included Blenheims, 1870, Endymion, Quercus and Sartorial.

While all 5 are fine quality fragrances, my particular favorites (at this early stage of testing) are Sartorial and Endymion.

I can see myself comfortably wearing Sartorial for daily office wear.

Endymion received the most praise from my wife & daughters. I also like it quite a bit, as I'm discovering I have a preference for lavendar. On my skin, the lavendar is prominent and very well done.

I have many more fragrances to test, but I can see myself purchasing a bottle of Sartorial and Endymion. I would wear the Endymion on weekends....as I feel it lends itself more to personal occasions rather than office wear.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with all the Penhaligons samples and will definitely use all 5 of the 5ml samples to the last drop.

- - - Updated - - -

I also received my Rive Gauche. It too is a very nice fragrance, as many have described. Though I prefer both Sartorial & Endymion to RG.
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post #36 of 58
12/7/12 at 4:41am
Thats great! Isn't that good that the recs worked for you? Finding two that you really like out of the first sampling is really good! Enjoy!
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post #37 of 58
12/7/12 at 4:51am
Glad to know you found a goldmine in the 2 Penhaligon's which interestingly are stalwarts in my own wardrobe. Imo they both represent the classic yet understated style rather well.
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post #38 of 58
12/7/12 at 5:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

Thats great! Isn't that good that the recs worked for you? Finding two that you really like out of the first sampling is really good! Enjoy!

Yes..it is great! I have the members to thank! I should receive a few more decants this weekend....I'll report back as I get 'em.

Thanks again to a wonderful community.
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post #39 of 58
12/7/12 at 6:59am
I just knew you'd like Sartorial!!! I love it - and I've not come across anything at all similar up to now.
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post #40 of 58
12/7/12 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigsteve View Post

Careful with the Givenchy Gentleman. It has a strong patchouli/tobacco note that isn't everyone's cup of tea (either the wearer or those around him). To me it's pretty nice, but I am a "powerhouse" fragrance fan.
Your criteria would be readily met by VanCleef & Arpels pour homme. Guaranteed. It exudes authority and masculinity. Don't go overboard with the trigger. And it can be had for < $30.

Totally agreee on the Givenchy Gentlemen - it can divide people, but it's fun to have some slightly offbeat numbers in the wardrobe.

As mentioned above, Equippage, is a more reserved, and excellent leather alternative.

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:
Originally Posted by Foustie View Post

Juniper Sling by Penhaligons will give you your sharp fresh top notes that you seem to like, but it dries down to a much quieter pepper and leather skin scent.

It is really fun for the wearer at the beginning, a very uplifting and refreshing Juniper accord, but it quickly quietens down. It is sophisticated, a confident choice I think, and not showy.

As always with these nice threads, will you let us know how you get on?

+ 1 on Juniper Sling, and good silage and longevity from a house not known for either quality.

- - - Updated - - -

[QUOTE=Kaern;2774921]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Assiduosity View Post

Finally, I've always felt Chanel Egoiste Platinum to represent a businesslike introduction to aromatics, though again some are alarmed by its silage.

More likely to be alarmed at the actual smell of it.

I suggest a trip to Penhaligons as a starter Maybe 'Douro' or 'Racquets Formula'

It's interesting, quite a lot of people are hostile to both Egoiste Platinum and Allure PH - the two biggest selling of Chanel's 1990s releases for men. Indeed, some Chanel admirers regarding them as being 'not truly of the house'.

I wonder whether it's a generational thing, a case of nothing being so out of fashion as the recent past or just a set or particular accords that polarize people.

Curiously, though I wear these two scents little these days they seem to garner more compliments than many of my favourites of the moment...

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigsteve View Post

Lesson #1: More expensive "niche" scents are not necessarily superior to cheaper, designer frags.

+1

It's best to avoid that crippling disability that afflicts so many - perfume snobbery.

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:
Originally Posted by TR10 View Post

I have received my Penhaligons sample pack. It included Blenheims, 1870, Endymion, Quercus and Sartorial.

While all 5 are fine quality fragrances, my particular favorites (at this early stage of testing) are Sartorial and Endymion.

I can see myself comfortably wearing Sartorial for daily office wear.

Endymion received the most praise from my wife & daughters. I also like it quite a bit, as I'm discovering I have a preference for lavendar. On my skin, the lavendar is prominent and very well done.

I have many more fragrances to test, but I can see myself purchasing a bottle of Sartorial and Endymion. I would wear the Endymion on weekends....as I feel it lends itself more to personal occasions rather than office wear.

All in all, I'm quite pleased with all the Penhaligons samples and will definitely use all 5 of the 5ml samples to the last drop.

- - - Updated - - -

I also received my Rive Gauche. It too is a very nice fragrance, as many have described. Though I prefer both Sartorial & Endymion to RG.

Just to say this a great thread made better by you keeping us informed of progressed. Great way to start out on bn.

I had exactly the same sample set from Penhaligon's and went on over a couple of years to buy them all!

Happy hunting
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post #41 of 58
12/7/12 at 9:32am
I strongly recommend not buying ANYTHING blindly, regardless of how much it is favored here.
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post #42 of 58
12/8/12 at 5:57am
Thread Starter 
A few more decants arrived late this week.....


I have tried some of the Hermes "leather" scents and I have come to realize that I am not a big fan of "leather" scents. Mind you...the recommendations made here are very nice high quality frags...but the leather is just a "like" to me rather than a "love". I grew up in the late '60's & '70's...and the leather based frags remind me of that era....sweaty Robert Plant and the like!

I have worn MDCI Invasion Barbare and upon application, I started to sneeze. When I scrolled through the reviews, I found that this was not uncommon! For the first hour I wore it...I thought I had found my ideal scent. But later in the drydown there is something that just does not work with my skin. It reminded me of wilted flowers. I tried it again the next day and...same thing. I so wanted to like this one, because the first hour is terrific on me. But I have taken it out of the running...

Bois du Portugal started STRONG. But I do enjoy the scent....very rich. Something I can see myself wearing occasionally. My 5 ml decant will last me a long time. But not the everyday scent I'm looking for. A bit too overpowering. I'll wear it if I want to make a statement.


Then there's Windsor......

When I first applied it...I thought that the Creed boutique had decanted the wrong fragrance because it was so floral. I thought it was a feminine fragrance. After a few minutes, I was getting giddy. I absolutely loved it. I read and reread the reviews on Windsor and confirmed I had the right juice. On my skin, I do get a wonderful green/rose/cedar note. Not too much gin & lime. I didn't get a single "cheap or chemical" whiff for the few hours it was on my skin. It was just lovely. It is a scent that is almost decadent to me...like going into the closet and sneaking a piece of your favorite chocolate.....and enjoying it because you shouldn't be.....Does that sound crazy? If I had to spend the day alone, I'd wear Windsor...like a personal indulgence that I would be reluctant to share.

Now...I do not think Windsor qualifies as the everyday clean, professional scent I'm looking for. But I will buy a flacon. It will be my personal indulgence on special days. I can see myself reaching for it on each of my daughters' wedding day....


More to come...
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post #43 of 58
12/9/12 at 5:24am
Great update. Hmmm, I am thinking that maybe you should try Tom Ford Gray Vetiver. A beautiful fragrance, and so very attractive. Elegant and cool for the Office, but nice for casual outdoorsy wear too. A light application for you though, in line with your spec because it does project a bit.

If you are intoxicated by beautiful fragrances, with a little floral, what is the Creed that Jack says is incredibly beautiful (and he knows!!!!), Jardin D'Amalfi. Bergamot and Rose I think.
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post #44 of 58
12/9/12 at 5:58am
Thread Starter 
If you are intoxicated by beautiful fragrances, with a little floral, what is the Creed that Jack says is incredibly beautiful (and he knows!!!!), Jardin D'Amalfi. Bergamot and Rose I think.[/QUOTE]

I'd love to find some.....but it's nowhere to be found! I think I would love it based on the description.
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post #45 of 58
12/9/12 at 6:04am
May I suggest Dior Eau Sauvage Parfum? It is a wonderful blend of vetiver, myrrh, leather and a bit of bergamont. It is a gentlemens fragrance for sure. ESP has moderate projection so you will not offend anyone, and all day longevity. It appears to be the type of fragrance that you are seeking. I suggest you give it a try. Cheers, William
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post #46 of 58
12/9/12 at 6:22am
I have just got myself a split of Jardin d' Amalfi and it is indeed a beautiful fragrance, here is my take on it:

This fragrance has three main acts, the first act on application is the bergamont, lemon and a really nice realistic tangerine note. This then leads into the heart of the scent with a beautiful neroli and rose whilst still having the fruit notes lingering. I have to say the neroli in this scent is heavenly. The final act comes in the basenotes where you get a musky vetiver with cinnamon and ambergris with the neroli lingering.

And after seven/ eight hours thats what I'm left with now is a lovely ambergris and neroli just projecting lightly off me.

A huge thumbs up from me with this one as it does smell incredible and the neroli is of the best quality I have ever smelled.

To sample this fragrance as it can be hard to find as it is a Creed exclusive would be in a major store that has the full range of fragrances or online from the Perfumed Court or Luckyscent.
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post #47 of 58
12/9/12 at 7:32am
Thread Starter 
Thanks all for the additional help. I received my Windsor sample from the NYC Madison Avenue Creed boutique. Since I plan to purchase Windsor, I'll "twist his arm" a bit to try and find me a sample of Jardin....

I will also check out Eau Savage, but I have heard that it is more suitable for the younger man....Not the old fart with 3 daughters in tow... :-)

I've tried TF Grey Vetiver and it is quite nice...I just don't see it replacing my Guerlain Vetiver or Creed OV. I get that chemical smell on the drydown. I also think it's an excellent choice for a younger man who thinks Guerlain Vetiver is "too old".
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post #48 of 58
12/9/12 at 9:00am
I saw it mentioned at least once already, but I'll put in a strong recommendation for Eau Sauvage (EdT). It's not a young man's fragrance at all; rather, it's very classic and sophisticated, while remaining suavely understated. The fresh opening is addictive, while the aromatic dry down is soft-spoken and refined yet lasting.

Fun to see YSL Pour Homme mentioned, too. That's a good one.
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post #49 of 58
12/9/12 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by onethinline View Post

I saw it mentioned at least once already, but I'll put in a strong recommendation for Eau Sauvage (EdT). It's not a young man's fragrance at all; rather, it's very classic and sophisticated, while remaining suavely understated. The fresh opening is addictive, while the aromatic dry down is soft-spoken and refined yet lasting.

Fun to see YSL Pour Homme mentioned, too. That's a good one.


In that case...I MUST try it.....

Thanks....
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post #50 of 58
12/9/12 at 12:25pm
Yes, the key is to try the terrific smelling classic *real* Eau Sauvage (edt). The completely different smelling overpoweringly strong and cloying Parfum is pretty bad stuff, IMO, and should be avoided at all cost (although I would say that to anyone of any age).

Oh yeah, I'll also give a +1 to the oft overlooked, but excellent YSL pour Homme. That one was the first fragrance I ever really took notice of so it holds a special place in my heart and collection.
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post #51 of 58
12/9/12 at 1:15pm
I really think that Lorenzo Villoresi's Uomo could be the perfect fragrance for you. Please sample it if you can.

If you enjoy AdP Colonia and Original Vetiver, Uomo should fit right in there, while certainly different enough from both to give you a feeling of variety.

It has a mature, but not stuffy, feeling to it; a fresh, lively quality; and it's a fantastic scent to wear at work. It's not moody and brooding; it's not sexual; it's not weird and unnerving; it's not dandefied; but it's not boring either. It has a classic smell to it, but the ingredients are so fresh and bright and dynamic that it completely avoids coming across as old or outdated.

It's an aromatic citrus fragrance, with some vetiver and spices.
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post #52 of 58
12/9/12 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buysblind View Post

I really think that Lorenzo Villoresi's Uomo could be the perfect fragrance for you. Please sample it if you can.

If you enjoy AdP Colonia and Original Vetiver, Uomo should fit right in there, while certainly different enough from both to give you a feeling of variety.

It has a mature, but not stuffy, feeling to it; a fresh, lively quality; and it's a fantastic scent to wear at work. It's not moody and brooding; it's not sexual; it's not weird and unnerving; it's not dandefied; but it's not boring either. It has a classic smell to it, but the ingredients are so fresh and bright and dynamic that it completely avoids coming across as old or outdated.

It's an aromatic citrus fragrance, with some vetiver and spices.

sounds like something I might very much enjoy....I'll track down a sample.

Thank you.
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post #53 of 58
12/9/12 at 7:59pm
This is all probably overkill but oh well

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
YSL Rive Gouche PH or L'Homme
Tiffany for men
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post #54 of 58
12/9/12 at 8:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TR10 View Post

Then there's Windsor......

Now...I do not think Windsor qualifies as the everyday clean, professional scent I'm looking for. But I will buy a flacon.

It was my understanding that Creed Boutique is now all out of the Windsor flacons. Once they are gone, they're gone. They are not making Windsor anymore. Did they tell you they still have some?

Quote:
Originally Posted by TR10 View Post

.....everyday clean, professional scent I'm looking for....

Have you located a sample of Creed's Pure White Cologne? It fits your description of what you're looking for perfectly.
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post #55 of 58
12/19/12 at 1:29pm
Thread Starter 
So I thought I'd just end this thread with a summary of my favorites.

For professional office scents:

Penhaligon's Sartorial
Murdock's Black Tea

For weekends & special occasions:

Creed's Jardin D'Amalfi & Windsor

Thanks again to all for your help. Much appreciated. My journey will continue, but I'm quite content at the moment.
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post #56 of 58
12/19/12 at 4:00pm
For a mature, elegant, masculine experience I can't give enough praise to both Chopard's Noble Cedar and Noble Vetiver. The bottles are absolutely gorgeous. The fragrances, multi-faceted and very well blended; these are very 'playful' scents that will give different facets of themselves depending on your skin and the ambient temperature. Both have a very discreet, gentlemanly sillage.

I'd also recommend you take a look at Molinard Homme I, II, and III. Though II may not suit you (though it's my personal favourite I must admit) I is a more classic, woody fragrance, II is a sweeter concoction with honey/vanilla and III is a very 'grown up' aquatic. All have elegant sillage.

If you like lavender I cannot recommend Monsieur Givenchy strongly enough. In its vintage form at least. Others have recommended Givenchy Gentleman, but this - to my mind - is not so polite or well-mannered a scent. I can provide you with a link to a website where 1.7ounce bottles of the older formula are being sold for around $50; I've made numerous niche and vintage purchases from this page myself.

Davidoff's Silver Shadow: modern, and said to be synthetic, but inexpensive despite being discontinued and very grown up/sophisticated, superbly blended and quite expensive smelling. Personally I love this and can easily imagine that it will be selling for a pretty penny once the normal retailers shelf/internet stock has dried up. Apply gently.

If you're happy going niche then I would recommend you look at some of the Annick Goutal's like Les Nuits de Hadrian, Duel, Eau de Sud, and so on or just go to the fragrance library here or at Fragrantica and look through, find those that seem good to you in this range. Rance's masculines are definately worth looking at as well.
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post #57 of 58
12/19/12 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Miket View Post

For a mature, elegant, masculine experience I can't give enough praise to both Chopard's Noble Cedar and Noble Vetiver. The bottles are absolutely gorgeous. The fragrances, multi-faceted and very well blended; these are very 'playful' scents that will give different facets of themselves depending on your skin and the ambient temperature. Both have a very discreet, gentlemanly sillage.

I'd also recommend you take a look at Molinard Homme I, II, and III. Though II may not suit you (though it's my personal favourite I must admit) I is a more classic, woody fragrance, II is a sweeter concoction with honey/vanilla and III is a very 'grown up' aquatic. All have elegant sillage.

If you like lavender I cannot recommend Monsieur Givenchy strongly enough. In its vintage form at least. Others have recommended Givenchy Gentleman, but this - to my mind - is not so polite or well-mannered a scent. I can provide you with a link to a website where 1.7ounce bottles of the older formula are being sold for around $50; I've made numerous niche and vintage purchases from this page myself.

Davidoff's Silver Shadow: modern, and said to be synthetic, but inexpensive despite being discontinued and very grown up/sophisticated, superbly blended and quite expensive smelling. Personally I love this and can easily imagine that it will be selling for a pretty penny once the normal retailers shelf/internet stock has dried up. Apply gently.

If you're happy going niche then I would recommend you look at some of the Annick Goutal's like Les Nuits de Hadrian, Duel, Eau de Sud, and so on or just go to the fragrance library here or at Fragrantica and look through, find those that seem good to you in this range. Rance's masculines are definately worth looking at as well.

Miket,

Thanks very much for you suggestions. I now have a very good "start" and I will certainly make my way through your suggestions. I am particularly interested in your Chopard recommendations, and Monsieur Givenchy.
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post #58 of 58
12/21/12 at 12:12am
Annick Goutal's Eau du Sud is really nice. Citrus, basil, patchouli, oakmoss and a little leather. Very clean and nice with a bit of power from the leather and oakmoss IMO. Great fragrance for all year wear but I like it best IMO in summer.
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