I'm not Cary Grant...

[TR10]

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.

[Assiduosity]

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.

[Awakening950]

Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT or EDP.

[drseid]

Cologne du Parfumeur by Guerlain or No.89 by Floris might fit the bill.

[PalmBeach]

No.89 by Floris might fit the bill.

Good recommendation.

[Assiduosity]

Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT or EDP.

+1 I hesitated as it can be considered a little adventurous, an outstanding fragrance nevertheless.

[Dailey]

Great thread title :-)

I think 2 excellent suggestions have already been made - Givenchy Gentleman and Habit Rouge.

[WillC]

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.

[hednic]

Bois du Portugal

[bigsteve]

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.

[senore01]

+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.

[Nosebud]

+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

[Teach13]

For me, Tom Ford for Men Extreme fits this bill perfectly.

[mesaboogie]

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

[Assiduosity]

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.

[JiveHippo]

Step your game up a notch with,

Histoires de Parfums 1725 Casanova
MDCI Invasion Babare
Creed Windsor

Some really classy scents.

[Marais]

+1 Equipage & Bois du Portugal.

Also try Cartier Declaration, Lancome Balafre & MPG Santal Noble.

[Mario Justiniani]

+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

[RedRaider430]

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.

[Profumo Saggio]

Royal Scottish Lavender is excellent. I also like Bvlgari pour Homme Soir, very sophisticated while also being a very good modern fragrance.

[TR10]

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...

[Jonty Coppersmith]

Suggest Rive Gauche PH and Eau de L'Occitan

- - - Updated - - -

Suggest Rive Gauche PH and Eau de L'Occitan

[Kaern]

[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'

[Foustie]

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?

[Diamondflame]

Esencia Loewe
By Kilian A Taste of Heaven
Cartier L'Heure IV Fougeuse
Penhaligon's Sartorial

+1 on 1725 and MDCI Invasion Barbare.

[Wally Swoboda]

Hermes EAU D'ORANGE VERTE might be a good fit.

Cheers . . . Wally

[Ken_Russell]

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!

[trex57]

How about Czech & Speake-Oxford and Cambridge Welcome to BN.

[TR10]

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

[HDD8]

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......