Opalescent

That's About How I See It

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Man Shops Globe Finale is Tonight

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Anthropologie buyer Keith Johnson has taken viewers all over the world in this season of Man Shops Globe in search of unique and decorative objects, furniture, and textiles, as well as artists and crafts people. Tonight, Keith will make his last stop in Argentina in the Man Shops Globe season finale airing @10pm on Sundance Channel.

In tonights season finale episode, Keith visits the Breuer Moreno Auction House in Buenos Aires. In the Palermo area, he combs through the offerings at a flea market, checks in with his favorite fabric merchant, who sells hand-loomed pieces from remote parts of the country, and takes in two stores specializing in 20^th Century pieces.

The season finale of Man Shops Globe airs tonight on Sundance Channel @10pm.

2009 American Music Awards Part 2

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, I had nothing nice to say about attendees at the American Music Awards. Today I'll be a little kinder.

Love Shakira, love the dress. The color works on her, and she's got the body for short tight Versace. The platforms on her shoes are a bit ridiculous though....

Rihanna doesn't look like she can possibly be comfortable in her stiff-looking scherenschnitte-style Marchesa dress, but she's one of very few people who can pull off such a look. And I love that her shoes are so classic and ladylike.

Candis Cayne looks like a giant sparkly dip of strawberry ice cream, but that's fine, as she's bringing some old-fashioned Hollywood glamour to the red carpet.

Paula Abdul, on the other hand, is bringing the crazy. Her Enzoani dress had a mermaid-style skirt so large, she needed dress wranglers to help her walk. That was a bit nutty, but we expect nothing less from Ms Abdul. The dress fit her like a glove though, and with her hair worn in loose waves, she looked great.

I've got some mixed emotions about Fergie's Armani Privé gown, but the sequins and zipper trim is really quite rock-and-roll without being outré. On Fergie, I give it a thumb's up.

2009 American Music Awards Part 1

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

On Sunday the 22nd, awards were handed out to a ~~multitude of mostly untalented people~~ the best in music at the American Music Awards. Unlike the Oscars, most people don't bother getting a stylist to dress them for this occasion.

Otherwise, why would pretty young Selena Gomez look as if she had just hunted down and killed the world's largest disco ball and is wearing its ill-fitting pelt?

I'm having trouble finding words to express my feelings for Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga gown, other than "it's ugly." And what's with the stringy hair? At least it looks clean, but I can't say the same for her husband Keith Urban.

Oh, Kelly Clarkson! Did you seriously not notice the way the light-colored sequins make you look like a saggy-boobed old granny? And the ratty growing-out-a-perm-looking hair isn't exactly party-ready.

Julie Bowen's suit isn't just wrinkly, it's not particularly well-fitted and is wholly unflattering. She looks shapeless and tired.

I just plain don't like Carrie Underwood's Theia dress and don't think it suits her at all. It's too poofy/badly fitted/cheap looking, like some Project Runway reject, and the color is too close to her skin color. The matching lipstick is not doing her any favors, either.

Alicia Keys is such a pretty girl, but why does she insist on wearing short dresses that show off her chunky legs and ankle strap shoes that emphasize her cankles? And when the dress is made of grandma's upholstery fabric and a bunch of random sparkly beads, it makes even less sense. Even if it is Giorgio Armani.

No, this isn't Lady GaGa, it's attention whore Bobby Trendy, whom you may remember from the Anna Nicole Show. Or not.

Um, Norwood Young, that look's been done to death already. Literally. Oh, and pissed-off-looking lady in white? Nice saddlebags....

Give Jeans a Chance

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Teaming up with the National Coalition for the Homeless, Volcom is issuing a call to action to give jeans a second chancebring your unwanted, ill-fitting, last season’s denim to a participating local store and help those in need. If you donate a pair of jeans, you are automatically entered to win a year supply of Volcom Brand Jeans.

Click here to learn more and to view the video.

Lisa Hoffman Variations Tuscan Fig Daytime

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I recently got a sample of Lisa Hoffman's Tuscan Fig fragrance when I placed an order on her Web site. There are four variations on this scent - Morning, Daytime, Evening, and Bedtime, each slightly different from one another, each meant to be more or less intense, depending on the time and mood. My sample is "daytime," billed on the site as:

a richer, fuller-bodied version of the scent, for when most women are at their peak activity, and may occasionally feel the desire to "freshen up."

In general, Tuscan Fig is:

a slightly sweet gourmand fragrance. Notes of Fig, French Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Vanilla Bean and Gardenia are warmed by amber, wood and musks to create a sexy, sultry finish.

Hmm...but where's the fig? All I get is vanilla and more vanilla. It opens with a Play-doh vanilla that quickly becomes just plain vanilla. Oh, maybe there are some floral and/or woodsy notes in there somewhere, but nothing particularly stands out to me. Not that there's anything wrong with vanilla - I love vanilla - but when a scent is named "fig" I kinda expect a little of the namesake. Perhaps I need to sniff the other three in this series to get a better picture of the theme ingredient, eh? But this sample isn't going to make me run out and shell out the $95 bucks.

New to the Etsy Store

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:08:00 +0000

I just added tons of new items to my Etsy store: necklaces, bracelets, and earrings: http://www.etsy.com/shop/theminx

Want examples?

Beth Ditto

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I'm guessing that Beth Ditto (of Gossip, seen here with designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac) always wanted people to think that she looked like a brick shithouse.

MoMA Film Benefit Honoring Tim Burton

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I don't "get" the dark-teenage-goth-angst films of Tim Burton. But I suppose there are those who do, since he was honored at a benefit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

In attendance were his freaky-haired ladyfriend, Helena Bonham Carter. She's gotten more beautiful as she's gotten older, but also more weird, and usually dresses in a manner more befitting to poor put-upon Cinderella or the Wicked Witch of the West. By comparison, her relatively ordinary-looking black gown (albeit coupled with chunky boots) is, well, more normal. It doesn't seem to fit her very well, but one can't expect miracles. (I can't imagine she can get a brush through her hair.)

Veronica Webb picks a wedgie.

Ashley and Mary-Kate showed up, looking slightly less sad than usual. And also kind of...good.

Hollywood's new darling, Gaboury Sidibe was there as well, in a rather stunning iridescent gown.

Brooke Shields! You look so ordinary...are you sure you're in the right place?

Baker Artist Awards

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

I'm trying once again to win a Baker Artist Award - please check out my nomination page here and vote for me!

Friends and Family Sale at Ann Taylor

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:55:00 +0000

I'm Rooting for the Underdog

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 +0000

World Tricot takes on Chanel.

2009 CMA Awards

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:49:00 +0000

While Country Music Awards will never be a bastion of style and good taste, does it have to be so tacky? It wasn't all bad, but there was certainly a lot of it.

For instance, did Wynonna fill her swimmin' pool with self-tanner and take a nice long soak before putting on her typical shiny pants/long jacket uniform? Mama Naomi looks pale and pasty by comparison.

You know how foil gift wrap gets a bit crinkly if not stored properly between holiday seasons? Looks like Carrie Underwood grabbed a couple of rolls from Target after Christmas last year and made herself a dress.

Reba McEntire looks slinky and sexy in her sequinned black gown. Is that allowed?

Taylor Swift is wearing a very age-appropriate princess-y gown. She looks cute.

On the other hand, Martina McBride looks ridiculous in that overly-drapey mess made from old theater curtains and a wallpaper border.

Leanne Rimes wears the drape better, but the way she's standing, the dress seems a little constrictive and mummy-bandage-like. Those clunky dark shoes are a no-no, as is the too-dark eyeliner on her already squinty eyes.

I'm vacillating on Nicole Kidman I think the color works on her, as does the silhouette, but her boobs sure look uncomfortable. And possibly fake.

Kellie Pickler's shiny pewter gown doesn't seem to match her sweet personality. But it would be killer on Padma Lakshmi.

Remember that bed that inspired Carol Hannah on last week's Project Runway? Well, grandma's couch and curio cabinet full of Capodimonte figurines inspired the designer of Barbara Mandrell's dress.

Diana DeGarmo is another one who spent too much time at the tanning salon. The black hair and neon gown are certainly eye-catching, but not in a good way.

And what the hell is Jessica Harp wearing? The color is interesting, but that pattern is just too much, and it's just not flattering on her.

Twinkle by Wenlan Sample Sale

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:32:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Twinkle by Wenlan is hosting its biannual Sample Sale on November 18th and 19th. Look for jewel toned colors to bring out the Audrey Hepburn or rebellious socialite in you. The showroom will be filled with girl’s must have silk dresses, intricate blouses, innovative sweaters, cozy coats, and tons of Wenlan’s signature knitted accessories.

Prices are up to 75% off original retail price. 100% Silk georgette dresses originally $335 now $114, wool coats originally $484 now $165. Knitted accessories priced at $40 from $120.

Date: Wednesday, November 18th and Thursday, November 19th
Time: 10AM-7PM
Location: 545 8th Avenue, 17th Floor between 37th and 38th street
Nearest Subway: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, R, Q, W- Times Square
A, C, E- Port Authority
Payment Accepted: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
All sales are final. No returns or exchanges

Glamor 2009 Woman of the Year

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Glamor Magazine and L'Oreal presented their Woman of the Year awards to a motley group of women including FLOTUS Michelle Obama, designer Stella McCartney, and comedian Amy Poehler. Also on the motley side were the attendees' attire.

I never noticed how masculine Stephanie March is until now - and how ugly her dress is, too.

Stella McCartney has nice legs, but I hate that skirt-accidentally-tucked-into-the-panties-after-a-trip-to-the-loo look. And I know she's a designer and all, but the jacket doesn't seem to work proportionally with the dress. Overall, she's a bit casual.

Especially compared to Rihanna, in a dramatic Stephane Rolland gown. The hair and lips almost the same color as her skin isn't working. She looks like a 60s-era Barbie doll.

I love Katharine McPhee's dress - the style, the color. I do think her clutch is a bit huge though. (And she's also too blonde.)

Iman got attacked by a giant feather duster on her way to the event. Thank goodness she made it out alive!

Project Runway...Almost Done!

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:58:00 +0000

My thoughts on last week's episode:

Finally we get a challenge that has a little oompfh to it. It's the designers' own faults that none of them produced anything particularly exciting. And finally Christopher is auf, after so many consecutive weeks on the bottom.

He got some compliments on the top portion of the dress, but really, it's nothing special. The fabric he chose for the skirt is too stiff and has no flow, and the corset part looks cheap. And the color - gray, drab, depressing. Ugly. I understand the boy is self-taught, but I'm not a designer at all and can appreciate the importance of the right fabric for the right design.

Our other auf'ed designer is Gordana. This really is a lovely dress that clearly shows the inspiration (Rouen Cathedral by Monet). I'm not crazy about the light colored outer fabric and would have liked to see it a few shades darker, but that's a minor complaint. The real complaint is that it's too safe. Still, it's lovely. I wish Gordana had competed in an earlier season because I would love to see what she could do for a decoy collection.

Irina's offering was awful and completely disappointing from someone who has been so incredibly strong all season. The skirt length was, as Nina put it, matronly. If Michael Kors had been there, he might have called it "mother of the bride." The belt placement made the model look thick and disproportionate. And the accessories Irina chose were JLo-Ghetto. A big out in my book. However, she's a talented designer and definitely deserves to go to Bryant Park.

Carol Hannah's was the best look of the bunch. Yeah, so it doesn't exactly hark back to the inspirational bed, but so what? It's elegant, well-fitted, and good enough to get CH to Fashion Week.

Finally, Althea's overly-complicated yet completely pedestrian skirt was a hot mess. Although I've liked her all along, I question some of her wins during the season and wonder what exactly makes her better than, say, Gordana. Certainly this look wasn't better than Gordana's Rouen gown? But according to the judges (and the producers), it was good enough to get her into the Final Three, and as long as Christopher wasn't there with her, that's good enough for me.

So, our long ordeal is almost over - two more episodes in which to stretch out the non-drama. Two more episodes in which Irina is somewhat catty. Let's hope season 7 brings a little more excitement back to the show with more interesting challenges and maybe a batshit crazy designer or three. But in the meantime...who do you think should win?

Six Scents Series 2 - No 5 and No 6

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

No 5 Richard Nicoll - Nicoll No. 17
Notes: Florentine fennel, fennel pollen, exotic black basil, white iris petals, caraway seeds, Tarocco sweet orange, angelica roots, southern magnolia, early summer ivy buds

“The fennel infused scent is a simple, minimalist fragrance from a perfumer who enjoys maximalism. It is a scientific pleasure and a dream project for a botanist. Every single aspect of Florentine fennel as a garden plant and as a slivered delicacy in a summer salad was taken into account: its crisp green character, its sweet anise and sambucca like aspects, the crunchy texture of the opalescent green stalks, the earthiness of the roots, the airiness within its feathery leaves and umbrella shaped flowers. Deceivingly simple, Nicoll No. 17 is natural, fresh and easygoing, as it conceals its complexity behind a simple, wholesome theme. It’s filled with energy and palpitates with joy.” - Rodrigo Flores-Roux

Sure, this one is about fennel, but I think the basil and caraway are also fairly prominent. And while fennel is cool and crisp and green, caraway is more about aromatic warmth. And this scent possesses both aspects. It's not so much fresh and wholesome on my skin but complex and rather sexy. Manly, yes, but I like it too.

No 6 Togal - Whiskey Caramélisé
Notes: mandarin, nutmeg, blackcurrant, apple, dewfruit, hawthorn, sandalwood, musk, patchouli

“Whiskey Caramélisé was inspired by the designer’s memory of a square-ish ambery bottle of whisky. The sleek thickness of the crystal versus the warm transparent caramelized effect of the whisky was the creative idea behind this unique transparent gourmand fragrance. Sweet, yet dynamic, the fragrance begins with green natural vegetal top notes, that announce a floral heart, enriched with patchouli. The drydown is more gourmand, with some floral, fruity, woody and musky facets.” - Alexandra Kosinski

Although I usually love gourmand fragrances, this one doesn't do it for me. The mandarin and other fruits render this scent in a rather pale light, and there's something about it that reminds me of inexpensive men's fragrances - Old Spice without the spice. It's woodsy, floral, and caramel all at the same time, like it's not sure if it wants to be a "fruit-chouli" scent or Light Blue. I've generally liked all the fragrances in the Six Scents line, but this one - the one that sounded like the one I'd like best - disappoints me.

Samples obtained by me from Luckyscent.com

Win a Trip To Paris!

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Tory Burch is launching a holiday sweepstakes offering shoppers a chance to win a grand prize trip to Paris for two. The trip comes complete with three nights at the Htel Fouquets Barrire, dinner for two at Le Diane, a pampering spa treatment for two and a $1,500 Tory Burch wardrobe. (How amazing does that sound?)

Enter the contest daily here for a chance to win: http://toryburch.promo.eprize.com/paris/?cid=tbbg

Also, don't forget to check out Tory Burch's new eyewear collection online - chic sunglasses always make a great holiday gift!

Vote for Women of Worth

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

L’Oréal Paris’ Fourth Annual Women of Worth Program

Honors 10 Extraordinary Women Dedicated to Volunteerism and Community

10 Women of Worth Honorees To Receive $5,000 for their Non-Profit Cause and

$5,000 in their name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

One Women of Worth To Be Selected As National Honoree for

Additional $25,000 For Her Cause

Public Voting Open on womenofworth.com for National Honoree

NEW YORK, NY (November 9, 2009) - L’Oréal Paris is proud to announce the ten 2009 Women of Worth Honorees, each of whom will be recognized for their amazing work giving back to their communities. As part of this honor, each of these incredible women will receive $5,000 for their non-profit cause and $5,000 in their name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, L’Oreal’s charitable partner since 1997.

Public online voting for the Women of Worth National Honoree is now open on womenofworth.com. The honoree that receives the most consumer votes will win an additional $25,000 from L’Oréal Paris for her cause. The voting period for the 2009 Women of Worth National Honoree is open now through November 24th at womenofworth.com. Visitors to the site will choose one of the ten exceptional honorees, which they feel has made the biggest community impact through their devotion, community achievement and volunteerism.

All ten Women of Worth honorees will be publicly recognized at the CNN Inspire Summit, held in New York City on December 8.

The ten honorees represent women from all across America, dedicated to a range of causes and are extraordinary examples of the power of grassroots activism.

· Brittany Berquist, Norwell, MA, established Cell Phones for Soldiers, Inc. to keep toxic waste out of landfills and provide phone cards for troops serving throughout the world.

· Lillian Collins, Clinton, OK, founded Eastside Academy to assist African American children who need help in reading and math, providing a positive after-school program.

· Anne Ginther, Sammamish, WA, founded RandomKid, which provides staff and services to youth of all backgrounds and abilities for the development, management and accomplishment of their goals to help others.

· Maimah Karmo, Aldie, VA, established Tigerlily Foundation, which provides meals, financial assistance, empowerment and inspiration to younger women affected by breast cancer.

· Shannon Lambert, Minneapolis, MN, founder of Pandora’s Project, a community where women who have survived rape can connect and support one another.

· Brenda Murray, Chevy Chase, MD, has been transforming conditions and providing educational opportunities for thousands of women behind bars for the past 20 years.

· Ora Rakestraw, Sacramento, CA, tutors third graders with special needs, helping these young people have a chance to experience success and stay committed to their education.

· Carol Reza, Whitter, CA, founded Bridge of Faith to provide families of incarcerated women with mentoring and social service referral services.

· Halle Tecco, San Francisco, CA, created Yoga Bear, an organization that provides free yoga classes to cancer patients.

· Rhonda Ulmer, Denton, MD, provides local community resources to parents in her school to obtain their GED, housing, food and health assistance, transforming the school into the hub of the community.

Women of Worth Honorees
L’Oréal Paris will recognize the Women of Worth honorees by making a monetary donation of $5,000 to the nonprofit organization they work with and a matching monetary donation of $5,000 will be made in the name of each winner to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the twelve-year charitable partner of L’Oréal Paris.

The Women of Worth honorees were chosen from nearly 3,000 applicants by an elite group of judges, which includes Jacqueline Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer of Telemundo Communications Group; Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor; Dayle Haddon, L’Oréal Paris spokesperson; Elizabeth Howard, Chief Executive Officer of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund; Cindy Kerr, Founder and President of ConKerr Cancer and Anne Talley, Senior Vice President of Marketing for L’Oréal Paris.

Women of Worth Program
The Women of Worth initiative is inspired by L’Oréal Paris’ iconic brand philosophy, “Because You’re Worth It,” and recognizes, celebrates and supports women who are making a difference in their communities. To date, the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth initiative has recognized 40 women for their outstanding commitment to their causes and willingness to get involved. The 2009 honorees work tirelessly to empower women, mentor children, help survivors heal and motivate troops overseas.

“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to honor this year’s honorees,” said Karen Fondu, President, L’Oréal Paris. “These women truly embody the spirit of volunteerism that brings to life L’Oréal Paris’ unwavering belief that every woman has the power to make a difference in the world.”

For more information about the Women of Worth Program, honorees bios and to vote for the 2009 Women of Worth National Honoree, please visit womenofworth.com. Voting ends November 24, 2009.

Camilla Belle in Alexander McQueen

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Actress Camilla Belle wore the most fabulous Alexander McQueen frock from his Spring 2010 RTW collection.

The collection is all sorts of fabulous. To see more, click here.

Demistache

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

In support of men's health issues, Demistache has partnered with Movember, and will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every Urban Demistache purchased from November 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010 at www.demitassejewelry.com. Movember is a global campaign that encourages men to grow moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancers.

Demistache, a collection of sculptural necklaces featuring the iconic "stache" was inspired by the Dada period, one of the most influential art movements in modern history and the first to be considered a “cultural movement,” is the inspiration behind the Demistache collection. Designer Rachael White has created the Demistache in celebration of a movement she hopes to evoke in a time of crisis.

“The Demistache is not about an alternative identity or secret society, it’s about the loss of control. It’s about a chuckle in a time where laughter is crucial.” The Demistache plays special tribute to the famed artist Marcel Duchamp’s Mona Lisa with a Mustache.

Valentino: The Last Emperor" DVD Launch Celebration

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:07:00 +0000

I already have my copy reserved on Netflix - how about you?

Daphne Guinness with Valentino himself. He's starting to look a bit like a pickled monkey.

Lorenzo Martone and Marc Jacobs. I'm not sure if those boots go with Marc's skirt, especially not with white socks. Perhaps fishnets would be more appropriate? And he needs to sign up his Lorenzo, evoking a modern-day Jethro Bodine-in-formalwear in his too-short jacket sleeves and tightly buttoned collar, for remedial suspender lessons.

Hugh Jackman with wife Deborra-Lee Furness. Wait? How did she score him? Oh, right...she's a beard.

Man Shops Globe Tonight

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

This week, Keith Johnson – the buyer-at-large for Anthropologie - goes to India.

Read more about Man Shops Globe here.

Tory Burch Eyewear

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Last week, Tory Burch launched the brands first eyewear collection and it is now available online for your viewing pleasure!

The collection offers a very vintage yet modern feel that features looks inspired by distinctive style icons such as James Dean, Peter Fonda, Steve McQueen, and Faye Dunaway. When designing the line, Tory was influenced by photos of her parents on trips during the 60s, 70s, and 80s thus contributing to the overall classic feel of the eyewear collection.

See the new collection at http://www.toryburch.com

The collection is currently available at all Tory Burch boutiques as well as on ToryBurch.com. Availability will expand to additional stores in late November.

Trance Essence

theminx1@gmail.com (theminx) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Trance Essence is nature, naked and alive, captured in a collection of Eau De Parfum sprays, roll-on perfume oils and hand-poured soy-based candles. They are the creation of Janna Sheehan, a perfumer/designer and lover of natural scents. Each of the Trance Essence Nectars contains up to twenty-five essential and perfume oil elements. Two years in the making, each fragrance emerged from an inner journey to a fanciful imaginary location. Six scents, six exotic destinations:

London in the sixties (Abbey Rose)
Down a rabbit hole (Whyte Rabitt)
A sultry Moroccan nightclub in the summer (Genie in a Bottle)
A Chinese mandarin garden at dawn (Chen-XI)
An Indiana forest after a rain shower (Hail Merri)
The gardenia and rose garden from a childhood story (Pink Kat)

Many more journeys remain to be taken. Yours. Trance fragrances aren’t standard and they aren’t static. They unfold and respond, reacting to time, place and wearer.

Anoint yourself and begin your journey.

Chen Xi (First Light of Dawn)

“This scent has the Zen sensibilities of simplicity and happiness. Light and fresh, wild ginger, red and yellow mandarin, lemongrass, spearmint and a hint of lily make this subtle, delicate perfume a transformative timeless classic.”

Bright and sunny, the scent is redolent of citrus, with the herbal tang of lemongrass being most outstanding. A whiff of spearmint adds a faint touch of green.

Genie in a Bottle

“Seductive, potent, scents of exotic oils like jasmine, vanilla, organic frankincense, bittersweet chocolate, black and organic black pepper are just a few of the essences that infuse magic into this bottle.”

Floral and gourmand at the same time, with a touch of the oriental as well, somehow this is a familiar fragrance. The jasmine predominates, with a touch of chocolatey sweetness, and the drydown becomes more of an incense scent.

Abbey Rose

“Imbued with clarity and balance, this essence has rich notes of fig, rose, bergamot, lavender, neroli, and a bit of grapefruit.”

A rose is a rose is a rose, except when it’s a fig wrapped in lavender, too. The citrusy accent is just enough to brighten this scent and make it a rather happy rose. The drydown is predominately rose. This one is definitely my favorite of the bunch.

Hail Merri

“Complex and alluring, Hail Merri carries the frequencies that inspire sublime grace and beauty. Vetivert, oak moss, violet leaf, rosewood, tuberose and a touch of sweet pea inspire this lofty elixir of restoration, regeneration and renewal.”

Mostly mossy/woody, but with the surprising addition of rich florals and a touch of violet underneath. Like flowers blooming on a forest floor. Starts out dark but gets brighter as it dries down. Complex and alluring indeed.

Pink Kat

“The freshest smelling perfume and oil essences of gardenia, rose, wild ylang ylang and neroli lend their properties of love from the heart and earthy sexiness. Pink Kat is innocent, sensual and alluring all at once.”

Neither pink nor catty, Pink Kat is a rather mentholated blend of strong floral notes, with gardenia in the forefront. The drydown is a nice dry, green, gardenia. Sexy perhaps, but innocent – no way.

White Rabbit

“Quixotic and playful, this essence never smells the same twice on your skin. Mercurial by nature Whyte Rabbit embodies notes of linden blossom, banana, basil, wild blue cypress, calendula, and blackberry.”

This scent is almost a savory gourmand, with the strong herbal tones. The basil/cypress combo is almost like celery/parsley, but its sitting on a slightly sweet and fruity base of linden and a surprising note of banana. A scent any bunny is sure to love.

Originally appeared in Sniffapalooza Magazine. Samples provided by Sniffapalooza Magazine.