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This evening, I went to an excellent reading by recent New York Foundation for the Arts fellows in writing. I got there a little late because I was just taking a break from projects to walk over to SoHo and I love my work so much that I sometimes find it hard to tear myself away and it's hot, which reminds me of the motto of Belize: Sub umbra floreo (I flourish in the shade). So I like to spend most twilights on my sliver of a balcony. I was sitting at the Drawing Center and thinking about how enchanting it was to be at a literary event in an art gallery-- creative cross-pollination is magical in every form, and to this occasional trend, I simply say: more, more, more. But then I realized that I had a bouquet of roses on my lap and they smelled heavenly!

I don't really like floral scents but I treasure flowers (remember when I went to flower school? also, the orchids in my apartment that get misted with rainwater and cooed over are no joke). But more on that in a moment... I only caught the last three readers but Wah-Ming Chang, Vestal McIntyre and Emily Blair were superb, and seriously, sincerely talented. I'm not overly familiar with the world of comics but love to lose myself in a good graphic novel, and Emily's SOAP OPERA was pure cinematic magic (see above). I am going to track down a copy in just one second.

But first, I have a question to pose to you, oh Lux Lotus community-- stylish ones, what do you think? I am in the market for a new fragrance (my current wardrobe consists of Cartier 'Baiser du Dragon' with Rich Hippie 'Bohemian Wedding' over it, at least in the evening; Chanel 'Cuir de Russie' for day and professional things. For other options, see my fridge). At the moment, I've narrowed down those I am most desirous of to the following and would love your opinion (however informed or, preferably, intuitive) in the comments:

BANDIT BY ROBERT PIGUET: 'Bandit was launched in 1944 and has remained a true classic to this day. The first classic chypre, this is an ambiguous and androgynous and almost alarming scent. Based on a woodsy, mossy, floral accord, which includes leathery and fruity notes as well, Bandit boasts a powerfully rich and lingering scent which has been likened more than once to potpourri or incense ...Bandit is what you'd reach for when a powerful statement is what's called for: cunningly confident and irrepresibly insouciant, this is not a scent that treads lightly.'

TOM FORD PURPLE PATCHOULI: 'Purple Patchouli (woods) with notes of orchid, citrus, leather, purple patchouli accord, spices, amber, patchouli, Peru balsam, vetiver' (description via).

TOCCA CLEOPATRA: 'Fresh and sparkling grapefruit and lush greens fade into accords of sensual white jasmine and tuberose, leaving an exotic, rich dry down of warm patchouli, golden amber and rich vanilla musk.'

Any of the above "have a quality of striking the joyous perception?" Well then, don't be shy! I love it when you talk back.

Comments

[CAAF]

Mmm, that Tocca Cleopatra sounds lovely for summer. Bandit would be my second choice. I esp. like the "almost alarming" in the description. It sounds like the kind of perfume one would keep behind glasss to break in case of emergency.

[Claire]

I was enchanted by the Tocca Cleopatra in candle form but haven't smelled the perfume. I agree with CAAF: could be perfect for summer, being not too light and wishy washy but not too heavy when it's 100 degrees...

[kim]

I'm putting in my vote for Tocca Cleopatra. With Liz Taylor as your inspiration you're sure to have a passion-filled summer. Just be sure to switch to a new perfume in the fall before things turn disastrous!

[Editor]

I'm sensing a trend -- thank you for making it easy! XO, LC

[Mary]

What's wrong with me that I like to wear just one scent. Paloma Picasso, a fragrance which a wretched ex gave me and I swear he gave me it only because the love of his life wore it. Moving On...I think considering the new love in my life I should also wear a new fragrance. Out with the old...Suggestions. Perhaps something fruity, but spicy. No chocolate. But defintely food scents and I know you know why.

[Editor]

Haha Mary you are such a VIXEN-- I'm going to call you tomorrow at work and TOTALLY harangue you AGAIN! NO chocolate? I just ate a bunch and it was really good... (see below for related foodie fragrance that has the dreaded 'c'). What about vanilla? And what's that boys like-- lavender? pumpkin pie? I used to wear Jil by Jil Sander and people actually said they want to devour me. Something about tonka beans. XOXO LC

MISSONI EAU DE PARFUM: "A fragrance colored by joy, scented by passion, fueled by "amore." An irresistible weave of luscious fruits, exuberant florals, and tantalizing Gianduia chocolate. A celebration of love and life."