SOTD: Jil Sander No 4 and random thoughts

Arghh! I'm still on work-imposed blog-cation. So much pent up vintage perfume fixation/frustration has built up, and I haven't even found time and space to answer a number of important reader queries. Ah, well... in these extremely trying economic times I'm actually lucky to have a job at all so I really can't complain. But speaking of vintage perfumes (and only to hint at my mind's turnings as of late), take a look at this article about how our sense of smell depends almost exclusively on training. I am more convinced than ever that our sense of smell is completely dependent on our own personal history of perfume and scent exposure and is shaped in large part by what (and when) we've had access to smell. I also notice 'generational swings' in people's preferences for most things; don't you?

In any case, dear readers, I apologize for my absence! I miss even having time to read others' blogs, which is worse than not having time to write for the most part. But no matter; it's off to work I must go. Today I'll be wafting a cloud of Jil Sander No 4, a signature scent from a past life...

The Vintage Perfume Vault, where the scent of yesterday's vogue lives.and can't wait for May 28th to roll around-

SOTD: Hanae Mori Pour Homme

Spring is different this year. The ordinarily orderly procession of successive bloomings has turned into a frenzied disrobing, everything fully exposed seemingly overnight. That means any spare time right now is turned toward taming the beast. Lemons and oranges seemingly just ripe yesterday hang decaying, while the new season's blossoms already litter the garden floor, fully fallen and spent. I haven't even gotten outside much to enjoy them and now they're already gone. Perfume-wise, things have been on a similar fast track but I've hardly time to write of it to you now.

But just wait. This June I'll delve into the vast array of scent related topics that have been simmering on the back-burner in this meantime; some rants and some raves are sure to follow! In the meantime, I need to update some new questions on some older posts- look for those this weekend, I promise.

Oh, and my scent of the day ~ HANAE MORI Pour Homme ~ Eau de Toilette ~ features a not-very-vintage note that I've grown to recognize as a deal sealer for instant love and attraction. I'll be dedicating a whole post to it in the not-too-distant future as well!

Extended notes list for HMPH edt (and there is a difference between edt and edp- I love the edt exclusively).

Edit: traditionally notes are given as Jasmin, Citron, Lavande, Vanille, Fève Tonka.
Originally I included this alternative list of notes from another source (sorry, I've lost the reference):

Tête    :  Bergamote, Estragon, Coriandre, Note Fruité
Coeur :  Geranium, Rose, Muguet, Fougère
Fond   :  Bois de Cèdre, Santal, Vanille, Feve Tonka

For me, the lavender and lemon combine to read as a light minty, herbal mix which plays against the velvety vanilla and chocolate woods- more bitter than sweet, with a woody musky finish. And best of all, the dry smooth notes are played against a side of gorgeous white florals. Nothing too manly here- many women would be able to handle this one with ease.

The Vintage Perfume Vault, where the scent of yesterday's vogue lives.

image: Elise Daniles with Street Performers in Paris by Richard Avedon, 1948