Wednesday, March 29, 2006

scent of a woman

ah, the nose knows. i recently discovered some new scents from jo malone - lime blossom and wild fig. it's a curious addiction, perfume. on one hand it is the ultimate luxury. scented "water" -- a mini escape or pick me up. on the other hand, when you think of it as unnecessary chemicals on your skin with the sole purpose of smelling like something you're not meant to smell like. well, then it seems unwise. perfume makes a statement without words. better a whisper than a shout. i am really torn on the subject. wondering what it is about the stuff that appeals to me sometimes and doesn't at others.

imagine a bottle of "illusion" -- better than you seem to be. or realistic perfume names like "true sweat" or "toe jam" hmmmm...

awhile ago i took a ride with a crazy cabbie who had coated his seats in this overpowering seat cleaner, think febreeze meets men's cologne. anyhow, i got the stuff all over my coat, bag, etc and the damn cabbie stayed with me for days afterwards. he even left his mark in my closet.

somehow the idea of your scent lingering on someone you love seems romantic though -- a memory, a subconscious footnote.

2 comments:

JenMV said...

Have no fear... divorce your love of pretty smells from your concerns of being "unnatural"... the nose is the organ most closely linked to memory. your desire to treat that sense is as natural as your memories of schoolyard hopscotch in spring when you catch a whiff of fresh grass in the air.

Deanna McFadden said...

Have deliciously indulged in Jo Malone 154, with a base of sandalwood and just a hint of vanilla, it's perfect. Thanks for the tip!

Oh, and I got samples too, samples, samples, samples, for "layering" of the scents, as suggested by the lovely and charming fellow at the Jo Malone counter.

I heart Jo Malone.