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Portia
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Hello Fellow Fumies,
At APJ we have a Saturday Question. Everyone gets to chime in with an answer, chat with other responders and it’s a fun event each week. Taking sides never means taking offence and everyone keeps it respectful and light, even though we can sometimes trawl the depths.
The idea is you’ll see it on the weekend or chime in through the week. Hopefully you will come back regularly and see if anyone has responded to your comment and you can reply to them. The aim is to generate real conversation and connection even though we are scattered around the globe.
Over 100 responses I will draw a Secret Scent Sample Pack (from my collection)
Last Weeks Winner: Hamamelis
eMail me at (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with your address please
Saturday Question: What Is Your Latest Full Bottle Purchase?
Come on everyone. I know you’ve been shopping. I can’t seem to help myself. Good deals, long coveted frags in peoples FB sales, new purchases and press gifts have swelled my ranks this last week or so. Utterly embarrassing how bloody greedy I am. Please help me feel better about my buying addiction and unleash your new acquisitions.
My Answer:
Batucada by L’Artisan (a backup from Greg’s sale)
La Fin Du Monde by Etat Libre d’Orange (Greg’s sale)
Nevermore by Frapin (Press Bottle for reformulation)
Vail by Oliver & Co (Press Bottle)
Le 3′ Homme de Caron (TinaGs sale)
Bulgari Eau Parfumee au The Vert (Greg’s sale)
CHANEL 1957 (bought to Split)
Caravelle Epicee by Frapin (Greg’s sale)
Ebony (Ebenus) Candle by Carriere Freres (Press sample)
I’ve never managed to leave a reply due to some weird WordPress login problem… Now that I’ve reset the password hopefully it’ll work this time!
February has been quite a crazy month because I’ve bought so many bottles! Among so many three have just arrived: a pre-1980 Miss Dior EDT (wearing NOW!), a 1998 Tocade and a rather new (but still in the older bottle) Héritage EDP. Héritage brought back so many memories!
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Hey there JHX,
Those Miss Dior EdTs are getting rarer and more expensive. Lucky you. Enjoy wearing it. So glam.
Portia x
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eeek!!!!! confession time?
“Brigitte” a custom blend that Sarah Horowitz made for me in 1998 (the kids are paying for this one as my bday present but had to buy now because 15 percent off) I tested it but will put it in the basement until my actually bday.
Reglisse Noire back up bottle (also bday present from hubby…like how I decided that?) had to buy now because prices are going up this month….
even though my bday is next month 🙂 but there were deals to be had and I would not want my loved ones paying full price…..
Prior to that I bought Reglisse Noire (which has just a few spritzes left) and Gap Heaven and I think I bought those in September? (thanks to the enablers Cassie and Marcella!)
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and like how I blame Cassie and Marcella? boy I have this rationalizing thing down to a science 😉
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LOL! Well done my friend. 🙂
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YOu are my mentor on this. Thank you for that 🙂
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I’m claiming my enabler pin for this one as well! I can’t prove it now but I clearly remember you agreeing with my arguments for why it should be an acception to your “no buy” clause (and it is documented somewhere on the APJ, I just don’t know how to find it ;).
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You are getting it 🙂
I have NO DOUBTS that you talked me into it as well!!!!!
Especially that bottle of Heaven!!!!
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Undina gets the enabler pin too!!!
I found it!!! cause i am stubborn!!!
https://australianperfumejunkies.com/2018/08/26/scent-diary-20-8-26-8-2018/#comments
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Oh enjoy it while you can. Will hit you with the next onslaught soon . . .😎😏
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LOL
Be gentle with me🤣🤣
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Brigitte, may I ask which country you are in? Even though you have just bought more Reglisse Noire something tells me it will be used up soon enough. I have an almost-full bottle of the splash bottle and it just isn’t working for me. If the post offices align it would be great to give it to a good home.
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WHAATTTT??? I am in the USA. totally understand if you can’t send it though depending on where you are. so no worries! But I would wear DEFINITELY wear it 🙂 I would gladly take anyone’s neglected REglisse 🙂
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Splendid! Let me know your email and I can outline my cunning plan…
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my name followed by dennis followed by the number twenty nine in the land of geeeeeee……..
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Good for you, Brigitte!
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🙂 Thanks for your support!
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Wohooo
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😁😁😁😁
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Portia gets the enabler pin for the bottle of Sarah Horowitz Parfum Brigitte because it was the Perfume Posse post on Sarah Horowitz that Portia wrote for American Perfumers and Sarah’s response that prompted me to look into it.
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YAY! I love getting Enabler Pins. Thanks Brigitte! Day made.
Portia xx
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You need an enabler diamond!
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No kidding….or maybe a tiara?
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HA! Yes please.
Where’s do I sign?
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Oh no, Mrs M…I thought you were supporting me in the no-buy… 😛
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Sorry, love, but I had already intended on buying something for my birthday next month…had to do it early to get the bargains!
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I totally understand 🙂 Enjoy your perfumes, that’s the point!
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And congratulations, Hamamelis!!!
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D.S., the latest release from D.S. & Durga. Leather Shot from Olfactive Studio (Duchaufour).
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Oh what’s the D.S. like please?
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Hey there rrichpot,
People are raving about DS, is it as good as they say or BS?
Also, did you love Leather Shot? I did but Vanilla Shot blew my mind.
Portia xx
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Rozy EdP, and I am keeping an eye on Mito Voile d’Extrait. I suppose when the perfumista is ready Vero appears…Although I understand CQ’s wish for Vero’s fragrances to become unicorns (at least I think I do, hanging on to anything will not allow the new), I wish Rubj was still available.
Vol de Nuit Extrait, it was time for that too.
I am so lucky to have won another sample pack, thank you Portia!!! And everyone congrats on their new bottle(s)!
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I don’t wish it, per se, I just wonder if it might not be better, rather than bickering around between people/companies as to whether to make more or not.
I love the Rozy EdP, great you got it.
Which Rubj are you talking about? xxx
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Any Rubj! I have never smelled any of them, and maybe because it was Vero’s first it has sold out everywhere. Still, I still have Onda to discover, and that is still available at least here in the lowlands. And thank you for explaining the unicorn, and I agree, bickering about beauty doesn’t seem to be a good thing. And thank you for introducing me to Vero!
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Is your VdN contemporary or vintage?
I’m asking because I really liked extrait as of about 4 years ago but not sure now if/how much it was reformulated recently. And since testing extraits isn’t the easiest thing to do (not even sure who carries them in stores around), asking fellow-perfumista’s opinion is the next best thing.
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It is vintage Undina, I really liked the contemporary one (four years ago too for me) too, but haven’t smelled the most recent version. Sorry for not being able to help!
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Congratulations!!
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YAY Hamamelis,
Please send me your address again. I’m too lazy and stupid to find it.
Portia xx
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Not stupid… busy and distracted
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Congratulations 🎈 PPP on the way.
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Two ebay purchases. A 7.5ml bottle of vintage Bandit extrait that I have been pining for for ages, and promised myself if it was still there after British Bench. And an impulse grab of a barely-used bottle of Vetiver Veritas after wearing my way through another sample. It was about half retail, so that’s ok. It will get worn by both of us, and it’s been on my list of wants for a long time.
(and thanks, Portia! A little perfumed parcel arrived this week too.)
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Can I give you a list of things to watch out on eBay for. It terrifies me. X
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Of course!
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I think with your win you should treat yourself to even more!!!!
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Really curious about La fin du monde by ELDO, is it any good? 🙂 My last full bottle purchases were Alegoria Limon Verde from Guerlain, cause spring is here 🙂 and a semi-vintage first reformulation bottle of Dior Homme Intense 🙂 I got both of them last week 😉
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Hey Alen,
I’ve not had time to give the ELdO a full wearing yet but a little sneaky spritz smelled pretty good. More news as it comes to hand.
Limon Verde is so pretty, you’ll love that for Spring 2019.
Portia x
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Chanel. Paris – Venise.
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I think that was my bottle before the last one 🙂
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I want that soon.
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It’s totally lovely, very Chanel, and I don‘t need to think about it. Gorgeous. I want Deauville too. Just waiting for the 20% off day in April. xx
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Deauville is the one I got at a duty free last summer.
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YAY! I really LOVE the eaux collection Val. There are more coming too. YAY!
Portia xx
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Gorgeousness!
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I can’t remember what my full bottle purchase was !!!!
Guerlain AA LImon Verde is lovely, nice and fresh. I’ve got that one.
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Is it because it was so long ago, or because you’re buying so many that it’s hard to track which one was the last? 😉
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ha Ha !!!!! It could be a bit of both.XX
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Congratulations Hamamelis! My most recent FBs: two from the ‘bay — vintage Moment Supreme EDC (Jean Patou) and Galanos EDT (James Galanos). I don’t often buy vintage fragrances (I lack confidence in my own knowledge), but these two are marvelous and were great buys.
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Moment Supreme must be really good, congrats! It has been in my “to-try” list for ages.
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Hey there OH,
Vintage is like gambling. Only use the money you can afford to throw away and don’t be upset if you lose your shirt.
Lucky you finding two that you wanted that worked out.
Portia xx
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I would never do it. 😫
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I am scared too. Have never done the ebay route. Part of it is my fear of fakes and the other part is my fear of disappointment as I know that I would be looking for the vintage of my past and none of them will smell the same as they did when they were in fresh/pristine condition. I think it’s easier to love and appreciate vintage when you are coming at them from a new and fresh perspective…if this makes any sense?
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I agree with you Brigitte. I have the best success with vintage purchases that I missed out on when released, and only now want to go back and see what I missed without any preconceived ideas.
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Great advice! These were very cheap so I took the chance. But mostly I stay away from vintage.
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I like that good vintage perfume purchasing advice Portia. So true!
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Have not bought any bottles in 2019…last year, aeons ago, I bought Musc Ravageur travel bottles. Nothing is calling my name at the moment but may be I’m just not concentrating!
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and maybe you are bettter off 🙂 Continue to “not concentrate”
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OOOH! Musc Ravageur is so good. When they said Malle was being bought out I might have splurged on some back up bottles (SHHHHHH) from peoples sale docs.
Portia xx
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The current version is better than the earlier one. imo.
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Lucky you.
Much less fun on me sadly. So flat and lifeless, a two dimensional cardboard cutout. I’m glad it’s working for you Val.
Portia x
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I only have an 8 year old bottle. Not the new one. But I liked it a lot.
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I tried it in SAKS NYC last summer and liked it a lot…could not understand what all the skank fuss was about until I read that what I smelled was the reform version.
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Way too much cinnamon in the original on my skin. Although over the years I have still nearly used it up. Once in a while I love it.
But still, I prefer the reformulation …..
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Nice purchases Portia and congratulations Hamamelis!
My most recent full bottle purchases are Chanel 1957, loving every spritz!
Vintage Givenchy Ysatis and a 1970s Coty Emeraude from Ebay.
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wow to the vintage Emeraude!!!
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Hi Kathleen,
1957 grows on me daily. You and Val are right. It’s a good one.
Portia xx
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LMAO.
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Wheeeee Portia! So glad you’re enjoying 1957!
xx
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how ‘vintage’ is the vintage Ysaitis?
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I’m guesstimating by box and bottle Ysatis I have is early 1990s?
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I bought a birthday gift for a friend in Montreal, a $23 bottle of Lalique Encre Noir. It is so dirt cheap here I buy him a bottle every year in the US and carry it back.
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Wow! You are really sticking to your “No buy” 🙂 🙂 🙂
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WOW! Great present and BARGAIN price. Excellent. That makes me so happy TaraC,
Portia xx
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My literal most recent purchase (the one that got delivered here yesterday), was the Cartier Carat 2 x 15 mL travel spray set and I just split one off.
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Carat is so pretty!
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I never even heard of Carat Hajusuuri,
Tell me everything please.
Portia xx
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I bought Libertine Soft Woods. It had been on my to buy list for awhile now.
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That’s a pretty one.
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YAY for getting something you have wanted and will love SunnyDay.
Portia xx
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Colorado from DSH/American Perfumer. It took exactly one sniff of the sample they sent me (which was generous, what fabulous customer service) to order the bottle. I also snagged a bottle of Alaïa at Marshall’s for a song. I had sampled it ages ago but didn’t buy, could not resist when I found it for “perfume math free”. Had not bought any bottles since last summer when I went overboard on vacation.
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I too “rescued” a bottle of Alaia EDP from the Marshall’s clearance shelf! I like it very much. The parfum is also great.
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Colorado is beautiful. I sent my sample off to a good friend 🙂
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MMKinPA!
You bought Colorado! Woo Hoo! How freaking GOOD is it? What a stunner of a fragrance. You’ll be smelling amazing.
Portia xx
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The last full bottle was a backup bottle of Dusita’s Douceur de Siam during a big pre-holiday sale. Oh, unless a wee bottle of Heeley Menthe Fraiche counts, but I am *sure* it counts as a split.
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Oh, and an almost-full bottle of Safran Troublant bought on Boxing Day from someone local. Whoops. Yes, those great buys…
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ST is beautiful.
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La Douceur de Siam is amazing, glad that you’ve managed to get a backup bottle.
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Good shopping AnnieA.
Portia xx
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By publishing my last post on searching for a perfect magnolia perfume, I talked myself into buying the one that I liked the most – Magnolia Grandiflora Michel. Though, since I’m splitting it, my portion is just manageable 15 ml from the (ugly!) 50 ml bottle. Beautiful perfume.
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Oh I forgot to leave a comment on your last post! I have a very big magnolia in my garden, Magnolia Soulangeana, and it does smell white flowerish, with some real dirt in there somewhere. Magnolia Grandiflora sounds lovely!
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Hey Undina,
Michel is my favourite from the Grandiflora range. 100% agree that the new bottles are ugly as sin. What a come down from the elegance of the domed bottle. They look so budget now.
15ml will last you a goodly amount of time, it’s only our VERY favourites that get used much more.
Portia xx
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Wow, Portia, you know how to treat yourself 😉 I’ve done something of the sort myself: I’ve ordered a 50ml bottle of Issara and a travel size of another Dusita. So excited!
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yay! I always associate Dusita with you 🙂
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’cause I can’t stop talking about, lol!
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And because the perfumes are so classic and pretty and lady like….just like you 😀
You remind me of a much much MUCH younger me…..both your style and how you look.
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Issara! Another one I want sometime soon.
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It’s unlike anything else, is it?
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Woo Hoo Diana!
Well, the ones from Greg’s sale all together cost less than a regular bottle of Shalimar. The candle, Frapin and Veil are all Press and the only one I paid retail for was the CHANEL 1957 and I diffused the cost by splitting half of it. So not REALLY as extravagant as it looks.
Portia xx
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Oh, but it is! It’s not the price that matters, it’s the joy of having new toys to play with 😉
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You are 100% correct Diana
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You did good, P!!! Now you just need to learn how to share your loot with that gorgeous husband of yours LOL 🤣 😂
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Ha! NOPE!
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Ha!!! I knew you would say that!!! YOu would go BONKERS chez Marzipan as you would be hiding all of your perfume bottles to keep our hands off of them 😉 We are the opposite of you…no saving whatsoever…lots of wearing lavishly and lots of thunking!
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The perfume room would be locked up tight and alarmed, with CCTV watching over it.
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It would need to be with the Marzipan clan 😈😈😈
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My latest purchase was Chanel Gardenia. I’ve made a few large spray samples for myself, but not keeping the bottle here at this nursing home ( a “ health house” as it is literally called in Norwegian is a misnomer). Don’t want the new perfume tainted by bad experiences.
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I recently got mostly used Chanel Gardenia in relatively vintage version (that 35ml bottle with white cap) just to test it. There is barely 7ml left in bottle but it cost me about 15 bucks so not bad. I actually like it and would def. get more when a good deal comes.
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Ahhhh Gardenia,
soft hued perfection.
Portia xx
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How is recovery coming along, Ingeborg?
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See my comment today about SOTD. The physiotherapist and occupatonal therapist are the only members of staff who never seem to misunderstand my remarks, so for a total of an hour 5 days a week I can relax mentally. We are working on keeping as much as possible of my strength.
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I’ve been having too much fun ordering stuff now that I’m in the US and can get so many deals delivered right to my door! I am eagerly waiting for Patou’s Vacances and Chaldee (the new release version) as well as LPRN Black Perfecto (I had no idea I could get a 30ml bottle of this!). I also just bought Jus Box Green Bubble, Kerosene Walk the Sea and Naomi Goodsir Nuit de Bakelite while in a perfume trip to NYC… I am zero help in the restraint department!
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But no one is asking to be talked down 😂🤣😂. In any case, are you back on the U.S. for good or just for an extended period?
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I’m here for good (at least for awhile). I am already missing all the great Arab brands!
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I would do just the same if I was in NY, Dubaiscents 🙂
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Woo Hoo! That is shopping DONE RIGHT DunbaiScents, Great work.
Portia xx
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What a fabulous haul! Well done 🙂
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I should be ashamed of myself for confessing to still purchasing since I have started my downsizing process. But in my defense, many new purchases are those I do not plan to downsize (backups in many cases). They include Le Male vintage version, Givenchy Pi from 1999 batch (just a year after its release), Mont Blanc Presence Homme original semi-circle bottle, vintage Morabito Or Black, mildly used DK chaos parfum (I have some edt version but this is the first time I am getting parfum (love Chaos in edt version though admit to selling 2-3 bottles over the years for good price to fund other purchases). Chaos is one of those perfumes I love everything about from original bottle shape, composition, and, especially, the name!
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Chaos is COOL! It’s the only one I kept from the black cylinder reboot and friends. What was the original bottle like Fazal?
Portia x
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I have not smelled the reboot version but the online reviews say it was pretty close. The original bottle was made in the shape of a quartz. I think it was made by Karan’s late architect husband who also made bottles of other early perfumes from the brand.
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I really can’t remember the last time I went into a shop and bought a full bottle of perfume, or online for that matter. It would be at least 18 months or so. The most recent FB purchase would be a NIB 30ml bottle of Nina Ricci Fleur de Fleurs that I found in an op shop. That’s for the vintage collection, so it will probably stay unopened.
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Hey Greg,
Thank you so much for my goodies. LOVING THEM!
Portia xx
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You’re welcome. I’m glad that these bottles that I’m unlikely to use are going to people who appreciate them.
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Wow.. great buy. My recent full bottle is ARCHETIPO. Big love for this one. Only witch can wear it lolzzz.
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HA! Are you a witch Evan?
Portia xx
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Haaa… yessss for this one.
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Nice haul Portia. My last full bottle purchase was a BUB of Shangra-La as I had a discount and fear discontinuation. Just before that a small bottle of Pont des Arts A Chaque Instant.
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SHANGRI-LA! So glam Any, I bet you smell deadly in it.
Portia xx
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Well I’ve had a little splurge, and finally splashed out on Bond No9 Washington Square. And then a few others – Queen Latifah, QL Hearts, CK Eternity Air and some One Direction for my niece to get free postage!! Mostly cheap and cheery choices and very happy with my Washington Square.
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Hey Melanie,
Thos Queen Latifah frags are excellent value and smell delicious. My BFF Kath is onto her third bottle of Queen.
Portia xx
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ooo yay!!!! You got Washington Square!!!!! It will look fantastic next to Chinatown 🙂
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Melanie, you’ve got so many new beauties, good for you!
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Bought a half full bottle of Felanilla and still waiting for my vintage ebay finds of used Jil Sander 4 and Chanel 5….
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Yay for Jil Sander 4 🙂
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Jil 4❤️ Lucky you!
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Tauer Wowilla body oil is my most recently purchased bottle. It’s a small one and wasn’t expensive especially considering how lovely it is. I adore vanilla, and this one veers clear of foodie vanilla, staying firmly in the deliciously-sexy realm. And the packages Mr. Tauer sends are lovely, always extra special.
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Yum! because I make my own vanilla oil and my own amber oil I have never purchased these body oils from Tauer…but I bet they are outstanding.
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yup! Tauer always makes me happy.
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It’s beauty. And great for layering with several perfumes. And of course it’s beautiful by itself.
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yes! I love layering Wowilla with other scents. A few days ago I wore it with Ambre Narguile. Delicious 😀
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If Greg were closer, I’d have bought the Bulgari Au The Vert, Portia 😉
I could hardly remember when I bought my last full bottle. It was in September last year – Parle Moi De Parfum, Orris Tattoo. After that only a decant or two.
Hamamelis, congrats on your win!
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How do you survive?! You should have almost nothing to wear! 😉
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LOL, my finger is on the trigger but I’ve decided to practice patience until my birthday in two months 😉
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stay strong , Neva!!!
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Oh another that is on my wish list!
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I’m envious of everyone’s perfume hauls☺️. Portia, all I can say is wow! My meager 2 purchases are puny in comparison. Last bottle was Dior Tendre Poison, bought from online, with a tiny bit used, and for a pittance. And just before that was a used vintage Magie Noire, also for a pittance. The perfume gods have been very kind to me recently. I’m giving serious thought to Sarah McCartney’s new perfume development, it’s unfinished as yet but I’d be willing to give it a whirl unsniffed as it Yin special cloudfunding rate. Hurry up, payday, I need you!
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Ha Cassieflower,
Yes, I’m 100% frag glutton.
MAGIE NOIRE! That shit is definitely my jam. Good score.
Portia xx
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Hello gorgeous.
Love your haul.
And yes I’ve been bad… just not as bad as you. 😊
I bought 2 little very lightly used 100ml ELdO (a much loved 2018 bottle of Rien and a sort of blind buy of Remarkable People – I blame Portia for the review), and a yet to receive Chanel’s CdR edp from the bay.
I love Rien and CdR edt but Remarkable was a gamble…. it is a little too sweet but it does have a fun note and half decent longevity.
XXX… T
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Hey Tim!
So nice to see you.
Riien!! Fabulous.
Bummer you’re not loving Remarkable People.
Portia xx
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