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Kate Apted

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Hello APJ people!

Hey, it is almost spring. This is the time of the year I bring out the flowery scents that are a little higher pitched, less tinged with incense or honey, give the impression of warmer weather and longer days, and preempt the floral bounty we will shortly receive.

Donna by Trussardi 2011

Parfumo gives these featured accords:
Top: Yuzu, Citron, Water fruits
Heart: Orange blossom, Jasmine tea, Waterlily
Base: White patchouli, Cedar, Sandalwood, Vanilla

One such perfume is Donna by Trussardi. Released in 2011, it has nothing to do with the 80s version housed in the white plastic shell. This modern Donna brings forth all the flowery descriptions Mrs Bennett has of Mr Bingham upon meeting for the first time in Pride and Prejudice. In fact, the scent seems to fit with the delightfully Regent style portrayed in the BBC adaption from the 90s, though more Jane’s image than Lizzy’s or Lydia’s.

Donna is a pretty jasmine mixed with the fruity palatte of a mid summer sweet white wine. It is possibly a staid and matronly scent when compared to the niche and oud heavy releases of the same year. It does not surprise me there has been little discussion of Donna in the perfume community. Scents similar to it released recently have not attracted much favourable attention either.

Given that Donna is so different to the fruchoulis and rose-oud combinations popular lately, it struck me immediately as a light hearted, quirky fruity floral that I find more and more endearing with each wearing. I love that it is so ordinary and congenial. It is also a standout from the somewhat insipid women’s scents to have been released by Trussardi since.

Donna opens with a burst of citrusy yuzu and orange blossom. The jasmine is creamy and rich on this occassion with no trace of anything indolic. The dry down is quite similar to that of Woman by Ralph Lauren. If you have come across Bella Blanca, the new Oscar de la Renta, you’ll have an idea of what Donna is about. Donna, though, is more vicacious and fruity sweet. Chanel No.18 EDP has a zingy fruit that is in the same ball park as Donna.

The bottle is a classy looking porcelain sort of flacon. White with gild down its side seams and the lettering on the front. It is a heavy bottle, so don’t drop it! The downside to it is I cannot see the level of liquid left, as it is completely opaque.

I absolutely love wearing Donna on a very early morning when the birds are sensibly feeding and finding a shady spot to rest when the mid morning heat hits in the height of summer. Being alone with that creamy jasmine and citrusy fruit punch is a simple joy that makes life worth living. I can savour the little nuances that peek out as the scent develops and it seems so in tune with my surrounds.

I really must get a back up bottle of Donna. I know I’ll kick myself if I don’t.

What is early spring like where you live? Have you scents that you wear to anticipate spring’s arrival? What can you recommend I try from your spring wardrobe?

Sexy, Sassy, Springtime loving Kate!