All About The Pretty

Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Pink Coral

Estee Lauder has introduced Pure White Linen Pink Coral.  It’s a lush combination of sweet pea, camellia, honeysuckle, apple blossoms, and sandalwood.  This is a great summer scent to wear on a Saturday.  I can see myself wearing this on a Saturday hanging with my girls. There will be a fabulous lunch filled with champagne, book store browsing, and beauty shopping.  Pure White Linen Pink Coral is not an overwhelming scent and it is a perfect scent to transition from day to night. 

2009 FiFi Award Winners

Last night in New York the Fragrance Foundation's Fifi Awards were announced and because I'm such a fragrance junkie that I had to list the winners.  I'm so excited about the drop dead gorgeousness that is Tom Ford winning.  I love his Private Blend scents.

• Fragrance of the Year — Women’s Luxe: Harajuku Lovers Fragrances — Love, Lil’Angel, Music, Baby, “G” — Coty Prestige
• Fragrance of the Year — Men’s Luxe: I Am King — Sean John — Sean John Fragrances
• Fragrance of the Year — Women’s Popular Appeal: American Beauty Beloved — BeautyBank
• Fragrance of the Year — Men’s Popular Appeal: McGraw by Tim McGraw — Coty Inc.
• Fragrance of the Year Unique Boutique: Tom Ford Private Blend Champaca Absolute — Tom Ford Beauty
• Fragrance of the Year Women’s Nouveau Niche: Chloé Eau de Parfum — Coty Prestige
• Fragrance of the Year Men’s Nouveau Niche: Burberry the Beat for Men — P&G Prestige Products Inc.
• Fragrance of the Year — Private Label/Direct Sell: Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Eau de Parfum — Victoria’s Secret Beauty

CHANEL No. 5 - Train de Nuit - Film

It's no secret how much I love CHANEL No. 5 fragrance.  I have been wearing it since I was a teenager.  It was Mama Dear's signature scent and in my early twenties I decided to make it mine.  It comes out on Sunday, but there are times when I miss her so much that I wear it in her honor.  Now, CHANEL has filmed a new film with one of my favorite French actresses - Audrey Tatou. I love the cinematography of the No. 5 films.

LAVANILA Vanilla Lavender Perfume

Those ladies at LAVANILA are always giving me the vanilla love that I need in my life.  Now they have combined two of my favorite scents - vanilla and lavender to get me in a spring frame of mind.  LAVANILA Vanilla Lavender Perfume is now in the arsenal.  I wore this perfume to yoga and it wasn't overpowering at all.  After numerous sun salutations, warriors, and my favorite savasana I left the studio still smelling great.  Especially since I had a lot of running around after wards.  LAVANILA, I need this in a roller ball for the yoga bag. 

Please, I beg of you, xoxo.

Badgley Mishka Couture

Felicia and I have very similar communication methods.  Sometimes it is Twitter, texting, or a good old fashion land line (a phone line that comes out of the wall if I'm dating myself).  One thing that we have in common is our mutual love of Badgley Mishka Couture.  This is how are conversation regarding Couture went down.

JPC:  Felicia, don't you just love the Badgley Mishka Couture?
FCS:  I usually hate fragrances.  Seriously hate most fragrances.
JPC:  But you didn't answer my question?
FCS:  I love it.
JPC:  Come again?
FCS:  I love it (I note the slight lowering of the voice at this point).  I made several of my friends smell my wrists and they liked it as well.  I was pleasantly surprised.
JPC:  Do you trust my fragrance opinion now?
FCS:  Yes, but there's a first time for everything. 
JPC:  You win, now it's your job to write the review.

Introducing Badgley Mischka Couture
By Felicia C. Sullivan

When handmade couture gowns crafted in airless Parisian ateliers cost upwards of a hundred thousand, accessories – sunglasses, handbags, wallets, scarves and fragrances –are the consumer’s entrée to this privileged, elite world. Now, the cost-conscious customer can feel, albeit slightly, that magical feeling of slipping into a couture creation when she carries a wallet donning the luxury brand’s logo or dabs perfume from a crystal bottle on her wrists. Ever notice how accessories are always merchandised at front of store? Accessories or ‘accessible luxuries’ are providing a necessary lifeline to a brand’s bottom line during these bleak economic times while also allowing women their minor indulgences. Because when your closet reality is more Target than Vuitton, yet you’re lucky enough to have a few extra dollars squirreled away, perhaps you can envelope yourself in luxury and incorporate a touch of glamour into your life for a fraction of a red-carpet gown’s cost.

Valentine's Day Ideas: Fleur d’Amour Fragrance

Fleur d'Amour is a new fragrance created by Sylvie Beljanski.  It's notes are taken from the Mediterranean with notes of wood, bergamot, musk, vanilla, lily, peony, and amber.  It's a great scent to give for Valentine's because a lot of women won't be wearing this.  Its scent gets me ready for spring and all the possibilities that new flowers and April showers can bring. 

The scent is also available in a soy candle and soap.  Five dollars from the sale of each bottle will be donated to cancer research. The Fleur d’Amour products can purchased online as well as at the Beljanski Wellness Center in Manhattan.

Valentine's Day Ideas: Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir

The name alone makes me want this collection. The atomizer on the parfum will look wonderful in my beauty closet. I might have to cave.

Top Notes: Nectarine, Juicy Apple, Sparkling Citrus, Pineapple, Guanabana, Mouthwatering Pear, Red Fruit, Bergamot

Middle Notes: Cattelaya Orchid, Muget, Cyclamen, Jasmine Petals, Plum, Vanilla, Dewberry, Cassis

Dry-Down: Golden Amber, Velvet Musk, Sultry Woods, Tonka Bean The Collection has an eau de parfum; scented boy lotion; scented bath an shower cream; and scented body powder.

I’m definitely caving on the powder puff. I can’t stand how cute it is. It’s a must for any beauty junkies boudoir.

My Perfume Niche: Parfums de Nicolai Sacrebleu

In December 2007 I met Annie of Blogdorf Goodman for the very first time.  Just like her writing she is genuine, thoughtful, and gorgeous.  Her hair looks like it should come out of a Botticelli painting and that woman can wear a red lipstick that makes you want to throw out your lip gloss.  The most striking thing about her was the scent she was wearing.  I couldn't stop thinking about it.  Later, I emailed her and she gave me the name - Parfums de Nicolai Sacrebleu.  This beautiful beautiful jasmine, tuberose, and sandalwood perfume has brought me so much joy with every spritz.  Every time I wear it I think of Annie and I say a prayer for the world wide web.  If it wasn't for the web I would have never met Annie or Sacreblue.

I just ordered my second bottle.

My Perfume Niche: Strange Invisible Perfumes: Spring 2009: New Florals for a New Era

By Felicia C. Sullivan

Can a perfume’s scent simply be reduced to a spritz on a paper strip? Can we savor a luxe perfume and still be eco-conscious and philanthropic? Can a fragrance be perceived as a work of art? Recently, I sat down with self-taught botanical perfumer, and founder of Strange Invisible Perfumes, Alexandra Balahoutis, a vanguard of sorts, who zealously answered all of my queries.

Balahoutis’s quest began in 2000 with a desire to translate the invisible montages of her mind into relevant romance language of the senses. Strange Invisible Perfumes was named for a line from Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra: “From the barge, a strange invisible perfume hits the sense of the adjacent wharfs.” Courting the senses and illuminating the imagination, the house is evangelical in its vision to offer consumers uncompromising luxury and excellent craftsmanship through its twenty-five perfumes, ten eaux de parfum, and a collection of body washes and lotions available in four scents – all made with sustainability and environmental accountability in mind. From aggressively pursuing ingredients that are fair trade, wild crafted, biodynamically cultivated, and organic, to using a base of 100% organic grape alcohol, to eco-friendly packaging, the company’s commitment to respecting the earth from which their business is derived is evident. Also, eight percent of the proceeds from sales of their best-selling Magazine Street are donated to Common Ground Collective, a non-profit organization working for the environmental restoration and sustainable rebuilding of New Orleans. Presently, the company also brings awareness to saving honeybees through their support of the documentary, “The Vanishing of the Bees,” which examines the dangers of Colony Collapse Disorder, and how an eradicating bee population will potentially have significant environmental implications.

Balahoutis believes that “Like art or fashion, perfume involves aesthetic visions of the near future.” On the heels of fashion week, come March 2009, SIP introduces three new florals for spring: Aquarian Roses, Epic Gardenia, and Urban Lily.

Caron's Nuit de Noel for a Very Pretty Christmas

Merry Christmas my lovely ladies or as the French say Joyeux Noel.  In whatever way you say it, I hope it's filled with love, laughter, and a touch of beauty.  Today I'm wearing Caron's Nuit de Noel Fragrance which translates to Christmas Night.  I think it's perfectly fitting for today.  The scent has notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose.  The dry down is vanilla and sandalwood.  I found my Caron at Beauty 360 here in DC.  I have my eye on another Caron scent from their Perfume Fountains that will be reviewed under My Perfume Niche.  That's for next year.

I want to give a little background on Caron.  I recently spoke with their public relations company for information on how their fragrances are created.  This is what I was given.  I love reading on how fragrances are creating and what the creative process is for these "noses."

"The House of Caron is one of those very rare perfumeries that still calls upon the services of a “nose”, a master perfumer who works as if by enchantment, keeping our olfactory memory alive with unforgettable Caron moments.  From Ernest Daltroff to Richard Fraysse, our current “nose,” to William Fraysse son and grandson of “noses,” Caron perfumes embody an olfactory heritage.  As in the past, Richard Fraysse combines the intuition of an artist and the tenacity of a scientist.

Each fragrance triggers a sensation, then an emotion.  A meeting with Richard Fraysse is always intriguing, as he has the ability to incorporate each new scent into what is an olfactory experience. He’s the equivalent to an extraordinary master “scent file,” an ever-evolving living repertoire.

Notorious Fragrance by Ralph Lauren

It's Christmas Eve.  What a wonderful day.  I'm excited about Christmas this year as always.  My mother is in town, I'm with The Don and his family and I'm grateful for so many things.  I've had a blessed year and despite our economy hurting - we have life - and for that we should celebrate the true meaning of Christmas which in my opinion is friends and family.  On this day I'm wearing Notorious by Ralph Lauren.  This scent makes me want to put on something a little bit more fabulous to head outside in the Christmas air - to take in all the lights, sounds, and smells of the most wonderful time of the year.  The scent has notes of black current, patchouli musk, vanilla, and chocolate.  This is a fragrance dessert which won't cause you to gain a pound - unlike that German Chocolate Cake I plan to devour on tomorrow. 

If you need a little more inspiration, check out this video.  Laetitia kills it: 

My Perfume Niche: Teo Cabanel's Julia

On my trip to Paris in October, I was able to spend a few hours alone and I was able to hit a few stores for fragrance purchases.  I had to go back to Gallerie Lafayette because I couldn't get out of my head Teo Cabanel's Julia Fragrance.  It's currently available here in the states at Henri Bendel, but nothing can make up for seeing it tucked away in a fragrance corner waiting for me.  I love how it changes throughout the day.  It starts out with lots of fruit, but then graduates to this floral that is perfect on a cold winter's day.  It makes me think of the way Paris smells in the spring after an April shower.

Happy Birthday/Bonne Anniversaire to Me!

Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday dear Julia, happy birthday to me!  I'm grateful, so grateful for another year.  This year has been full of ups, downs, highs, and lows - way more ups and highs.  It has been an awesome year.  I'm so blessed.  I can't help but think what Pops and Mama Dear would think of me now.  Mama Dear would be like "yes, we made her a holiday" and my father would be thinking "diamonds and The Nutcracker for my princess." 

I love birthdays because they are the only holiday you don't have to share with anyone else.  Although my birthday is a week before Christmas it's never stopped me from having fun.  This year I'm staying in DC because once February hits I'm off and running for most of 2009.  I'm not complaining, I'm thankful for all these wonderful opportunities in my life right now.

Today's fragrance is inspired by an independent and strong woman - Tova.  I have been a huge fan of QVC as many of you know and when I found out that Tova had a new scent, well this beauty junkie did what she had to do and now TOVA Ambre d'Oro is being worn in honor of my birthday.  The scent has notes of Italian jasmine, wild gladiola, Asiatic lily, amber musk, sandalwood, and patchouli.  It is a light musk and for those who are not into heavy musks scents this may be the one for you.

Well, what does a beauty junkie do on her special day.  First stop - massage.  My body is craving for a deep tissue massage and I'm game for pampering.  Next stop - a facial at the Ritz Carlton.  Lunch - I haven't quite decided what I want to munch on yet, but it will include a glass of champagne (Veuve) to be exact because most places don't carry Ruinart.  After finishing the book on the champagne house, I'm more intrigued than ever.  Shopping - the kind of shopping where I don't know what I want to buy, because when I see it I will grab it.  The potion lady is coming in on Sunday and that's when the real shopping begins.  Last stop - Dinner with my honey and then heading to bed before 11pm with Cross Country by James Patterson.  This is another perfect birthday.

My Perfume Niche: Beyond Love by Kilian Hennessy

Last year while in New York and doing my usual trek through Bergdorf's, I always have to see what's new in fragrances.  After walking around the store I spot Kilian Hennessy making his personal appearance for his fragrance.  He was warm, kind, and the perfect gentlemen.  I then turned to his exquisite fragrances.  Beyond Love is without a doubt my favorite.  This intense fragrance of jasmine, tuberose and amber lifts my spirits every time I take a whiff of it on my arm.  I'm in the process of moving to a new place next year and trying to arrange my arsenal of fragrances is becoming a bit of a challenge.  I'm thinking of creating a shelf to display them.  That way as I walk into the room I see them on the wall - my fragrance work of art. 

My Perfume Niche: Manuel Canovas Pink Riviera

Manuel Canovas Pink Riviera is a luscious mix of rose, jasmine, rose, and sandalwood that is a play on a floral bouquet that isn't overpowering, cloying, or too sweet.  I'm loving this scent. I only have a sample that I took with me for a weekend away.  I saved that tiny sample vile becaused I love this fragrance so much.  I can definitely see a full size going in the arsenal next spring.  I can imagine wearing it under a J. Crew spring trench, cashmere tee, ballet flats, and tote bag while buying vegetables at the farmer's market for a spring lunch. 

My Perfume Niche: Feerie by Van Cleef & Arpels

My coworker Celina has described the joy of wearing Feerie by Van Cleef & Arpels for the past few weeks.  We both agreed that part of the appeal of Feerie was the bottle and its unusual structure.  But, upon smelling Feerie on me I see why she's in love.  The fragrance has notes of rose, jasmine, and violet that softens into a floral powder scent.  I love the way the notes all play on the skin and after several hours of wearing Feerie - the smile of pure pleasure remains. 

My Perfume Niche: Fragrance Reviews

It is no secret that I love fragrance.  I love the spritz, the whiff, the sniff, the spray, the splash, and every word that embodies wearing fragrance.  I have thought about dedicating a regular post on niche fragrances.  These are specific fragrances that won't always be the easiest to find, but well worth the effort.  A few of the reviews will be of niche fragrances in my personal arsenal and others will be of scents that I want in my arsenal.  I hope these reviews inspire you to go on your own fragrance journey.

Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger.  There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all. - W. Somerset Maugham

Destination Pretty: Michael Kors Rollerball Fragrance and Lip Gloss Duo

I'm headed out of town the next two weekends and my goal is to only take a carry-on.  (I can hear you snickering at this thought while you are reading.)  I'm shaking my head just typing this.  I really think I can do it.  "I think I can, I think I can."  I'm the little traveler that could.  This Michael Kors Rollerball/Lipgloss Duo can help me.  I have a fragrance and a shimmer lip gloss that I can apply at night over my lipstick.  The fragrance is one of my all time favorites and there is never a winter that I don't wear it.  Even though I'm going to the Sunshine state, this scent will be fabulous for my nighttime pretty.

ANGEL by Thierry Mugler Fragrances

During Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of attending an intimate breakfast on the re-launch of ANGEL by Thierry Mugler and had a sneak peak of the behind-the-scenes shoot of the new commercial starring the Naomi Watts.  I'm old enough to remember when ANGEL first came out.  I had a friend who wore it and it smelled divine on her, me not so much.  I was scared to even think about looking at again.  But everything changes with age - some good and some bad - but this ANGEL was for the better.  The perfume oil actually works best on me.  When I think about ANGEL I think of the term "oldie but goodie." 

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne and Bath Oil - Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Jo Malone with donate $15,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in connection with the North American sales of Red Roses Cologne and Bath Oil.

Kiehl's Forest Rain Fragrance

Kiehl’s has a new woodsy fragrance.  Forest Rain Eau de Toilette is the new first new scent from Kiehl’s since 2004.  It has notes of grass, Mugeut petals, citrus, jasmine and white flowers.  The dry down is Vetiver and a Soft Musk. 

• Forest Rain Eau de Toilette: $83.50
• Forest Rain Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser: $15.50;
• Forest Rain Hand and Body Lotion: $19.50

Available at Kiehl’s stores and Kiehls.com. 

Destination Pretty: Golden Earth Exotic Essential Oil Essences

Golden Earth Exotic Essential Oil Essences are the perfect perfume travel accessory.  I love roller ball perfumes because they are easily transportable, the scent lasts longer without layering, and due to the small size you can carry a few different scents.  The company was created by Elizabeth Golden who is an aromatherapist.  They aren't overpowering and no one is the wiser that I have on perfume.  My personal favorite is "beauty."  The main flower is tuberose.  When I go to yoga on the weekends I still want to wear a fragrance, it's my nature, and I turn to these essences. 

Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang

Aerin Lauder's Private Collection has just released its second fragrance.  Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang is making me so happy.  VERY HAPPY!   Thank goodness for the web.  The fragrance has "the richness of amber and ylang ylang combined with the depth of sandalwood and vanilla.  I keep looking at this photo and wanting this perfume to be in mailbox when I get home from Paris.

Destination Pretty: Pacifica Solid Fragrances for Fall

I love me some Pacifica Solid Fragrances.  These are great travel, gym, and handbag fragrances.  After I received my first solid fragrance many moons ago, I fell in love.  I find myself constantly applying these not because the scent doesn't last, it's because these fragrances put me in a happy place.  Rachel Zoe's happy place is a showroom of clothes and my happy place is a beauty store.  These are a perfect apres yoga perfumes.  They have five new scents - Avalon Juniper, Spanish Amber, Madagascar Spice, Tibetan Mountain Temple and Mexican Cocoa.  One of the best things about these fragrances is that they are $8.95 which is pocketbook pretty. 

Secret Obsession from Calvin Klein

I can feel it in the air.  The breeze in NY was a little cooler when I left.  I arrived home to the same signal of fall.  Fall.  I love having seasons. I can't get enough of them.  Fall also means lot of new fragrances.  My first pick is Calvin Klein's Secret Obsession.  This is a woodsy fragrance, with hints of fruit and flowers.  I don't think the perfume will make me as sexy as Eva Mendes the face of the fragrance, but I'm still finding joy in its scent.  It's light enough to lead me for the next few weeks on my fall fragrance journey.  I want to know what you are buying and wearing for fall.

Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Touch

Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Touch:  The newest in fragrance luxury, inspired by the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. Shimmering body gel leaves a delicate sheen on skin, bringing a luminous touch to shoulders, arms and décolleté, while imparting the feminine and sexy scent of COCO MADEMOISELLE.  Chicly showcased in a contoured flacon with stopper, the sparkling formula beckons invitingly through the glass — an irresistible accent for vanity or bath. 

This is calling my name.

Donna Karen Fragrances at Bergdorf Goodman

By popular demand, Donna Karen is bringing back some of her best scents.  Donna Karen Signature, Chaos, Fuel for Men, Black Cashmere, and Donna Karen Essence Collection are now available at Bergdorf Goodman. 

Donna Karen Fragrance Experts - Catherine Barber and Annette Williams will be there for personalized fragrance readings.  For appointments call the fragrance counter at 212.872.2581.

August 13 - 4:00-6:00pm
August 14 - 2:00-5:00pm
August 15 - 2:00-5:00pm
August 16 - 2:00-5:00pm

Unscripted - Patrick Dempsey Fragrance

Here's a first look at the new Patrick Dempsey for Avon scent Unscripted available in November.  The scent is described as a "woody green scent that expresses the freedom of the open road with fresh, aromatic cardamom and invigorating cracked black peppercorn."  All I want to know is that it smells good on the man that wears it.  I consider Mr. Dempsey a man's man - cyclist, speed demon, and drop dead gorgeous.  The tag line created for the scent is "Follow Your Passion."  I'm desperately trying to do that every single day. 

I just might have to get this for the Don - my own personal McDreamy.

Destination Pretty: LUSH Solid Perfumes

I can't seem to get the American Boy by Estelle out of my head.  I know Mischo Beauty is obsessed with the song.  I am singing with glorious joy when I think of LUSH American Cream Fragrance.  A beautiful combination of sage, lavender, and vanilla in a little pot ready to be taken in a carry-on at the airport.  These are great fragrances to add to the beauty arsenal.  I love the Karma scent for my gym bag and Fever when I want a little jasmine and sandlewood in my mix. It's absolutely LUSHcious.   

Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day.
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You'll be my American Boy.

Lyrics by will.i.am and sung by Estelle

Kim Kardashian - The Fragrance in 2009

PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT THE MESSENGER.  I just report the beauty news.  Kim Kardashian is set to release her own fragrance in 2009.  She is working with New Wave fragrances, the company who distribute Ed Hardy and True Religion scents as well as the nose behind Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy.  I will not make any judgments until I actually smell it.