Byredo Parfums: Black Saffron Eau de Parfum

BLACK SAFFRON by BYREDO

Eau de Parfum

Made in France

Top: Pomelo, Saffron, Juniper Berry

Heart: Black Violet, Accord Cuir, Cristal Rose

Base: Blond Woods, Raspberry, Vetiver

One of my latest perfume purchases was this beauty of a fragrance, Black Saffron, by ByredoIt is a bit on the synthetic side, not so subtle. It has raspberry accord which gives it a bit of a tang and lusciousness. I hoped for more saffron as per its name sake and more leather. But both of these qualities are not very strong which makes it wearable but there is a bit of both Saffron and leather and it is great as it gives a bit of a dirtiness to the crisp transaprency of cristal rose and berries. The vetiver tones down the uber-feminine qualities and makes it earthy. 

I wasn't such a great fan because of its crisp and almost synthetic quality but it has definitely grew on me as I wear it more and more.

Catherine xx

Penhaligon's Purchase

I got some Penhaligon's fragrance items over Christmas sale season. They are just beautiful and although it took a while for shipment to arrive (because they are coming from UK,) it was a pleasure to wait in excitement for these beauties!

Castile Eau de Toilette

I caught it on sale over Christmas season and I cannot stop wearing it! It lingers in such a beautiful manner that is so soft yet very nice and warming. Below are the notes from the website
HEAD NOTES
Neroli and Petitgrain
HEART NOTES
Bergamot, Orange Blossom and Rose
BASE NOTES
Precious Woods and Musk

Created in 1998, Castile is a classic citrus shot through with the intoxicating thrill of neroli. Fresh and bursting with the dusky sensuality of warm Mediterranean nights, the neroli marries perfectly with the aromatic tang of bergamot and delicate rose. The citrus notes flood the senses, uplifting and soothing. Woods and musk round off Castile, smoothing everything into a warm lick of marmalade and sunshine, perfect for summer , piquant enough to warm you through in the winter months.

ARTEMESIA CANDLE: I have way too many candles, so I haven't burnt this yet. Will let you know how i like this!
HEAD NOTES
Nectarine and Green Foliage
HEART NOTES
Green Apple, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine Tea, Violet and Vanilla
BASE NOTES
Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber and Vanilla

Created in 2002, Artemisia is both floral and fruity with a beautifully sensual powdery dry down. Caramel soft, sweet, powdery and silky. A tumble of green apples and nectarines washed with jasmine tea and sprinkled with a luxurious medley of violet, cyclamen and lily petals. All this softly unfolds with great subtlety surrounded with layers of honeyed vanilla, warm spices, a touch of amber and a hint of musk. Haunting and addictive.

Love, Cathy

Some recent purchases and Fragrance obsession!!

Let's start with some clothing items I have purchased from Club Monaco. I purchased a crisp white shirt and a pewter-glittery sweater that was surprisingly lightweight.

The shirt was not so cheap considering it was such a simpleton, but the cut is just so perfect. It isn't overtly feminine (which I hate when a shirt has a distinctive stitch line beneath the breast line). It is just perfectly flattering without trying too hard. If that makes sense at all.

So as I was suffering from my midterms and getting in the Fall-winter mindset, I thought I would do damage on my account and there is no better place than Bergdorf Goodman.

One of the most well-spoken sales associates I have ever met, introduced me into the world of Annick Goutal, and I ended up with my first bottle of Un Matin d'Orage, and I have a feeling this would not be the last bottle.

Honestly, the story the sales associate told me about the perfumer who visited a Gardenia garden in Japan, and the name refers to "a stormy morning" in English. The lushness and freshness and the subtlety of the floral notes just enraptured me immedatly.

I don't have the best skills in articulating about a fragrance, so I will lead you to a better person:

http://ismellthereforeiam.blogspot.com/2009/03/annick-goutal-un-matin-dorage-review.html

I have been sniffing on some great perfumes lately with some papers spritzed with goodness.

Next on my shopping list is definitely

White Flowers by CREED

Jersey by CHANEL (an amazing blend of Vanilla, musk, and lavender, I believe.)

I could not resist purchasing a candle named "NOEL," it puts me in the best festive mood and also it is great to burn anytime you feel lonely on a fall afternoon.

And some samples I have acquired recently:

Diptyque Do Son

(A brilliant fall fragrance in my opinion. Nice and sensual, but not overpowering by any means.)

Diptyque L' Eau Neroli

(My definition of floral+crisp.)

Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrian

(I am so in love with the citrus. It is a good one to layer with the Un Matin D'Orage.)

Thanks for reading. I love everything I purchased... ahh shopping must go on!

-Cathy xx.