White Aoud and the Moody Nose

Reading this blog, you will find contrasting opinions about Montale's White Aoud (like this).  We have a tumultuous relationship and it smells different to me every time I wear it.  

Come to think of it, I have a love-hate relationship with the entire Montale line.  And I'll be damned if I can leave them alone.

Today, I have an important one-on-one meeting, so I think carefully about the SOTD. Whatever I wear must communicate intelligence, warmth and a bit of drama, just in case the meeting takes an unexpected turn.  

For some reason, I choose White Aoud over regular crowd pleasers like Kelly Caleche, Jardin en Mediterrannee, Rykiel Woman or even Burberry Brit.   

(Yes, I know, Brit is quite pedestrian - and a fruity/floral for chrissake - but I get so many positive comments each time I wear it that I continue to whore myself.)

Every morning, B-man walks our dog, Paige, while I'm getting ready for work.  When he comes back in the house, he takes a deep breath and tries to guess which perfume I have chosen for the day.  Next to reading the paper and chatting over coffee, this is our favorite morning ritual.

At first, I'm afraid White Aoud is a mistake because the top notes have a sour, diaper tinge that is killing my morning mojo.  B-man might walk in and say, 'what smells like pee?'  Thankfully, he returns to amazing heart notes of aoud wood and vanilla surrounded by the secondhand smoke of menthol cigarettes.  
 

Yum.

Today, White Aoud delivers. Next time, however, I reserve the right to have a completely different experience.

I'm naming my nose Sybil.