Do you ever miss having a signature perfume? Years ago, when I had signature scents - kind of like serial monogamy - I loved being identified by one perfume. People would say things like, 'we knew you were here because we smelled you when we walked in.'
This was always assumed to be a compliment.
I've actually tried to return to a signature scent a couple of times, assigning a favorite perfume and swearing to myself that I will wear it for a full week and then re-evaluate. My record is three days, then I start feeling like I am trapped in a cult, passing out pamphlets at the airport.
Nevertheless, wearing one perfume every day saves a lot of time. None of this, 'let's see...what perfume goes with this outfit and the weather and my mood and today's events?' As B-man can attest, identifying my mood is difficult enough, but it's not likely to stay the same throughout the day.
Fortunately, God created top, heart and base notes.
Most days, I fancy that my perfume collecting is no different than collecting art, which enjoys a legitimacy that perfume is just beginning to achieve. After all, I spend time educating myself, experiencing perfume and writing about its presence and impact in my life. I routinely test and evaluate perfume and share my passion freely with anyone who will listen.
I have a blog, for chrissake.
Still, on other days, I stand in front of my collection and boxes of samples like the guy shopping for groceries on the Carl's Junior ad. I have no idea where to start in choosing a perfume for the day, and I'm overwhelmed by all the samples looking out from their small plastic bags with puppy dog eyes, hoping to get a fair shot.
Still, on other days, I stand in front of my collection and boxes of samples like the guy shopping for groceries on the Carl's Junior ad. I have no idea where to start in choosing a perfume for the day, and I'm overwhelmed by all the samples looking out from their small plastic bags with puppy dog eyes, hoping to get a fair shot.
Luckily, there are tissues within reach so I don't drool down the front of my shirt.
How did I get here? There was no defining moment, no announcement (in my best British accent) of, 'I will begin collecting perfume today.' And believe me, had I made such an announcement, I would definitely have added the accent.
Collecting or hoarding? Connoisseur or freak? Passionate or OCD? Writing or rambling?
Just when I think I have made peace with my perfume obsession, Inner Critic comes to spend the weekend. After two days, he's already starting to smell a bit fishy.
picture from fotosearch
I've given up on the idea of ever having a signature scent, and my casual ownership of a single bottle at a time up to the age of 48 was NOT the same thing at all.
ReplyDeleteEmbrace diversity - roll with the punches of option anxiety! - is all I can say on the matter, for I too am beset daily with a plethora of perfume possibilities. (Flittersniffer for a reason...)
Hi FS - of course you're right - but I occasionally go on quests for meaning. Like, with all of the interests and passions in the world, how did I end up with...perfume?
ReplyDeleteHowever, I am grateful for the luxury and the ability to appreciate smell.
I shall embrace the diversity.
HI!
ReplyDeleteBefore I was always longing for my signature scent, but not anymore! Now I am very happy to have cca 30 perfumes and the fact that I can chose the one that fits me in that very moment!