The Liebster Award

The Liebster Award:

I had no idea what this award was when I was nominated, but after some research I found out that the Liebster award is basically a way for bloggers to connect. It's a nice way to get to know one another and discover new blogs/bloggers that may interest you. I've been nominated by Noemi from Italy, she runs a fashion/style blog called "http://www.webelieveinstyle.net". We first met on instagram, she is very lovely, lots of fun to talk to, and of course has great taste!

The rules of the Liebster award are:
• You must answer all the questions that are given to you.
• Must link back to the person that nominated you.
• Nominate 11 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
• Provide the nominees with 11 questions of your choice.
• Must inform nominees of your nomination.
• Provide nominees with a link to your post for more info.

 Answers to the Questions I was Asked:

1. Who's your favorite blogger and why?

The purchase that formed our friendship
"Shalimar Yellow Gold Edition"

I love a lot of blogs and I am a fan of many .... so it is extremely difficult for me to pick a favourite. However if I had to choose 1, I would pick "Sorcery of Scent".  I first stumbled upon this fantastic blog while doing some research on vintage Guerlains, I also bought an item from Dimitri, the owner of the blog, on eBay without even realizing it was him! Long story short, we ended up talking a bit and found out we have so many things in common like how we used to live on the same street, we both love vintage perfumes and went to the same school etc and became good friends after that. He is also one of my inspirations for starting out my own perfume blog, I just admire his style of writing and the images he uses.

Serena Williams Book

2. What's your favorite book?

Well....reading ....I have to admit I am not a big fan of reading because I can't seem to sit still for too long without getting bored! I do love reading autobiographies about the people I admire/ inspires me like Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Serena Williams, and John Galliano etc. I also love reading picture/fact books like "The Guinness World Records" and books about perfumes.There was also a fictional book which I really loved and made me nostalgic everything I think about it, however I unfortunately forgotten it's name!

3. If you could live in the past, just for one week, which historic period would you choose?

Please take me there right now!

Would I get to choose who I am? I have always fantasied about the idea of living as a rich aristocrat in the Victorian era ....All those vintage items for me to buy! The architecture, the atmosphere, the people in fancy dresses! I do feel I was born in the wrong period to be honest, sometimes. I have always enjoyed doing things the traditional way ....for example, I am not a fan of the internet and how everything these days involves something "online", I prefer Victorian architecture, I prefer vintage items over new ones, I just love everything vintage! I do have to admit tho, living in the modern world does have many benefits such as supermarkets and the various different products, better health care, better hygiene, faster transportation, being more well informed though news and the internet, and being able to get things done faster due to technology.

4. Who's your favorite designer?

Mr Versace

I'm glad you asked. My favourite fashion designer is Gianni Versace, I just love his style so much. Even though I would never dare wear some of his crazy and avant-garde designs, I feel that if I am a fashion designer my designs would turn out very similar to his. Lots of colours, lots of accessories, lots of elaborate patterns, striking and daring designs, did I mention I am madly obsessed about his Medusa head logo? To me it is the BEST logo ever created. It's also worth mentioning that my other favourite designers are John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Coco Chanel. All of them, except Chanel, has very eccentric and bold yet classy designs, I think you see a common trend haha!

5. If you could have one accessory, whatever the price is, what would it be?

Oh gosh this may be a long answer with lots of options from me...I guess if I am allowed to resell it, I would pick a super super expensive item of some sort and then resell it, the use the money to buy my self a nice house etc. Cus I'd rather have a nice mansion y'all!

However not to ruin the game! .... I will assume that it cannot be resold and it's mine to keep and not to be given away. This is so tough!, I would probably pick either one of those mega expensive limited edition Guerlain perfumes.....but I don't think perfumes are considered as "accessories". At this point in time I would pick either a nice Stefano Ricci man bag or this beautiful Lanvin Arpege perfume bottle minaudiere I've been drooling over.

6. The three make up (or beauty) products you can't live without.

I am a guy so I have no idea about make up products. I would move this over to my manly vanity products  instead....so I would pick:

1. My perfumes! In particularly Chanel No.5
2. Dental Floss! I cannot and I refuse to sleep if I don't floss my teeth..I am obsessed with having squaky teeth, can't stand that sandy feeling.

3. Facial moisturizer I guess?! I have pretty dry skin and gets flaky if I don't moisturize. Currently I am using Smooth E. Planning on getting the Chanel Hydra Creme after I run out of my current moisturizer.

7. If you could spend one day with one celebrity or artist, writer, designer, who would you choose?

Coco Chanel

Dead or alive? you did not mention. I would love to spend some time with Mademoiselle Chanel, helping her with her designs and perfume creations! I have always admired her and been captivated by her strong-willed character, plus I would love to go live with her in her apartment in that period and see what it's like even if it's just for a day. Haha and I will also assume that she will understand English because I don't speak French!!

8. What's your favorite city?

Paris! I visited Paris for the first time ever earlier this year and I wished I didn't have to leave. That city is BEAUTIFUL! Amazing architecture, numerous luxury designer boutiques, amazing atmosphere! Even thought it was quite cold and I hate the cold, I am willing to tolerate it just to be able to live in such a gorgeous city. Time for me to learn French and find a job in Paris!

9. Who's your fashion icon (if you have one)?

Tom Ford

This sounds similar to question 4...However I guess fashion icon means anyone that I admire to style of? I'm not really the one to accessorize nor do I dare to wear those loud clothing. I really admire Tom Ford and the way he represents himself, always clean and suited up! Simplistic and classy!

10. What's your favorite music?

Please don't laugh but my favourite song is My Neck My Back by Khia....when I'm happy, and my favourite artist is Britney Spears. Another notable mention is Why can't this night go on forever by Journey, this is my favourite song when I'm feeling nostalgic and a bit down.

11. Define yourself using three words.

Artistic, Organized, Friendly

Duo Review: Illamasqua - Freak (2011)

Illamasqua - Freak (2011):

An Advertisement for Freak

Today I will be reviewing a scent with one of the most unique concept/story behind it ever! (in my opinion at least), Freak by the British cosmetic house "Illamasqua". I will be writing my own review as well as featuring a review by Lily (http://instagram.com/redlily10), how perfect, a unisex scent with reviews by a male (myself) and a female (Lily) to guide you. Simply put, 2 reviews in 1!

What got me into wanting to test Freak so badly was the concept behind it and the "Toxic" notes. Freak is a fragrance to "Celebrate the Night and Darkness" and is composed of "Exotic and Dangerous Flowers". With top notes of Datura, Opium Flower and Belladonna. Mid notes of Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen of the Night blossom, and a base notes of Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh. Belladonna (Aka Deadly Nightshade), Datura, and Poison Hemlock for example, have been notoriously used as noxious poisons in some cultures for centuries.

Freak is accompanied with the following words on it's box:

" I am Exquisitely rare. Mysterious midnight blooms. Unfurling only for Luna's light Datura, Black Davana, Poison Hemlock and Queen of the night. 
 A covert gethering of forbidden flowers. Brought together in love's darkest hour .I am magical, timeless. Utterly unforgettable. I AM Bottled midnight  I AM FREAK

The Scent: 

Initially upon discovering this perfume one evening, while watching some perfume reviews on YouTube, I thought to my self...."Those notes! Wow!...I MUST try this one!" especially since I am so into the more unusual perfumes and perfume concepts. This was not available in Australia at the time and was almost impossible to find a site that ships to Australia online, I went through a whole lot of cash to get this while I was on holiday in Bangkok. I ended up spending $300 at an Illamasqua counter buying all 3 versions and flankers of Freak....long story short.

Pirouetting

I was excited that I finally get to smell and try the scent that I have been hyping

up for so long and experience those "Concoction of Toxic Flowers" with my very own nose. To be honest, based on the packaging, the notes and stories I was expecting something more dark, dense, opulent and unusual ....but nevertheless the scent that I had experienced is a pleasant one, but certainly not what was expected.

Datura By G. Saenz

What I got was a gathering of white flowers waltzing and twirling over a mellow and soothing incense base. Opens with pixies adorned a dress made from Datura petals, twirling and pirouetting frictionlessly in the stilled autumn air filled with hazy incense and narcotic smoke of Opiums in an enchanted forest illuminated by the iridescence moonlight. Further into the wearing, the floral aspect of this scent settles down and becomes less invasive, as a more masculine base of powdery incense and "almost-dark but not quite there" oud takes over.

Belladonna

Opens quite feminine, however settles into a perfectly unisex and more masculine dry down quite quickly. Longevity and projection are slightly below average to me, if sprayed on my skin, however lasts up to 10 hours with great silage if sprayed on my clothing. For the current retail price of around $70, I think it is worth it, an overall pleasant fragrance, even if it's what you would expect from the hype and description. It does smell fairly unique but does have aspects similar to a few other perfumes out there, but does not smell the same. Quite niche for the price of non-niche, give this "Freak" a chance !

Lily's Review : 

Collage by Lily. http://instagram.com/redlily10

Illamasqua 'Freak'- I place this scent in the category of 'Nouveau-gothic' scents, epitomized from bottle to fragrance. Pristine piousness yielding to secretive (wanton) desires. Faint powdery traces, squeaky soapy aspect, 'Aldehydic' in nature. Enchanting florals considering their derivation however there is no need for wariness here, only plenty of enjoyment. High degree of cultivation, there is nothing to indicate that this fragrance belongs in the genre of commercialized perfumes. 

An original by my estimation.As for the claim of this being a unisex fragrance, the opening leans greatly toward a feminine facet however the heart is neutral.The oud is not overly pronounced, but obviously present which with the base tends to, for me display a shift to a masculine facet. I am still undecided on the subject. I imagine a character such as Wilhelmina Harker doused in this immaculate scent, imposing transcendence.I am in awe of this perfume.Superb longevity, 5hrs+, and silage. I would recommend this fragrance for anytime you are in the mood for the brazenly Bohemian. 

Freak: 
1. a very unusual and unexpected event or situation. 
2. a person, animal, or plant with an unusual physical abnormality.

Review: Serge Lutens - De Profundis (2011)

Serge Lutens - De Profundis (2011):

My Bottle of De Profundis

Most of the time when we think of the concept which inspired the creation of perfumes, one would often think ....flowers, fruits, happiness, joy, nature etc. On some rare occasions there are perfumes which offers a different experience to the usual, inspired by something darker and more mysterious such as death and funerals in the case of "De Profundis", or perhaps a tomb and its air - Guerlain's Djedi - is worth mentioning. This is what gotten so many of us hooked onto this rare ,but increasingly popular, hobby of perfumery .....the story behind each creation and the creative ideas, histories, ingredients, and craftsmanship that goes into them never fail to intrigue me. There are so much more behind a bottle of perfume than just the way it smells....although this seems to go by un-noticed and un-appreciated by the majority of non fragrance fans.

Christopher Sheldrake

Ever since I started my hobby of collecting and studying different scents....there are a few scents which I stumbled upon on fragrantica which I knew I "MUST" smell and own.....One of them is of course Serge Luten's "De Profundis". The story and inspiration behind it is just too good to remain un-sniffed!

 De Profundis was composed by Christopher Sheldrake in 2011. It is quite rare considering that it can only be bought in the Serge Luten boutique in Paris....for 170 Euros. I am also pretty sure you can purchase it online if you are in the US from Luten's website for a whopping $300 USD. I am lucky enough to be able to own a pre-loved bottle with half remaining.

The Scent & Story:

Chrysanthemum on a grave

De Profundis (De profundis clamavi - From the Depths I Cried) is a greenish floral perfume with an earthy undertone. It is centered mainly on the Chrysanthemum flower - in a number of Europian countries such as France, Italy and Spain just to mention a few. .. . . . Chrysanthemums are symbolic to death and are used for funerals and graves. Other featured notes soil tincture, green notes, violet, incense, and plum tree - a very serene composition indeed.

"De Profundis" is accompanied by the following words:

Painting By Jean Osbourne

"When death steals into our midst, its breath flutters through the black crepe of mourning, nips at funeral wreaths and crucifixes, and ripples through the gladiola, chrysanthemums and dahlias.
If they end up in garlands in the Holy Land or the Galapagos Islands or on flower floats at the Annual Nice Carnival, so much the better!
What if the hearse were taking the deceased, surrounded by abundant flourish, to a final resting place in France, and leading altar boys, priest, undertaker, beadle and gravediggers to some sort of celebration where they could indulge gleefully in vice? Now that would be divine!
In French, the words beauty, war, religion, fear, life and death are all feminine, while challenge, combat, art, love, courage, suicide and vertigo remain within the realm of the masculine.
Clearly, Death is a Woman. Her absence imposes a strange state of widowhood. Yet beauty cannot reach fulfilment without crime. " (source: www.fragrantica.com)

Scent:

 For me this perfume isn't something that I would personally associate with death....the imagery that I get from imagining death would be something terrifying and dense/foul smelling ...De Profundis does not smell anything like that. Instead De Profundis makes me think more of the concept of being dead and "At peace", just imagine a peaceful and serene cemetery surrounded by flowers and large trees.

Peaceful Cemetery

Opens with a melancholic murmur of Chrysanthemum and powdery violet, buried underneath the bed of florals I can detect the unusual soil tincture note. It's like being in a tranquil cemetery, you are surrounded by hundreds of tomb stones and peaceful souls with the aroma of flowers bought by loved ones filling the air. Damp dew drops settling on the surface of the dead earth are warmed up by the morning sun rays causing the smell of moistened earth to climb and waltz along with the floral notes silkily.

30 minutes into application, green notes disappears and now you get mostly Chrysanthemum with faint chantings of violet and soil tincture hovering around. The scent remains quite linear and smells quite "white floral" towards the end of the application.

Painting By V.Danu

This scent is something that you have to experience yourself to be able to understand. You may also have a different interpretation of the concept to mine as well .....we all associate different notes to contrasting events quite individually and that's what makes each one of us unique!. I would recommend all fragrance lovers to smell this one for sure....It is a truly humbling experience and the story that goes along with it is even more superb.

Perfume Shopping Guide: Melbourne City Vs. Online

Perfume Shopping in Melbourne Vs. Online:

Most of us definitely have to limit our selves to how much we spend, especially on non-essential luxuries such as fragrances, so I thought I'd do a post on perfume shopping. This is a guide on what you should buy online Vs what you should buy at department stores and boutiques.

Bourke St, Melbourne

Benefits of buying online is definitely the discounted pricing and the up-lifting jolly feeling you get when you receive a parcel at your door step. The down side is not being able to smell the scent and try it on before you buy, you don't get the "retail experience", the risk of the item getting damaged, and the risk of getting a fake perfume.

The advantages of buying from department stores or perfumeries, one the main outright advantage is the fact that you can test the fragrance out before purchasing, plus the fact that you are guaranteed to receive an authentic product and great customer service (most of the time). The disadvantage of buying from department stores are the super high pricing you have to pay, especially in Australia (one of the most expensive places to buy perfumes).

Now, I will be giving you a list of what products I think are "worth it" to purchase from department stores and boutiques. (Currency = $ AUD)

Armani Prive : 

Armani Counter

This private collection line from Armani, includes some nice scents...however I am hardly impressed or "wowed" by any of them, they seem to lack longevity and silage on my skin. The cost in Australia at Myer and David Jones are currently $130 for Eau De Toilette (clear bottles), $180 for Eau De Parfum (Black bottle/ non-gold lid), and $230 for Eau De Parfum Intense (Black bottle with Gold lid). This was a $30 price increase from 2013, so if you are a fan, perhaps it's a good time to purchase before the possible price raise next year! Also the main reason for purchasing this at the store is because it's rarely on eBay and never on discounted perfume websites. Sometimes pops up online at a price much more expensive than at the store.

Chanel Les Exclusifs :

Chanel Les Exclusifs

Probably my favourite exclusive/private collection line along with Tom Ford. Chanel tightly regulates their products and are one of the most "faked/counterfeited" brand. Chanel Les Exclusifs fragrances can be found on eBay, however much more expensive than at the store and also could be fake. Used bottle do pop up occasionally, but you will not know it's origin or history so the risk is up to you. Currently available on in Chanel boutiques and Chanel cosmetic boutiques for the price of $220 for 75ml EDT, and $350 for 200ml EDT. They do cost an exorbitant sum of money though, but what you pay for is what you get. Pure class and luxury.....and CHANEL!

Chanel and Dior Fragrances:

Dior Counter

For those, like me, who are paranoid about getting fake fragrances.....especially from these two most counterfeited brand.....I would recommend going to the store and getting Dior and Chanel fragrances instead of buying online. Just for your peace of mind. Surprisingly, some reputable sellers who I do trust sells some of these scents at a higher price than at the store. For example, reputable online perfume website "feelingsexy.com.au",sells 50ml of Chanel Egoiste Platnium for $110, while you can buy them at a Chanel counter for $90.

Yves Saint Laurant - Oriental Collection:

YSL- Oriental Collection

Recently just became available in Melbourne!! Also currently much cheaper than else where... I was in England earlier and these beauties (80ml EDP) costs 180 Pounds at Harrods, while they cost $180 AUD at David Jones.....The sales assistant told me that she honestly think there might be a possible mistake...I will have to save up for a bottle soon! These are rarely online, and if they are on, they are either gone in a heart beat or up for grabs for an excessive sum of money.

Prada Private Collection :

Prada Collection

We are lucky enough to have this elusive line of private collection available to us in Melbourne for a moderately expensive-ish.....price of $174 for 30ml pure parfum. These are very rare online and I'm not sure if it will be genuine either. Some of these scents are quite nice, however some failed to impress me.....Its pure parfum in concentration but a majority of these lasted only a short while on my skin with very minimal silage...I am now regretting purchasing my bottle of Cuir Styrax....oh well.

Hugo Boss - The Collection:

Hugo Boss - The Collection

Another relatively hidden collection .... I never saw these online nor is it talked about much within the fragrance world, however we are lucky enough to have it in Melbourne. This collection contains some very great quality fragrances with excellent longevity and silage, I will be purchasing a bottle from this line when I am more financially prepared. It is currently available at the Hugo Boss boutique at Crown Melbourne for the price of $180 EDP.

Oscar De La Renta - Essential Luxury Collection:

The Essential Luxury Collection

Hmm.....why are these absolute gems so unpopular? I have not seen anybody talk about this before nor can I find it online... The scents in this line are pure quality, notably "Oriental Lace"...a favourite of mine, excellent longevity and lasted a whole month on my jacket! It is hidden away in a tiny section of a shelf at Melbourne City's David Jones for the price of $165 - 100ml EDP. I will be purchasing a bottle of Oriental Lace as soon as I can...It's a must have! A very underrated collection.

Frederic Malle Fragrances:

Malle Counter

Currently I am struggling to find these online, even Luckyscent doesn't stock them. So currently the only place I can think of is Mecca Cosmetica inside of Myer Melbourne CBD. The prices of these scents do vary, but do lie within the $150-$400 range, depending on size and the scent you select. I am impressed by this collection and charmed by the quality it delivers.

Chemists and Drug stores:

Sometimes you can find some fragrances for an absolutely ridiculous price here......ridiculous as in "WOW SO CHEAP!".... Keep a look out and do compare the prices with eBay to make sure you get the best deal. For example I once found a bottle of Guerlain - Samsara 100ml EDP for only $50! Some of these prices are crazy and are definitely worth it. You will also be getting an authentic product.


Stefano Ricci Fragrances:

Would you pay $700 for this?

This is a luxury Italian brand, his fragrances are hardly known at all and they do cost you a kidney or two...maybe an arm and a leg as well. I guess this is not worth it....however I will list it here because you are guaranteed to never being to purchase these online. Currently the only place that I know you can purchase it from in Melbourne is at Harrolds on Collins St and Crown. His fragrances are super luxuriously presented in a custom made super soft and luxurious leather case....some of his scents are not very unique but do posses quality. Now for the price.....*drum rolls*......$690 - $800. Depending on what scent you get. To be honest...unless I won the lottery or become a retired millionaire...I would rather spend my money getting a few bottles of other fragrances.

Guerlain - L'Art et la Matiere:

In Melbourne we don't have the Les Parisiennes line unfortunately....but we do have the L'Art et la Matiere line available. This whole line does not fail to impress, quality and longevity through and through + uniqueness. These do pop up on eBay as used bottles but very rarely. Currently it is available at the Guerlain counter at Myer Melbourne CBD for $290 - 75ml EDP. It is quite expensive...so if you can afford it then definitely go for it. Highly recommended.

Jean Patou - Collection Heritage:

Has some lovely scents, "Chaldee" in particular.....amazing floral with an animalic hint. Retails at David Jones for $250-$280 - 100ml Eau De Parfum. The other two scents in this line is a bit "boring"and nothing to be wowed about and definitely nothing to be spending $250+ on in my opinion.

This is all I can think of for now....So if I stumble upon any other discoveries that will help you make decisions on your next purchases I will add it onto this list. I hope this guide will help some of you bargain hunters like me!