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This fragrance Friday, I’m presenting one of my favorite perfumes in my current collection, Tom Ford Black Orchid.  I have wanted this perfume for the longest! Thankfully, my husband gifted me the 3.4 fl oz bottle of Tom Ford Black Orchid this past Christmas.  I’ve been wearing it ever since.

Tom Ford Black Orchid comes in a sleek black bottle with gold detailing; it looks expensive.  It’s simple, and sexy, but still calls attention just like the fragrance that’s inside of it.

Tom Ford Black Orchid features a slew of notes I prefer to have in the fragrances I wear like jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla.  These, along with the other notes – bergamot, citrus, mandarin, black gardenia, ylang-ylang, lotus wood, orchid, spicy floral accord, orchid (Tom Ford Black Accord), and incense – make for a unique, alluring fragrance.

Tom Ford Black Orchid is one of those fragrances, that after the first whiff, you can’t get enough of it; it’s intoxicating.  A strong, deep fragrance that only takes a little to take you on a journey to experiencing chocolate mixed with berries, and then spice and smoke… to who knows? I swear that each time I wear it my senses are taken on a different journey, which is a good thing, at least for me.

Tom Ford Black Orchid, I have worn during the day, but have found that it is most suitable for evening wear.  It’s described as “Luxurious, sensual, and timeless.” And I agree, that is encompasses all of those characteristics, especially sensuality.  Let’s just call it ‘sex in a bottle’.  My husband loves this on me! Seriously, only wear it if you’re looking to get laid.  .:LOL:.  Date nights, and if you’re single, nights out on the town with your girls.   I always receive compliments whenever I wear it, which speaks to its sillage; it’s great.  Tom Ford Black Orchid lasts all day as well. All day!

I’d recommend Tom Ford Black Orchid for any woman looking for an elegant fall or winter fragrance that’s deep, dark, and mature to the point that it’s almost masculine. Just be mindful of the fact that a little goes a long way, and too much can be overbearing.  However, if you’re looking for a dark fragrance that’s a bit lighter, try Odin NY 09 Posala, which I reviewed previously.

Tom Ford Black Orchid can be purchased at Barneys New York, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus in 1 fl oz – 3.4 fl oz bottles.

Do you own Tom Ford Black Orchid? What are your thoughts on it?

This Fragrance Friday, I’m excited to share with you both a new fragrance I’ve been wearing, and a new fragrance subscription service, Scentbird New York.

Have you heard of Scentbird? They’re a luxury fragrance subscription service offering subscribers, for $14.95, a 30-day supply of their choice of perfume. Scentbird has over 350 luxury fragrances to choose from, so no matter your scent preference, you’re sure to find something.

In order to try out the Scentbird subscription service, I was provided a 30-day supply vial of Shalimar Parfum Initial packaged in a sleek purse spray .  Shalimar Parfum Initial is described as:

A luminous amber-floral fragrance. The fresh, citrusy burst of bergamot gives way to a delicate floral heart: an orchestrated overdose of rose, jasmine, and iris. Its base of vanilla and tonka bean instantly creates addiction, like the captivating feel of cashmere on bare skin.

Initially, when offered to review Shalimar Parfum Initial, my thoughts were, “This is such an old fragrance.”  I mean, my aunt used to wear it.  Dating back to 1921, Shalimar is definitely a classic scent. However, I was reassured that Shalimar Parfum Initial is an “…updated, younger version…”  They were right! I am absolutely in-love with this fragrance!

Although I do miss the sparkling citrus opening, I do notice the middle notes – iris, rose and jasmine – a lot more.  For me, it opens immediately into a beautiful soft, powdery iris, and then I get a hint of amber and vanilla.  The iris is what got me since it’s the same thing that had me stuck on Guerlain’s Insolence.

Sillage is pretty good. I noticed that iris and soft powder notes last longer on the skin than any of the others.  As far as longevity, Shalimar Parfum Initial doesn’t wear on for hours on end like other perfumes I own.  I’d say I get up to 5 hours wear.  But, thankfully, the Scentbird vial is compact enough for me to tote around in my purse.  I’m thinking this vial will last me quite some time, too.

Although a young, feminine fragrance, I don’t think Shalimar Parfum Initial is for everyone. To me, it screams, ‘I’m distinguished, elegant, and classy.’ It’s for a confident and sophisticated woman, who’s comfortable with her sensuality.  Dare to wear it during the day, which I have, and love.  But, I also think it makes a great date night scent. Either way, I say, ‘Wear it at your own risk.’ .:wink:.

I’m happy Scentbird suggested and scent over Shalimar Parfum Initial for me to test out.  I love it.  I’m going to pick up a full-sized bottle to add to my perfume collection.

At $14.95 a month, Scentbird is an affordable way to try the luxury fragrances you’ve been lemming over, but just can’t bring yourself to spend the money on at the moment.  The monthly subscription fragrance service is also a great way for those individuals that like change, and would prefer to not spend money on a large bottle of perfume they know will just sit on their dresser for days at a time without use.  Oh, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, a Scentbird subscription would certainly make a great gift to your special someone.

Makeup by Kim Porter readers can enjoy 25% off of their first Scentbird perfume with Code: SCENT25

What do you think about the Scentbird fragrance subscription service? Will you try it?

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I’m back again with another Fragrance Friday post featuring yet another niche fragrance, Greg Lauren for Barneys New York.

Before I get into what I think of the fragrance, Greg Lauren for Barneys New York, I must address my first thoughts upon seeing the bottle.  Unique to say the least, the bottle, definitely represents the artistic side of artist and actor, Greg Lauren.  Oh, and he’s also the nephew of designer, Ralph Lauren.

But the bottle. Yes, the bottle, which is olive green, and is topped with a distressed, metallic cap, and adorned with a distressed clothe label that’s attached by masking tape on which Greg Lauren’s name is handwritten in black permanent marker. The bottle itself is splattered with what looks like black paint.  It’s definitely unlike any other perfume bottle I have sitting on my vanity; however, the bottle doesn’t describe the delicateness of the scent.

To create Greg Lauren for Barneys New York, Lauren paired with Master Perfumer, Ralf Schweiger to create this unusual vanilla-centered fragrance. I say unusual because I don’t ever recall wearing or smelling a vanilla fragrance that combined vanilla with marine notes.

Initially, Greg Lauren for Barneys New York comes off as unimpressive since the sea salt notes don’t come into play until after hours of wear, which linger on for a few hours, and then settles back to a softer vanilla. However, the transformation it takes from creamy vanilla, to sea salt, and back to a more subtle, less sweet vanilla makes it intriguing, and sensual. My husband absolutely loves Greg Lauren for Barneys New York on me.

Greg Lauren for Barneys New York also has some serious staying power. Those days when I’ve been too tired, and just fall asleep, I can wake up and still smell it on my skin.

Check out Greg Lauren for Barneys New York if you’re looking for a beautifully balanced, vanilla fragrance that encompasses a  surprise element: sea salt. It’s light, and fragile, which makes it perfect for any occasion, but, I prefer to wear it on the weekends, which are my casual days.  Although it’s marketed as a unisex fragrance, I wouldn’t pick it up for a male.  Also, Greg Lauren personally designed and signed the bottles himself [watch video], which is why each bottle is different; some have black paint and some have white.

The limited edition Greg Lauren for Barneys New York fragrance is available exclusively at Barneys New York or Barneys.com for $195/100ml.