The Scented Life: All about fragrance

Snarkstress, I Accept Your Challenge

The other day, my daughter, Bailey, made the comment that she wished I would buy myself some new clothes after Christmas.  I was surprised because usually when she thinks of new clothes, it’s something that she wants.  Then, I realized that she was gently saying, “Mom, it’s time to freshen up your wardrobe.”  I work part-time at an elementary school and the rest of the time in my home office - I get lazy sometimes. 

I’m Mom, sure, but I’d also like to be a confident,  attractive, (sexy) woman, as well.

Then, I read about Julie, The Snarkstress’s Challenge, clicked through a few of her posts, found this photo of Jennie Garth, and that’s when I got downright enthusiastic about the whole thing.  

I felt that this top was most like Jennie’s ………

Janelle Silky Tunic, in Hunter Green

I decided that I need more than one top if I’m truly going to be updating, so just for the heck of it, I’m going to get this one, too…………..

Retro Floral Tunic

And just because I’m feeling like treating myself extra special, I’m going to get some of this………..

KenzoAmour Shower Honey

The ingredients include……………

Gentle Rice

A major food staple for much of the world’s population, rice is the second most consumed cereal grain. Rice has many health benefits; it is an antioxidant, helps to lower cholesterol and assists in balancing blood sugar levels

Musk

Musk has been an essential ingredient in perfumery since ancient times. Its capability to enhance a fragrance comes from its ability to adopt the fixative qualities of a natural scent. Musk is a linear, powdery note

Frangipani Blossom

Also known as Plumeria, Frangipani Blossom has become common in all tropical areas of the world. ‘Frangipani’ comes from the name of an Italian noble family that created a perfume from the flower. In many Pacific islands, frangipani blossoms are used to make leis. In modern Polynesian culture, the way you wear a frangipani blossom indicates your relationship status

I tried the KenzoAmour as part of a fragrance review awhile ago and I’m hooked on it now. It’s a spicy, woody, scent. Very sexy.  If you are looking to update your fragrance collection, I suggest you pick some up, or better yet, it’s the holiday season - put it on your wish list.

Clothing image credit: Forever21.com

Fragrance image credit: Kenzo USA.com

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By Michelle Smith -- 2 comments

Style Icon Bettie Page Critically Ill

I’m a fan of pin-up art. Something about the power those women wield with a coquettish look, long legs posed, back arched, while somehow still managing to look innocent, intrigues me. I love the iconic style of early pin-ups - the pointy bra cups, the full bikini pants, the glossy-waved hair, the pointy-toed shoes.  My favorite pin-ups are the classic shots from the 1950s - the kind of shots that come to mind when you hear the name Bettie Page.  

Sadly, Bettie Page, the woman most readily associated with pin-up art, has suffered a heart attack at 85. Her agent, Mark Roesler of CMG Worldwide told The Associated Press…

He said the 85-year-old had been hospitalized for the last three weeks with pneumonia and was about to be released when she had the heart attack Tuesday. Page was transferred to another hospital in Los Angeles and remained in intensive care Friday.

Page’s raven hair, make-up, and pin-up style are copied even today. I see girls with a Bettie-look every time I go downtown - that sort of stylized beauty will always have a fan base. It exudes a sexy confidence, a certain bold esthetic. 

Bettie posed for Playboy Magazine in 1955, it’s second year in publication. She became the top pin-up model in New York City, in the ’50s, working with the camera clubs of the time….

In the late 1940s, what were known as camera clubs were formed as a means of circumventing legal restrictions on the production of nude photos. These clubs existed ostensibly to promote artistic photography, but many were merely fronts for the making of erotica. Page entered the field of glamour photography as a popular camera club model, working initially with photographer Cass Carr. Her lack of inhibition in posing made her a hit. Her name and image became quickly known in the erotic photography industry, and in 1951, her image appeared in men’s magazines with names like Wink, Titter, Eyefull and Beauty Parade.

Bettie did all of her own hair and make-up for her shoots, as well as designing and constructing her costumes - including the animal print bathing suits used for her infamous jungle pin-up photos. Although her work was sometimes controversial, in particular the bondage shots, Page never appeared in sexually explicit photos or films.

Bettie became a born-again Christian in the late 1950s and shortly thereafter left the world of modeling. The 1980s brought a renewed interest in Bettie Page’s classic pin-up shots, with her image once again gracing calendars, prints, and even the occasional comic book.

Hang in there, Bettie, and thanks for the lovely art.

Image credit: Allposters.com

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By Michelle Smith -- 2 comments

Custom Fragrance Designer Neil Morris

Considering a career in the Fragrance Industry?

Custom fragrance developer, Neil Morris, of Neil Morris Fragrance, has been creating fragrances for more than 30 years. Recently, he was asked to create a signature scent for the Japanese department store Takashimaya on Fifth Avenue, in New York City. ”Neil Morris for Takashimaya New York,” was released this Fall (October 2008) and has easily out-sold expected sales figures.

In addition, Mr. Morris travels all over the nation to create custom fragrances for his clients with over 700 essential and fragrance oils. A sitting with Neil Morris begins at $500.

Mr. Morris explains the process……..

When creating a custom fragrance, my goal is to link the brain’s centers that relate scent and emotion. Fragrance bypasses all filters and travels directly to the limbic system, the oldest part of the brain where our deepest memories are stored. None of the other senses can compare to the sense of smell in its uncanny ability to elicit deep emotional responses from our memories. This is the source of my inspiration.

A consultation takes an hour to an hour and a half, beginning with a questionnaire that will help lead us in the perfect “scent” direction for you. I then choose a selection of appropriate aromas from a collection of over 700 fragrances for you to sample. After you’ve chosen the aromas you find most appealing, I build the fragrance directly on your skin—drop-by-drop—until it becomes the right scent for you!

The formula that you have inspired and worked to create will be recorded and kept on file. In the future when you need more of your custom fragrance, simply contact us to order more. You also may order body lotion and bath gel in your signature fragrance.

I had the opportunity to sample one of Neil Morris’s Signature Collection Fragrances - Zephyr. I enjoyed the Zephyr - a feminine, floral fragrance. It was very flowery at first and then mellowed nicely throughout the day. 

Zephyr

Zephry has Top Notes of Tangerine and Papaya that combine with lovely Heart Notes of Honeysuckle and Casablanca Lily.  They are accented with Notes of White Tea. The Base Notes are a comforting blend of Sandalwood, Amber, and Oceanic Musk.

In addition to the Signature Series, Neil Morris also offers The Vault - a collection of rare fragrances.

Image Credit - Neil Morris Fragrance.com

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C’mon Get Happy

The 10 Days of Happiness at Clinique.com has arrived!

Clinique.com is offering a free gift every day through December 14, 2008. 

Today’s FREE treat, with any $30 Clinique purchase is Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Grapefruit .17 oz size, All About Eyes Rich .17 oz size, Repairwear Intensive Night Cream .21 oz, and it arrives inside a cute white organza pouch. 

To receive the offer with purchase, remember to use the code TRIO at check out.

Currently, there is FREE standard shipping on any Clinique.com purchase - no offer code necessary.

Clinique has a fun gift idea. Send them a photo and they will use it to create a custom-label for your purchase of Clinique’s fragrance Happy.

Top Notes: Ruby Red Grapefruit, West Indian Mandarin Tree Blossom, High Altitude Laurel

Middle Notes: Boysenberry Bush Flower, Morning Dew Orchid, Melati Blossom

Base Notes: Hawaiian Wedding Flower, White Crinium Lily, Chinese Golden Magnolia, Spring Mimosa Blossoms

Or take a look at this cute set……………

Online Exclusive - Happy Thoughts Gift Set

A chic way to share the happiness.
Make her happy with Clinique’s fragrance favourite, all dressed up with a sleek, silvery PDA case. A Clinique Happy Rollerball mini and Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss mini slip on the key chain for happiness on the go.

Set includes:
Clinique Happy Perfume Spray .5 oz.
Clinique Happy Rollerball Mini, 2ml
Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss Mini in Rootbeer,4ml
Silvery PDA Case

I love that sleek silver PDA  case, but then I like silver anything. 

Beth Bender of Aging Fabulous has information about a great giveaway from Kimiko Beauty. Kimiko cosmetics can count Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Katie Holmes, and Salma Hayek as fans of the beauty line. The giveaway consists of a bento box, a lip plumper, and a mascara.

While you are there, take a look at Beth’s post about the benefits of adding Flax to your diet.  Sometimes we forget that true beauty starts with a good diet and a healthy outlook.

Why flax? Why now? Flax’s high content of lignans may help prevent certain cancers, and its high fiber content can reduce blood cholesterol and the risk of type-2 diabetes. Did you also know that these little seeds are the best source of lignans, natural anti-oxidants that can reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals, which in turn can slow the aging process. Who wouldn’t want that?

 Image credit - Clinique.com

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The List Maven Is Giving Away Fairy Dust

Lara,  The List Maven, had the opportunity to interview Paris Hilton last Sunday, about her new fragrance Fairy Dust.  Lara will be sharing video clips of the interview this week and in addition, she is giving away a full-size bottle to one lucky reader.

 Head on over to The List Maven for a peek at Paris Hilton, a clip of the interview, and your chance to win her new scent.

Paris Hilton Fairy Dust Eau de Parfum Spray

Fragrance Notes: sparkling prosecco accord, pink peony, orange blossom, spring gardenia, water lily, peach nectar, sueded patchouli, cashmere musk and vanilla cream

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By Michelle Smith -- 1 comment

Last Day for Special Offer At Estee Lauder

Today is the last day for Estee Lauder’s free $25 gift with $100 purchase.

Shop now to earn your exclusive Online Reward, then come back to esteelauder.com in January to redeem it. Just imagine the possibilities! This offer ends December 3, 2008, so act now. You’ll receive your Online Reward automatically via email when you make a qualifying purchase. Limit 1 to a customer.

That’s a great special gift offer. What would you spend it on? I’m partial to Beautiful, as my dad treated me to a bottle after the birth of each of my children. He’s not the kind of guy to make gestures like that, so I was very touched with each gift.  Beautiful has a feminine, floral scent.

 Beautiful

The fragrance of a thousand flowers.

A tender bouquet of Lilies and Roses, Marigold and Orange Blossoms…all warmed with a rich, woody base and brightened with a touch of citrus.

Top Notes: Rose, Mandarin, Lily, Tuberose, Marigold

Middle Notes: Orange Flower, Muguet, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber

 

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I Am King - Sean Combs new scent

Sean Combs has a new male fragrance called I Am King coming out this month. It’s going to be available exclusively at Macy’s until February 2009. 

Here’s more………

By dubbing it I Am King, Sean Combs leaves no doubt as to his expectations for his latest men’s fragrance, due as a Macy’s exclusive in December before rolling out to wider distribution in February. Industry sources estimated that the scent could do upward of $100 million globally in its first year on counter.

Sean “Diddy” Combs knows he might raise a few eyebrows by calling his latest scent I Am King, but he doesn’t care.

“I Am King is a statement about all men,” said Combs, during an interview at his Bad Boy Entertainment offices in Manhattan. “We are all descendents of royalty…”

I’m not a Sean Combs fan. I don’t dislike him, I just don’t respond well to arrogance. I remember seeing ads for Unforgivable showing him in intimate situations with a couple of different women. I wondered what it meant… wear this and you will get blondes and brunettes?……wear this and you can get away with getting both blondes and brunettes?……

What I’ve seen of ads for I Am King show a similar arrogant attitude, lots of posturing on the deck of yacht, slowly entering a casino, gambling in the casino, expensive toys like a jetski and a helicopter, arms around his ladies……… Not sure what this ad has to do with scent either……does he smell like money?……success?…….  I predict he sells the heck out of this stuff.  

 

The notes for I Am King include tangerine zest, orange, cranberry, “a proprietary Imperial French berry note”, kir royal, crème de cassis, premium Champagne, cooling Mediterranean water, key lime pie, lemon cream, labdanum, cedarwood, vetiver, white moss, sandalwood and clean powdery undertones.

Image credit - Macy’s.com

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By Michelle Smith -- 2 comments

Kiehls Lip Balm #1 To Benefit World AIDS Day 2008

In support of World AIDS Day 2008, Kiehls is offering their classic Lip Balm #1 in a special edition red ribbon package.

World AIDS Day Limited Edition Lip Balm #1

• Special Limited-Edition packaging of our same, classic formula - to benefit YouthAIDS
• SPF 4 sunscreen
• Relieves Cracked or Chapped Lips

Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips. Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. 100% of net Kiehl’s profits up to $50,000 will be donated to YouthAIDS, which is committed to AIDS awareness, prevention and research.

While you are there, check out Kiehl’s two wonderful scents…………

Forest Rain Eau de Toilette Spray

• For both Men and Women
• Convenient Eau de Toilette spray
• Scent not derived from animals
• Not tested on animals

Our fresh, yet spicy woodsy blend of Muguet, Vetiver, Citrus and Musk was inspired by the extensive essence collection of the original “Kiehl Pharmacy,” where 122 unique fragrant oils from the world over have been offered over the years.

And……….

Musk Eau de Toilette Spray

• Our Kiehl’s Signature Scent
• For both Men and Women
• Convenient Eau de Toilette spray
• Scent not derived from animals
• Not tested on animals

This modern version of our classic signature scent is based on the unique blend that is Kiehl’s Musk. Our special Musk “recipe” begins with an initial creamy, fresh citrus burst of Bergamot Nectar and Orange Blossom…followed by a soft floral bouquet of Rose, Lily, Ylang-Ylang and Neroli. Finally, Original Musk Eau de Toilette dries down to a warm, sensual Oriental finish of Tonka Nut, White Patchouli and, of course, Musk…the soul of this distinctively modern scent.

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Holiday Gift Guide - Part Two

All around b5media’s Beauty & Style Channel, the Splendicity bloggers have put together some amazing holiday gift guides. Everything from makeup and skincare products to little black dresses and accessories, we have it all.

Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.

SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.

Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.

Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.

Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.

Star shows us a selection of fabulous gifts for him and her at Glamour Gift Guide.

Chloe features jewelry gifts for family and friends at Gleaming Things, and offers The Twelve Days of Shopping Christmas Guide at Her Accessories.

Tracy has a not so secret wish list and her holiday gift guide at Hot Mama Daily.

Dexie’s jewelry gift guide for her lights up She Knows Best. And don’t miss out on her Under $100 Holiday Looks at Style It Less.

Kori offers fabulous shoes for every woman in your life at ShoeBlitz.

Colleen features wonderful spa and beauty gifts at Spa Beautifully.

Ashley invites you to indulge in luxury at The Latest Luxe.

Lara provides 8 top 8 lists of holiday gifts for everyone at The List Maven.

Image credit - Michelle Smith

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Your Holiday Gift Guide - Part One

Many of the writers around the b5media have worked hard to make your holiday shopping easier than ever.  They’ve created individual shopping pages in order to offer you a virtual mall.  There are so many pages to peruse, that I’ve decided to offer them to you in two batches.  Check back soon to see what elegant gifts the Beauty and Style Channel has to offer.

Avoid the crowds, pour yourself something refreshing to drink, and take a look at today’s featured mall from the b5Media Lifestyles, and Health and Wellness Channels. 

Career and Kids has just what the working parent needs.

Got a book lover on your list?  Then you’ll want to see what One Book Two Book has to offer.

Jewelry and Beading offers suggestion for the jewelry maker in your life.

Diabetes Notes shares some wonderful gift ideas. 

 The Doggy Blog has your pooch covered.

Scrapbookers should head over to the Mad Cropper for some great ideas.

How about Quilting and Patchwork lovers?

New moms love gifts, too. Check out Breastfeeding 1-2-3.

Something special for the cook in your life?  Try the Cooking Gadget? 

A Lively Women is a healthy woman.

Our One Heart has some great suggestions for the bride-to-be.

BlogFabulous has the ladies covered.

Some people on your list might present some unique gifting challenges. For someone special, Alzheimer’s Notes has some great ideas.

Sometimes getting organized is just the gift we need - see what Declutter It  has to offer.

The Tangled Thread has your favorite seamstress covered.

Art lovers will want to take a look at Layers Upon Layers.

 Busy Family Meals has some unique ideas for busy cooks.

Great ideas for parents and baby can be found at Babylune.

 The Food Bowl has choices for pets and pet lovers.

Chocolate Bytes has the yummiest shop out there!

Shopping for a couple?  Try Marriage Actually.

Going green?  Take a look at the Tree Hugging Family.

Dating Dames has a little something for everybody.

Gardeners will find some special picks at Mother Earth’s Garden.

Looking for something truly unique?  Try Offbeat Homes.

Kids and toys rule at Play Library.

Pick up something special for a gracious hostess at She Knows Parties.

Shop by age group at both One Book Two Book and A Child Chosen.

Something wonderful awaits you at Kettle and Cup.

Junk Creation is a craft lover’s paradise.

Gifts for better health can be found at Grounded Fitness.

Find something for everyone at Health Bolt.

Take a look at what Genetics and Health has to offer.

Just in time for holiday entertaining, Drinks After Dark has you covered.

Any bakers on your list?  Try Baking Delights .

For a list of great shopping bargains try  She Knows Coupons.

MomGadget lists her favorites - A Year in Review 2008.

Image credit  - Michelle Smith

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