Recently in Perfume Category

I'm obsessed with the ads for Vera Wang's latest fragrance, Vera Wang 'LOOK' -- I mean that outfit the model is wearing!! If that's not enough to get you curious enough to try this fragrance (and run to the nearest department store to try on some Vera Wang pieces), than I don't know what would! The perfume is a great stocking stuffer. It comes in a modern cut geometric prism and is packaged in a matte gray box with Vera Wang LOOK written in orange. As for the smell its described as a blend of mandarin and watery green with notes of lychee and golden delicious apple -- I love to hear people describe fragrances, it's truly a science like the study of wine! While my nose isn't developed enough to catch all those notes (though I definitely get the mandarin and apple), it's a bold fragrance and not as fruity as the description would have you think -- from wearing it out myself I feel like it must have some jasmine, patchoulli, and vanilla -- very well-balanced scent and has a definite clean Vera-Wang-esque feel!

The price of the spray is --
$45 for 30ml
$70 for 50ml
$90 for 100ml
Click for more on Vera Wang 'Look' Eau de Parfum

Looking for a special Christmas present? Look no further than L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci with bottle made by Lalique! 2008 celebrates the 60th anniversary of L'Air du Temps with a unique fragrance in an iconic bottle that has been awarded Bottle of the Century in 1999. The Lalique crystal: a precious and magical material that gives birth to the most precious masterpieces. This luxurious and exclusive edition is inspired by the first collection of Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci.

Maybe it's because I'm pre-disposed to not liking Versace (with the exception of the occasional shoe/gown and their nail polishes that are accented with the smallest Medusa head possible, I've never been a big fan of their flashiness/glitz), but I just can't even imagine wanting Gianni Versace Couture, an eau de parfum that comes in a hand-stitched white leather train case and is priced at $2,100 if someone offered it to me for free!! It just seems so over the top and tacky, not to mention how much space it takes for a 3.4oz bottle! That said, Versace says that you can take out the fragrance and use it as a jewelry box -- seems a little small for that to me...The bottle also seems very manly to me (something about the heaviness and all that leather). If you feel so inclined to purchase the fragrance however, be warned there are only 100 limited edition bottles and they'll be available in the U.S. come November exclusively at Versace boutiques. As for the smell, according to WWD it has a floriental-woody scent - "citrus accents of bergamot and mandarin blend with energetic notes of red berries and tangerines to form the top notes. The heart of the formula dissolves into a floral bouquet. Sambac jasmine mingles with velvety heliotrope and almond blossom tones. The essence of Tonka bean combines with the woody notes of patchouli heart and sandalwood." I like jasmine and sandalwood, but that's not enough to convince me. Snob or Slob?

I love dual purpose products; especially one that makes you look pretty and smell good.  Unfortunately I am not a charm bracelet girl but I have a girlfriend who collects them--this is the perfect Christmas present for her.  Margherita Missoni designed this fun and whimsical solid parfum charm bracelet that combines convenience and luxury (you can discreetly refreshen your scent from a bracelet, necklaces are harder to conceal).  My friend Kristen the Beauty Addict loves solid parfums but I've never found one that was to my liking.  I took a whiff of this the other day and for some reason it smelled rancid on me.  Oh well, the search for the perfect solid parfum continues.  I am obsessed with Kai's gardenia oil but the roller ball broke the other day in the car, on my way to a black tie wedding and spilled all over my vintage HAUTE COUTURE YSL gown circa 1972.  I was devastated and held my clutch over the giant oil stain all night.  Luckily my trusty dry cleaner took the stain right out.  Whewwwww!  Oh, if you're interested, the Missoni charm bracelet is $50 at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue this month. 

Congratulations to Lisa C, Bonnie and Courtney!  Your stories were chosen as our winners.  Thank you to everyone who entered-- each of your stories were delightful! One does not merely meet David Yurman; one is enveloped in the resplendent energy he exudes the minute he casts his gaze on you.  He is seriously one of the most charismatic people I have ever met!  He won me over from the moment we sat down for the interview (I am also a sucker for guys who say they like my outfit- it's nice when men appreciate fashion!).  We talked about everything under the sun; from family to his passion for work and his childhood in the Bronx-- we took a stroll through nostalgia lane and evoked the scent of his life.  

David Yurman is clearly a man who adores his wife (and is doing his best to keep up with her!) and devoted to the company they founded together that will one day be passed down to his son, Evan.  I have no doubt the legacy of David Yurman will become one of the great American tales.  Read on to discover the luxurious world of David Yurman!  (I recorded the interview as to give you every little detail!) 

Left: David Yurman and Tina Craig.

My favorite film maker, Wong Kar Wei, has paired with one of my favorite American designers to launch an exciting new fragrance, Notorious in a 30 second film noir starring Laetitia Casta.   Filmed in Paris, the commercial captures the scent of timeless glamour and Golden Era of Hollywood.
Ralph Lauren Notorious will be available in three Eau de Parfum sprays: 75ml/2.5oz. ($85), 50ml/1.7oz. ($65) and 30ml/1oz ($45), as well as a Body Lotion (200ml/6.7oz. for $45), Shower Gel (200ml/6.7oz for $40) and Body Crème (150ml/5.3oz for $70)

Michael Kors knows a thing or two about classics.  A cashmere pullover... a perfect tailored trench coat... the perfect slim sheath dress... all embody effortless style.  This fall, Michael Kors introduces a new limited edition signature Eau de Parfum Rollerball/ Lip Gloss; a shade and scent combination that will take you any where!  $22 at Sephora.com


Lip Gloss in Bare Vinyl-- it is inspired by the high patent shine of Michael Kors accessories.  A nude and sheer gloss that imparts natural color with a sensual an shimmering shine.  It is flattering for all skin tones and will add a touch of understated glamour.

Perfume Rollerball-- Micahel Kors signature scent is an intoxicating white floral fragrance that has become a modern classic.

Beauty snob warning: Don't mistake the rollerball side for gloss, I'd hate to find out what the perfume tastes like! 

Though it's Samantha Jones who battles breast cancer in Sex and the City, in real life it was actress Cynthia Nixon who not only battled cancer, but became a breast cancer activist, convincing NBC to air her prime-time breast cancer special. This year Nixon began to serve as Ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

I've written about my affinity for diffusers before, so I was excited to find out that Sweet Grass Farm is supporting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating 10% of the proceeds of each sale of their Carnation & Pink Peppercorn Faith Hope & Courage fragrance sticks to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  The mix of Carnation and Pink Peppercorn (there is this wonderful hint of spice in the smell!), is soooo perfect for fall. I don't like there to be too intense of a smell in my bedroom and these fragrance sticks are perfect for that - they perfume your room without overpowering. Check-it out here:-)

I am all about wearing different scents in different seasons. During the heat of the summer I like something juicy and fresh, but when it starts to cool down I like warmth and spice! Solid perfumes are a great option for fall and winter- since the last thing you want to do is get alcohol based perfumes on your cashmere, fleece and leather garments :(. Even when you spray your skin first and then put your clothes on, the alcohol can still discolor the fabric, especially if you perspire. Pacifica solid perfumes are vegan, made from 100% organic materials (mostly soy and coconut wax) and are completely recyclable down to the packaging. I <3 Pacific's new fall scents!! Five delicious scents to choose from- My favorite is Tibetan Mountain Temple, no wait.... Mexican Cocoa. On second thought, Madagascar Spice! Well for only $8.95 apiece, why not get them all?! =) Plus, I love the adorable tins! Perfect to sneak past TSA for holiday traveling, and small enough to fit in your pocket for every day use.

Avalon Juniper* Tibetan Mountain Temple* Spanish Amber* Mexican Cocoa* Madagascar Spice

While I am a one scent girl, my hubby is loyal to none.  His side of the bathroom looks like the fragrance counter at Neiman Marcus.  From Hermes, Lanvin Homme to Dolce & Gabbana, he has it all which makes it difficult when I want to buy him a new bottle because he already has it!  This is why I am excited to give him the new Prada Infusion d'Homme, this is something he does not have,, yet!  Infused with Iris, Tunisien Neroli and cedarwood, the Infusion d'Homme is a sophisticated and refined scent that won't hit you like a ton of bricks (you know what I'm talking about-- those guys who enter the elevator enveloping you in a cloud of obnoxious scent which you can not escape!) but rather will seduce and entice you to discover the scent further. Bottled in an elegant flacon, and echoing the design of vintage perfume bottles, it is adorned with a metal plaque bearing the historic Prada crest, originally designed in 1919 by Miuccia Prada's grandfather.  A snob worthy gift for you lovey indeed!  At Neiman Marcus- ; 6.75oz - $100  3.4oz - $74