Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Having fun in Paris

I was there for only 3 days (not even 3 full days at that) but I still think time flies when you're in Paris.  It went by in a flurry of visits and walks.

On Friday afternoon I met Asali for the first time and we thought we'd visit several perfume shops that afternoon.

Our first stop was L'Artisan's boutique just opposite the Louvre with the Numeros.
Ok, so we didn't smell them all on skin properly, but first from the bowls, and then on strips and only numbers 1, 3, 4 and 10 (those were the only ones they had).

I really liked number 3 for Germany and Asali prefered number 10 but overall, I can't say I think they are that special. And the number 3 (with lavender, iris and vetiver) seemed very familiar to me while I was smelling it on me.  I still didn't remember what exactly it is reminding me of.

Next, we  managed a quick visit to Sephora where I wanted to try the new Aromatics Elixir (and didn't, because the tester was empty) but we sniffed some of the Guerlains on offer.
And here we are: Asali


And I:

I am not very happy to be falling a bit for Tonka Imperiale, I can tell you that. (170 euros not happy)
Also, I wouldn't mind having some Cologne du Parfumeur as it smells like an extremely classy and elegant cologne.
The really surprising thing was that I seriously like La Petite Robe Noire. :) It's frivolously easy to like.
Btw, we were lucky to even get these 2 photos as an SA arrived and said it was forbidden to take pictures.
Our next stop was Sens Unique and that also turned out to be our last stop for the day. :)
The lovely shop owner Svetlana spent almost 2 hours with us explaining everything and discussing perfumes.
Asali was convinced (by Svetlana) that there might actually be a green perfume out there she might enjoy wearing.
I, on the other hand, asked directly if she knew of a Christmasy perfume. And she did.
Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be Une Crime Exotique by Parfumerie Generale. :)

The other one by Parfumerie Generale that caught my attention was Cedre Sandaraque  - a really strange concoction - starting too sharply on me but then turning into something dangerously intriguing.
I will have to give it more time  and then possibly decide if I need to buy it - if I'll be able to wear it often enough.
I walked out with Une Crime Exotique of course. :)

 
Afterwards we sat down for a glass of Kir - I never tried that before, dry white wine and a bit of blackcurrant syrup - yummy.
(I stand corrected - Laurinha explained that the cassis syrup isn't a syrup but Creme de cassis, also liquor - see comments below)

Asali is even nicer in real life than through emails and we just started talking from where we left off previously.
And she has lovely green eyes - if you're wondering why I'm saying that, it's because I've always wanted to have green eyes. :)

Next to come - what happened on Saturday. :)

22 comments:

  1. thanks for the post; I'm also looking forward to my next visit to Paris, although it will be over in a flash again (only three days...). Although I'm originally from Paris, I've been living abroad for more than 10 years now, so I'm only ever a visitor, nowadays, which is the best (I don't miss the daily commute, that's for sure!).

    If I could only venture a small rectification: Kir is indeed made with white wine - originally a Bourgogne Aligote - and some Creme de Cassis, also from Burgundy, which is not a sirup but a liqueur, i.e. it contains alcohol, which would explain why one of these Kir puppies can go straight to your head!

    Btw, I remember being stunned the first time I smelled Un Crime Exotique: it was all I could do not to walk out with a bottle myself! An amazing scent, this one, glad you were bold enough to go for it. ^_^

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  2. Hi Laurinha, thanks for the comment and the clarification. I'll change my Kir description - thank you for explaining.
    I'm not one for sweet drinks but this one wasn't very sweet and is actually so lovely to drink (and rather fast). ;)

    Three days really pass by in a flash, but even little time in Paris is enough to lift one's spirits.
    If I could, I'd move to Paris in an instant - I love it there.
    Have fun on your stay. :)

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  3. I loved reading this! And I would love meeting the two of you, don't you want to come to Vienna soon? :)

    I'm very chuffed that I recommended Une Crime Exotique as a christmas-y scent too recently. It is lovely, isn't it?
    I will send you a bit of Cedre Sandaraque next time, so you have time to wear it and decide.

    Looking forward to the next post of your Paris adventure!

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  4. Olfactoria, yes, you did! And ChickenFreak too.
    (I must say I forgot about it in the meantime) :)

    It is perfect! And cinnamony (that is very important). :)

    I'm not planning a visit to Vienna (although I didn't actually plan this one to Paris either) but I would definitely love meeting you.
    It's great fun meeting fellow perfumistas.

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  5. Oh Wow Ines your trip sounds So Cool!! And, you look just Gorgeous in your photo, fellow Red - simply Stunning :) Now, you have me curious about that 'Christmasy' scent & I'm off to hunt for a sample. All things Cinnamon - YES YES!!

    Cheerz mate & write more on Paris - I've never been, so this is vicarious happy-making!

    Zanne :)

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  6. I'm so jealous! I hope you're having an amazing time!

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  7. Olfactoria, yeeees, what a lovely idea. Ines, I think our next perfume outing will be Vienna:-)
    Thanks for the lovely write-up, I am not sure I deserve the praises, but it was great to relive day 1. Looking forward to the next two days.

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  8. I've been so waiting to hear about your trip. I can't really explain why, but your report really lifted my spirits and made me feel like I was along with the two of you, whom I adore. If you do decide to go to Vienna to meet Birgit, please let me know. I'm actually serious: I don't know if it would work out, but I'd love to meet all three of you and would seriously consider such a trip.

    Looking forward to part two!

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  9. You seem like you're having a great time! Enjoy! Paris is one of my favourite places in the world. x

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  10. Sounds like a wonderful time. Since you liked the Kir, you may want to try a Kir Royale: dry champagne and Creme de Cassis liqueur -- very festive.

    -- Lindaloo

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  11. Thank you Zanne! :)
    I always hate the way I look on photos (can't be helped). :)

    I'd be happy to send you a sample of UCE, now I have a bottle. And I already have your address (although I don't think there's a chance of it arriving before Christmas).

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  12. Thank you Joan - I had the best time. :)
    I still feel so happy just thinking about it.

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  13. Asali, I'm all for a trip to Vienna - it's really not far from here. :)
    And, if we're lucky, Suzanne might come too. :)

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  14. Beautiful things, Paris is one of my favourite cities as well. :)
    So, it's really not difficult for me to enjoy myself when there.

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  15. Lindaloo, Kir Royale sounds absolutely delicious and first time I get the chance, I'll try it (champagne is my favourite drink, not that I get a chance to enjoy it that often). :)

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  16. Suzanne, it makes me very happy to hear I lifted your spirits a little. :)
    And meeting with you, Birgit and Asali in Vienna would be terrific!
    I hope now the idea is in the air, we actually make it into reality. :)

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  17. It's so exciting reading about your trip, I'm been really looking forward to it! Like Suzanne, I feel like I'm along too.

    Sounds like you two really hit it off and had a great time. Many congrats on your Une Crime Exotique purchase, Ines! Can't wait for more (especially the Palais Royal)!

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  18. Dear Tara, thank you. :)
    I must say, I didn't doubt talking with Asali in real life was going to be much different than from emails. Just more interrupted - there was always much to say. :)

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  19. Further evidence of the great way perfumistas "click" on international blind sniffing dates! Your sampling session sounds like a lot of fun (not least the Kir and the PG Christmas purchase.... : - 0 ).

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  20. I enjoyed reading your report, Ines, and I'm envious a little. Now I absolutely have to try this perfume - both you and Birgit recommend it as a XMas perfume!
    I second the recommendation of the Kir Royale. It's great!

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  21. Thanks Vanessa. You have much greater experience of the "clicking" of perfumistas - you get to meet so many of them on your travels. :)
    I've been thinking - I'll try and find Creme de Cassis here, I'd love to be able to drink Kir occasionally here as well.

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  22. Undina, if you like Christmasy perfumers then UCE is definitely one to try. :)
    And I see I'll have to do my best about that Creme de Cassis so I can make the Kir Royale myself. ;)

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