Hey All. Portia here and I think it’s time we look at something a little bit lavender. It seems to have had a resurgence in the last few years but it never went away. Just got hidden and had to play some bit parts and sing chorus. French Grey by Elizabeth & James is a 2017 release created by Nicole Mancini Issaq and Linda Song! Love seeing two women names signing off. They have both been a part of some other perfumes but the only glam gig is Linda Song for Fougere Platine by Tom Ford.
I grabbed this baby for almost nothing on FragranceNet (not affiliated but love to give you all a bargain tip)
Parfumo gives these featured accords:
Lavender, Neroli, Musk
If you’re thinking summer, elegant, relaxed, cool, unruffled and slightly different then French Grey could be that thing you’ve been looking for but didn’t know it. They are calling it a fresh floral scent. While that kinda works it doesn’t tell the whole story. Yes, lavender is floral but it’s also quite herbal and the oil comes from the plant much more than the flowers.
French Grey smells to me like they have some green steering herbs and spices like basil or cardamom, or maybe even some violet leaves. Also, I smell some common base note that heads fresh white woods and some resins. All these hints and maybes play around the central pillar of sugared lavender lollies with a soft white floral undertow.
If you like Lolita Lempicka EdP but wish it was a little less playful and a lot more sophisticated then French Grey might be exactly your jam OR if CHANEL Boy is too expensive French Grey could be a fabulous substitution.
100% unisex, projection is moderate but trails off to low in the first hour, longevity is average. The bottle is fabulous, I love the way they have made an interesting yes oh-so-simple renovation to a historic look. VERY cool.
Would you French Grey?
Portia xx
Undina's Looking Glass 
I have a rollerball of this, could easily have a bottle. It’s really nice.
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Hey MMKinPA,
From how cheap it is I think it might be going the way of the dodo.
Have you worn it much this summer?
Portia xx
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I hate lavender, hehe, but just wanted to say that I agree the bottle is very elegant! I could well imagine a pair of cropped stretch trousers in that pattern. ;)
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Did I know this about you Vanessa? What a surprise. I’d not considered lavender hateable before. In all things?
Oh yes, I love texture in fabric too. They would be most fetching on you. I can see it in my minds eye. With some cool zips on the diagonal pockets and up the outside hem seam for easier access.
Portia xx
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I like this one a lot, also Nirvana Amethyst! Sadly, I think the whole Elizabeth & James line has been discontinued at Sephora; I’m not sure about other retailers.
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OH NOOOO! Thanks OH, I’m off for PANIC BUYING!
Portia xx
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No panic! I triggered panic in poor Undina when I couldn’t locate Ta’if on the Ormonde Jayne website, other than the Elixir version! And of course it was still in production. I do know the Nirvana products aren’t at Sephora any more, at least in the US, and they’ve been showing up at many of the discounters.
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I Panic Bought a backup just in case.
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I have this one and like to wear it to bed or yoga class, it’s uncomplicated and pleasant. It will never take the place of my favourite, Encens et Lavande, but it’s a very nice alternative.
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Ahhh TaraC, Encens & Lavande is in a whole other ballgame. Yeah, I think this is the thought free version, easy to grab, wears well everywhere, doesn’t cloud your mind with olfactory brilliance. Perfect for bed or yoga.
Portia xx
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I think I need it! (If I still can find it.) Love lavender in almost any form.
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Yeah, they still have it at FragNet for about US$20
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I have a duo of this from Sephora! I should wear it more. And as whomever mentioned it above, these are no longer in production and still cheap as chips wherever you can find them. I’ve seen them at bargain Macy’s and Marshall’s.
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Yeah, you’re right in the middle of peak wearable time. Perfect summer spritz.
Yep, GRAB EM! I just ordered a FragNet backup.
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I love lavender so Yes!! I would indeed French Grey.
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BRIGITTE!
I thought of you when wearing this. We are lavender lovers through and through.
I noticed since the post there are no tester bottles left on FragNet but the boxed one is still cheap as chips.
Portia xx
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Yes we are both lavender fiends!!! I am sorely tempted as it really is dirt cheap on fragrancenet…and so is the Lalique…LOL
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Yeah! They are ridiculously affordable.
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