The last week ran away from me, and I missed the SQ. At least, it was a good reason: we went for a short trip with our friends, and I didn’t realize I wouldn’t be making back in time to ask Portia to take over for that week’s SQ. But now I’m back, so let’s do it!
Saturday Question #255:
What Was The Last Perfume You Decided Not To Buy?
It has to be something you liked and seriously considered as a contender to join your collection despite the fact you don’t need any more perfumes – and then, in the end, decided not to buy. Is it a final decision, or do you plan to revisit it in the future?
My Answer
A month ago, while talking about a wish list, I mentioned Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif: it kept pulling me in, I was thinking about it and even did a couple of searches trying to find it with at least some discount. I got a sample from the store and wore it several times while going back and forth on whether I want to buy it.
Today I went to the store, sprayed it liberally from the bottle (I’d say, about 5 sprays), which is different from using a small sample, lived with it until the end of the day, and finally came to the conclusion that I do not love it. If it were to drop from the sky, I wouldn’t have said “No.” But even in that case, I don’t think I would wear it often enough. Hence, I just can’t justify buying it – not now, not ever. I am a little sad because of it: I thought I was in love with that perfume.
How about you?
Undina's Looking Glass 
Rendezvous-Vous! A collaboration between Sonia Seiff & Antoine Lie. She’s a baroque amber with all the bells, whistles & curlicues of a French Courtesan’s Boudoir.
I still have the sample & will save it until next winter to eke out in the cold weather.
The other is Tian Di by Frassai. Smoked peach & tea. Beautiful, went on the FB list but it didn’t haunt my mind & I haven’t finished my sample.
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The new Guerlain, Patchouli Paris. It would have been a huge stretch for me financially anyway. I saw the beautiful red bottle on some FB post, I had a sample and sprayed it and completely loved it. Wore it on a cold day and it just sparkled in the cold-if you’ve ever seen fresh cold snow at night under moonlight it just sparkles and that’s what this felt like to me. The dry down wasn’t as special to me, so I will leave it to other people to enjoy it.
It’s good to see you back, and hopefully you had a good time away, Undina:)
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So true that wearing multiple sprays can be quite a different experience from just one spritz, especially with certain sweet notes and woody ambers that come out later in the wear. Was that the case with Delina?
I first smelled Hermès Barénia in December and it went on my mental wish list. Smelled it again in February and still liked it, but could imagine it getting too sweet for me sometimes, so haven’t bought it. But, never say never…
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Parfums de Marly Valaya. From dab samples I thought I loved it and then when I got a small sprayer realized I didn’t love it at all. A few good sprays make all the difference in the decision whether to purchase a perfume.
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This one is easy Undina,
Jin and I were in a mall while traveling late last year, came upon a CREED pop up and we tried Delphinus. It was utterly swoon worthy and smelled particularly good on Jin. We were both raving about how good we smelled.
When we got home the price was well outside what we had a luxury spending dollars so we did not buy it. Maybe when we have the $$$ or there’s a big sale I might grab it.
Portia xx
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Yes, and I’ve had it in my cart several times but didn’t take the final step. I don’t even know why, it’s not ridiculously expensive, it’s 50ml, and I absolutely love it. And what is it? Parfum D’Empire Fougere Bengale. Portia sent me a sample maybe five years ago. How time has flown. I still hanker after it. I really should just buy it and be done. There’s another that I’d love but I’m not buying, Peche Cardinal, it’s only available in 100ml and way too spendy for someone with way too much perfume already.
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Sorry, Undina, I’m a bit behind the curve. The last perfume I truly enjoyed but didn’t purchase was Tom Ford Black Lacquer. Why? It was quite simple. The nose behind this creation was Guillaume Flavigny, the same person who crafted one of my all-time favorites, Black by Comme des Garçons. Although they share a striking resemblance, there are some subtle differences that you can delve into if you’re interested.
https://perfumuschicago.wordpress.com/2024/11/02/black-lacquer-by-tom-ford/
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Chanel Bois des Iles – I resolved to limp along with little decants from sample sites, then spotted a new 200ml tester going for a song on eBay, and cracked! But I really thought I had resolved not to buy it, and never would have done at full retail, to be fair. If that doesn’t count because I gave in in the end, I can’t actually think of another example with a conscious resolve to resist a purchase, though one might come to me.
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