The Sweet Smell of Summer

How many of you wear perfume? Odd topic, but figured I would venture down a different path. Growing up, I remembering seeing the array of perfumes that my mother had on her dresser. Each bottle was a different color and had a different smell. I remember my mother using one called Opium and I remember her using Imari. I don't know why I can still remember that, but whenever I take a whiff of one of those, I am instantly transported back to my childhood. It is very comforting in many ways although it seems like a lifetime ago.

Many moons ago, my mom used to buy Avon. If I remember correctly, she may have even sold it at one time. The blue "carpet bag" will always resonate with me. The Avon lady used to come by and she gave samples of lipsticks which were fascinating. Then, she would leave samples of the many scents offered by Avon.

With the summer upon us (at least here in Arizona with its 110 degree days), I love to put a spritz of my favorite perfume on as I'm heading out the door. It makes me feel like my outfit is complete and whatever scent I choose is always "me". Over the years, I have tried many different perfumes and in the last few years, I have finally found MY perfume - the one that is perfect - not too overpowering, yet subtle enough to let everyone know you were in the room.

My very first perfume was Sweet Honesty by Avon. I think I may have been in 6th grade when I received a bottle - it was a limited release decanter (these decanters are now collectible items) in the shape of a green frog. The eyes were green rhinestones and the head screwed off to reveal the opening. I also remember receiving a tooth fairy decanter with Sweet Honesty that had a glow in the dark wand in one hand and a bag to hold your tooth in the other hand. Sweet Honesty will always remind of how grown up I felt when I dabbed a bit of it on before school each morning.

 

Another favorite scent of mine is Ralph Lauren Romance. It is such a soft subtle scent and it just relaxes me when I spritz it on. The description says it has chamomile oil in so that might explain why I think it has a calming feel to it. This is an older perfume, but it still ranks as one of my all time favorite scents.

Ah Shalimar!!! I received this for Christmas in my stocking one year from Santa Claus. I don't even remember how I ended up asking for this, but Shalimar was my signature scent all through my 20's. It has a soft baby powder smell and is another very subtle perfume to wear. Working in an office, I am very in tune with perfume because if someone has a strong perfume on, it permeates throughout our office. This one fades as the day goes on so it's perfect for me to wear to work every day.

Everyone should have their signature scent and after becoming reacquainted with Avon a few years ago, I found THE perfume that is ME - Odyssey. It has been a staple in their line since 1981 and it has tones of musk and floral. I bet I have gone through 5 bottles of this in the last three years. It is the usually the first perfume I reach for before I leave now. Seems funny that I have come full circle - my first perfume was from Avon and what I consider to be my signature perfume is also Avon.

What is your favorite perfume? Do you have a signature scent? It seems like such an afterthought, but I honestly remember some people by the perfume that they wear. Branch out and try something new and see what works for you.