So Much More than Perfume!

I've always loved perfume and used to keep on top of what was fashionable, what was new, and loved going into perfume shops.  I was lucky that Bb liked buying me perfume pressies and with our frequent trips through airports, it was easy and tempting!   I still like perfume, but hardly ever buy it these days as I have more than enough.  (Although if Bb is reading this, note the absence of any Jo Malone - just joking!)  I know that perfume is meant to go off and has a limited shelf life if not kept well, but I've never had to throw any away and have kept bottles for years and years.   These are just a selection in our downstairs bathroom.  Yes, there are more upstairs - including a bottle of the perfume I wore to our wedding.   

All of these bottles have a story.  Chanel Cristal is my all-time favourite and so there's always one of those on the go and Bb bought me this one.   The Maa Althahab was bought in Cairo, on a whim, in a lovely perfume shop.  I now wonder if it's too strong for my taste but I was seduced by the surroundings.  The fresh Sake was a favourite from a shop on Marylebone High street when we lived in London.   It reminds me of our 2 years in London.  I worked in IH on Piccadilly and Bb worked with Diageo just off Oxford Street and we could both walk to work.  Such luxury!!  This perfume was then taken off the market for years and on a visit back, there it was again and I had to have a bottle!  It takes me back to those London days when I felt young, trendy and confident and living the life in the heart of London!  Floris is also from a London shop, a bit heavier and I always think of it as a more mature person's perfume. I still like it, but I wear it less than Sake ;-)  The Elizabeth Arden Green Tea is one I bought in an airport, probably the last perfume purchase I made.  It's very light and it was to be an everyday perfume, saving my Chanel Cristal for high days and holidays.  The bottle of 1881 with the faded label was a present from my dad, 'Choose whichever one you'd like', he said.  We were in Boots the Chemist, on Kirkcaldy High Street.   I decided on one that I didn't have, am glad I did, and whenever I wear it I always think of him and his sheer delight in buying me it.  I treasure it.  It must be about 12 or 13 years old now. 

With the pandemic, lockdown, working on line and all that palaver, I've worn much less perfume in the last 18 months......but on days when I need a bit of a boost I still put some on before going online :-) 

Another day I may do the upstairs bottles!