Fragrance (perfume/cologne)
Vince Camuto comes out with their first men’s cologne
Vince Camuto has been perpetually impressing me. From their first perfume, to their chic clothing line, and now their newest cologne: Vince Camuto for Men. All pretty remarkable from a company known best for first making their mark on footwear.
Vince Camuto for Men
In now what I expect from the brand, every part of this cologne was well-thought out. From the packaging’s royal blue interior, to the bottle encased in classy black leather, to of course, the Camuto family crest in gunmetal, it’s something I’d expect to see on a dresser belonging to, say, James Bond.
The cologne has notes of black pepper, nutmeg, musk, and yes, leather. Mix in vetiver and patchouli, the woody scents dominate. It’s a very refined, grown-up scent…much less for when he’s wearing his jerseys and drooping jeans and more for the ones in suits and cufflinks. I probably wouldn’t get it for your pre-teen bro (unless he’s basically Manny from Modern Family), and save it for one who means business because this one leaves an impression.
Resurfacing from Fashion Week.
You guys, I feel guilty as hell for leaving you hangin’ (ESPECIALLY during Fashion Week). Thing is, the work required to update constantly while covering backstage while working a day job while jumping from city to city ain’t easy. So this time, I’m going to cover FW beauty trends retrospectively, which I think will be much easier going forward. But I have been eating a lot. Testing a lot. And I have a lot to say, so we can start with one topic of conversation that came up recently: cologne.
Guys, do not skimp on the importance of good cologne. I wrote a post on cologne a while ago with some suggestions (well ok, they just happen to me my preferences on cologne). But the best thing is to go out and test, test, test — with the help of maybe a cute girl to give feedback. Try not to drench yourself with it either…you’re not going for a Night at the Roxbury-Creeper-You’ll-Smell-Me-Down-The-Street scent…unless you are. But I’ll say just enough that maybe someone will get a unexpected slight whiff of your cologne when you pass by.
Acqua Di Gioia Essenza
I’ve always loved Giorgio Armani scents, and I feel like guys usually have Acqua di Gio. But here’s a reason to update your collection: Armani just release Acqua di Gio Essenza. Inspired by the Mediterranean, same classic look but this addition is an even more intense scent (read: a little goes a long way), which includes notes of grapefruit, basil, jasmine, and Sicilian bergamot essence. I love that it still has hints of its predecessor but still different enough that I felt guys who I’ve asked to sniff this one were even noticing.
Perfume obsessing.
Anyone who knows me knows about my fascination with perfume. I’d love to be the kind of person that has a “signature scent” by sticking to just one. At best, I can have a certain scent at a certain time (right now it’s still very much Victoria’s Secret Bombshell with random bouts of Dior J’adore) but I find it hard to remain undistracted (is that a word? I just looked it up and according to Wiktionary it is). Anyway, since I’m constantly spritzing, I figured I share thoughts on a few I’ve just come across recently:
I mean. How. Gorgeous.
Vince Camuto
Review: Dolce & Gabbana The One Sport
By Asghar Zaidi
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had trouble finding the perfect light scent that I can use on a daily basis–a subtle fragrance that doesn’t suggest I’m a pubescent teenager dousing myself in cologne for a change. Up until recently, I hadn’t found one until Dolce & Gabbana sent me their latest fragrance to their Spring collection, The One Sport.
Dolce & Gabbana The One Sport
Three words that come to mind when I think of The One Sport: fresh, clean, and energetic…the same three words I would use to describe any perfect sporty fragrance. I received a sample about a week ago, and I’m not even gonna lie, I’ve been wearing it out every single day. You can pick up on traces of fresh rosemary, a hint of woodiness with sequoia, and a bit of sweetness at the base from some aromatic patchouli. The contrast between all of those components and the perfect balance leads to a very bold yet subtle statement; this isn’t the type of cologne that would in any way offend anyone’s nostrils. Rather, its energetic and pleasant enough to generate occasional compliments amongst anyone who comes in contact. While walking around on campus last week I briefly encountered a few females who expressed only positive sentiment as soon as the scent graced their own nostrils 
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Photo credits: Asghar Zaidi
Banana Republic’s Wildbloom Vert launch (& chance for you to win it!)
**Giveaway! Tweet this post for a chance to with Banana Republic’s new Wildbloom Vert which launches today!**
Banana Republic's new Wildbloom Vert
I’m just saying…for someone who’s pretty accustomed to a 10AM-6PM schedule, waking up at 7 for Banana Republic’s new Wildbloom Vert fragrance launch was no easy feat. But once I stepped into the Gramercy Park Hotel terrace, which was flooded by sunlight, I instantly woke up. If only every morning can begin like this…
Agent Provocateur launches day fragrances
Leave it to Agent Provocateur to make one sexy night out of their Eau Provocateur fragrances launch party! Held at their boutique on Madison Avenue, models demo’d the new fragrances for us while, of course, sporting its namesake from head-to-toe.
An Agent Provocateur-clad model
Eau Provocateaur fragrance
L'Agent, Eau Provocateur, and Maitresse perfumes
Til now, the titillating brand (also known for some pretty racy videos…see their “Love Me Tender” Valentine’s video featuring Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for reference) had their two L’Agent and original Eau Provocateur perfumes. Both were meant to be ‘nighttime’ fragrances, and therefore, pretty dense and strong in their scents. These three new perfumes however are their new DAY fragrances — a little lighter with modern twists:
Fragrance dressings
L’Agent Eau Provocateur: Contains top notes of bergamot, leaf accord, madarin, apple, melon, and peach. Mid notes: rose, jasmin, tuberose, magnolia, freesia, and ylang. Base notes: musk, patchouli, sandalwood, and amber crystals. I thought this one was a little more strong because of the musk!
Eau Provocateur: A daytime version of their original Eau De Parum, this one contains citrus and red fruit accords like muguet and orange flower. base notes of myrrh, vanilla, and tonka bean.
Maitresse: Top notes of rose, jasmin sambac, and iris. Mid notes of granny smith appes, and base notes of amber, sandalwood, and tonka. It’s a lighter, floral scent compared to the other two!
Eau Provocateur Models at the fragrance launch party
Didn't mind helping myself to the themed macaroons!
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Maitresse is my personal favorite, but I’m into more floral perfumes so it totally makes sense. Check them out and let me know which one’s yours! But don’t run out the door yet — the trio will be available on April 15th for $70 each.
