| Finding your perfect
scent |
| A harmless seduction |
| Do you wear scent as part of your aura? Do you wear it everyday
or do you save your perfume for special occasions? Do you dab it on
in a ladylike way, a little bit behind your ears, and daubs on your
neck and wrists, or do you do you spray and splash with gay abandon?
I confess I adore scent. I relish it. I splash and spray and live
quite nicely in my cocoon of scent. |
I am shocked when I read surveys that say that 15 percent of women
wore no scent last year. I am happy that fragrance has become so popular
in Japan where it was once considered too risqué. According
to popular web sites Japanese women love chic French perfumes from
Chanel and Tom Ford. This makes sense in a country known for effortless
chic, tradition, and trendiest as well as a lust for designer goods.
Frankly I am appalled when I read that some find scent so offensive
they want to ban it from the workplace. I know it takes all kinds,
but really what next? Ban colour, light, music? The mind boggles.
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Pure pleasure. |
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| Scent is a powerful language. It's the signal you send out without
speaking. Some people believe the message should be soft and subtle,
barely audible unless you are in an embrace. That’s their opinion.
I like my scent to speak a little louder. I like it to drift ahead
of me. I like it to wrap around me and to entice. Granted out of consideration,
I wear a bit less before five and in certain situations – such
as visiting a hospital. |
| I admit the words “you smell lovely” are music to my
ears. I have a new neighbour who makes my week by uttering that phrase
most times we meet. |
| Another dear and lovely friend tells me I always smell so good when
we embrace. I tell her that she smells delicious too! She does and
darlings, how fabulous is that? |
| As a young thing, I never met a scent I wouldn’t try. The
bottle lured me. And having a loving grandmother, I was indulged.
Sears used to sell a box of 100 little glass vials of famous fragrances.
I adored this kind of thing while still in grade school and of course
my grandmother bought it for me. So there I was, vamping my way through
Bal a Versailles and Norell
and a host of very inappropriate scents for a 10-year-old. I was in
heaven. |
| From there I progressed to bottles of Heaven’s
Sent by Helena Rubenstein.
A scent of the same name exists today, but it is not the same sunny
lemony smell I fell in love with as a teen. Heaven Sent
had been launched - literally - from windows above Madison Avenue
at rush hour. A clever marketing firm sent tiny bottles to earth attached
to blue balloons and it was actually heaven sent. Maybe it’s
me, but things were more fun back then in many ways. |
| Heaven Sent was followed by the French
classic White Shoulders, a true debutantes’
fragrance. I wore it with my minis and maxis amid the madness of the
70s. It is a sweet floral fragrance and not a month went by that an
older man did not confide a tale of some long lost love who once wore
White Shoulders. I dumped that fragrance fast; the lonely hearts club
was killing me. |
| I glided through university in a cloud of the sexy power perfumes
of the 80’s. Yves St. Laurent’s Opium,
introduced in 1977, ruled. I wore Cinnabar,
the gentler version from Estee Lauder. I
still remember fondly that deep exotic amber-spice fragrance. It was
so sexy, so stiletto, and so powerful - grrr baby! |
| Dior who has created many lovely scents,
from Miss Dior to the now almost iconic J’adore,
countered with Poison. This scent was so
popular with women that malls and night clubs reeked of it. It was
so sweet, many people gagged on it. I tested a sample and did not
receive a single compliment. I also had a resounding headache at the
end of the day. That was enough for me. |
| The 80's were interesting with the rise of "modern perfumes
“by Calvin Klein and others. Scents
such as Obsession and others were not clearly
floral, oriental, chypre, or any classic perfume category. Scents
like vanilla in Obsession became very popular.
There was also a rise in easily strong recognizable fragrances such
as Giorgio of Beverley Hills. Women, after
personal signature scents, avoided these noisy perfumes like the plague. |
| The 90’s brought us lighter greener scents. Chanel
débuted Allure, a sophisticated
green scent. As the creator of the first mass-market fragrance in
1921, with No.5, Chanel understood the integral
relationship between fashion, elegance, and fragrance. |
| I have enjoyed the trends in fragrance, but at heart I am classicist.
I find myself returning to the great perfume houses of France. Over
the years I have worn Shalimar from Guerlain.
I love its heady oriental top notes and powdery amber base notes.
I love mixing it. At various time I have worn it with Laura
Biagiotti’s Roma, Guerlain's
Jicky, and Chanel’s Allure Sensuelle.
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| Have you found your perfect fragrance? The one that makes you -
and the world go ahhh. Darling there are so many to choose from, go
and try some this weekend. You deserve it and you are worthy. Read
the lore and legend, why not? Someone spent time to create it and
often it is reflective of the scent. But it does not tell the whole
story. Unless you love it and you can’t resist it, please don’t
buy this year’s Charlie or Giorgio.
When someone smells your scent they should think of you, not Paris
Hilton or the Mall! Find something original that is just for you.
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| Do you like a friend’s scent? Be careful of outright purloining
- it may not smell the same on you and it may tick her off. But ask
her what she is wearing and read up on similar scents. Try a sample
and gather a few samples of similar types. Check out perfume boutiques;
they often have good prices and small sizes, if you want to test drive
a fabulous new scent. The only way to find your magic scent is to
try a few and get a reaction - your own and those around you. Does
your husband or lover get closer? Does the taxi driver ask you what
you’re wearing? Does the lady in the elevator have to have the
name of that divine new scent? No? Then back to the perfumery. I knew
Chanel’s Allure Sensuelle was for
me the first week I wore it everyone asked “what is that wonderful
scent?” |
| My mother, who proudly states she never fusses much with what she
calls "all these vain things", was driven to hunt down the
only fragrance that drew others to her for her scent alone. She too
wanted to hear the phrase, “you smell so good.” Her magic
scent was Fa. |
| Chanel has reissued some of their classic
scents that have been discontinued for decades. They are elegant,
I am after Gardenia Bois des Isles. If you
like a fresh scent perhaps the green chypre Les exclusives
de Chanel 31 rue de Cambon, named for her lavish apartment
and atelier is for you. |
| The trend is definitely towards softer, sexier more feminine fragrances,
but there are still many fresh citrus scents, if that is your style.
There are too many to list here: Chanel
, Guerlain, and Dior
have all launched soft new twists on old classics. That is a good
place to start if you want something new and stylish. Estee
Lauder does fabulous fragrances and always has something
new. |
| I have found my favorites through samples, trial and error, and
glorious experimentation. I find it curious that scents that lift
my spirits also seem to garner public approval. |
| Fragrance is balm, a signature, a safe seduction. Scent is my daily
indulgence. I wear it for myself. Right now, I am gloriously immersed
and inspired by Chanel No. 5. If you aren’t
gloriously scented, what are you waiting for? Break out the scent.
Be lavish with what you have on your deserving and grateful waiting
olfactory audience. Or go shop. There is a scent for you, maybe two.
Discover your scent signature: are you a Hermes
girl, or maybe a Fracas lady, or perhaps
a Chanel No.5 mademoiselle? You’ll
never know unless you spray, splash, and sashay. |
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| Magical mid-winter mini-break |
| Who says a mid-winter break has to take you to a sunny spot? Who
declared the only place to go is an island in the sun? There are lots
of delightful options for winter fun and perhaps the key word in mid-winter
break is - break. |
| Savvy and delightful Europeans have been onto the trend forever.
Do you remember the hilarious Alpine mini-break in Bridget Jones’s
Diary? It looked like lots of fun and - with all the cozy rooms and
fireplaces - was tres romantic in spite of her skiing mishap. |
Bridget was onto something. And, just back from Quebec
City, I can confirm a snowy break can be just the ticket
to mid-winter fun. I adore Quebec City and was there to celebrate
the end of the winter carnival and the city’s 400th anniversary.
I haven’t been there in ages and I was delighted that it’s
even more stunning than I remembered.
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An enormous mural captures the history
and Old World architecture of Quebec City.
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As one of the oldest cities in North America and a Unesco World
Heritage Site, Quebec City is a jewel. It’s a walled port city,
crowned with its own “castle” and blessed with cobbled
streets and a plethora of charming old buildings – many dating
back to the 17th century. This is the real deal, with charm that cannot
be duplicated by Disney or any theme park. The architecture alone
- preserved to the standards worthy of its world heritage designation
- is worth the price of a ticket. In addition, breathtaking woodlands
and rivers unsurpassed for natural beauty surround Vieux Quebec.
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Two of the gorgeous dogs used for dog
sledding near Quebec City.
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Adventurous types can camp, fish, ski, skate, snowshoe, snowmobile,
and even stay one of the world’s few ice hotels. If it is a
winter sport, be assured there will be a cheery and friendly guide
willing to take you out “into the nature.” Have no fear
darlings, if you are like me and less sporty, you can stick to the
picturesque and have a drink in the ice bar. You can also have a Dr.
Zhivago moment and be driven through pristine snows on a dogsled with
gorgeous huskies. If you are more of an Iditarod gal, they will even
teach you how to mush the team along. How romantic does that sound?
Well darlings, it was all fabulous and the people who handle it are
all just lovely. www.adventureinukshuk.qu.ca
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| As for me, I turned down an invitation to stay at the ice hotel
for a night and like Edith Piaf, Je ne regrette rien. It’s
lovely to look at; really stunning but not for this warm-blooded woman.
As they say in Quebec “a chacun son gout”. |
|
Enjoying a properly chilled libation
with lovely Juliette Sweda from Texas at the Ice Hotel in Quebec City.
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| All this richness aside, I came for the food. The province of Quebec
and Quebec City have one of the best food scenes in North America.
Artisanal cheese makers, game meats, and fabulous restaurants, they
have it all. If you are a foodie, get thee to the temple. The old
city has dozens of fine restaurants and many fun bars. You can find
all styles of cuisine there, but if you listen to me you will eat
the French cuisine. It is just too good to pass up. |
| Go the castle, otherwise known as the Fairmont Chateau
Frontenac and forget what you know about hotel food.
This hotel - which towers over and defines Quebec’s skyline
- has a great executive chef, Jean Soulard.
I had smoked salmon and a filet of beef with a wild mushroom sauce
that was quite simply perfect. The dessert rivaled any I have had
in New York, Toronto, or anywhere else, and darlings I have eaten,
seriously, almost around the world. It was decadent and original.
If you are there on Sunday, try the brunch at the Frontenac. The view
is divine and the brunch, scrumptious. |
| The best part of being in Quebec City is you don’t have to
eat at the ne plus ultra spots to eat well. Roam along the Grande
Allee or through the upper and lower parts of the old city, and take
your pick. The menus are posted and you will find fine food at prices
that are a bargain compared to other bigger cities. Choose the table
d‘hote - the fixed price menus. And try game meats - such as
elk, caribou, and boar. Quebec City’s restaurants have made
this a regional specialty. It is probably the only major destination
in North America where so many restaurants serve game. The chefs prepare
them so well. you’ll wonder why you never tried them before.
You can splash out every night on a feast that is the joy of this
gourmet ville and still not break the bank too badly. |
| One of my favourite things to do is to have breakfast in a bakery
café. My favourite is the Premiere Moisson Express,
located right below the Hilton Hotel, on the way to Rue St. Jean.
This busy little café is part of a small Quebec chain - its
name translates as “first harvest” - that uses the best
and freshest locally produced ingredients, such as Quebec-grown and
milled wheat. The croissants, Danish pastries, and quiche are delicious.
They offer sandwiches and beverages too. We tried them at Premiere
Moisson locations in Montréal too, and dream of them between
visits. |
Quebec City has many charms, but shopping is mostly of the novelty
variety, although local artisans and artists merit a look. Rue St
Jean is an old shopping street that houses the only shop on my must-do
list: Maison Jean-Alfred Moisan - one the
oldest grocers in North America. It is full of charm, and fabulous
things to buy, such as exotic teas, chocolate, Quebec-made pates,
and imported toilettes. A delight for the senses.
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Carnaval is fun for everyone
|
| The Carnaval de Quebec is over for this
year, but worth a visit next year. It happens every year in the first
two weeks of February. It’s perfect for a weekend of family
fun, with its colorful evening parades, city skating rink, ice palace,
sledding events, and the maple sugar shack. |
| Admission is a flat one-time $10 per person for the
carnival site and all its events. There are some incidental charges
for refreshments and skate rentals, but that’s it. It’s
truly affordable given the exorbitant prices at many theme parks.
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www.carnaval.qc.ca
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| As a warm-weather loving person I can tell you Quebec is delightful
in the summer - not to mention spring and autumn. This year, there
will be lots of special events, especially in July, to celebrate the
city’s 400th anniversary. If you plan to visit, book soon; rooms
are still available, but they’re going fast. There will be plenty
to do with concerts, special exhibits, and attractions. www.MyQuebec2008.com
and www.quebecregion.com |
| The main attraction for me will always be the city itself and its
people. It is impossible to get lost in Quebec. If you stop or hesitate,
someone will help, often before you ask. Quebec City’s residents
are, for the most part, warm, welcoming, and delightful. The Canadian
dollar and the euro may be thru the roof for Americans, but you can
still have a magical mini-break with a French flair. So darlings,
are you packing? |
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free weekly email newsletter? Help us grow; sign-up
today, and forward
to your friends. Because life should be sweet. |
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| Helpful Addresses, websites,
and info: |
Getting to Quebec City: Continental Airways has daily flights from
Newark, New Jersey. It’s an easy two-and-a-half hour drive from
Montreal, and is within a six- to eight-hour driving distance from
most northeastern states. Or try the Via Rail trains from Montréal
or Toronto and points east. www.viarail.ca
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One of the beds at the
Ice Hotel. Lovely to look at, but too cold for me to linger on.
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| DolceDolce Travel Tip |
Airlines can destroy your luggage and then not cover it at all.
They actually do not cover damage to wheels or handles. The mind boggles.
I always travel with a policy from American Express
for about $11 per trip, for loss and late luggage. It’s called
the Global Travel Shield. It covers things
all the airlines don’t, and let’s you replace it up to
$500 when your luggage is delayed for three hours or more. I call
it my peace of mind policy.
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My favourite Quebec City digs, the castle
at the top of the hill, otherwise known as the Chateau Frontenac.
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| Fairmont Chateau Frontenac: The most elegant
hotel in the city. Some rooms are small and funky, but there has been
constant renovation. Specify the type of room you want. Be charming
if there’s a problem and they will be charming right back! Remember
darlings, the U.S. presidents have stayed there and not for naught.
www.fairmont.com/Frontenac
|
Hotel Dominion 1912: The hottest new luxury
boutique hotel by the St. Germain chain. It features fine linens and
service. There’s no restaurant, but it is adjacent to many fine
and casual dining establishments. Very modern style and atmosphere
- a hipster hang-out. Personally, if you like modern boutique hotels,
this is for you. www.hoteldominion.com
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| Don’t go green |
| with red carpet envy |
| You don’t have to lust after all the pretty things you see
on the red carpet. Thanks to L’Oreal Paris,
you can have your own Red Carpet Red Lips in their popular Infallible
Never Fail Lipcolour, in celebration of the 80th Annual
Academy Awards. It’s a perfect, never-fade red that looks big
screen perfect on almost everyone. Gorgeous on you and in your handbag
- how fabulous is that for under $15? |
| The sweet antioxidant |
Do you love chocolate? Some people claim not to, but
that’s hard to fathom. Chocolate is sweet, rich, and almost
drug-like in its power to soothe and entice. Now we hear it’s
actually good for us. How fabulous is that? The news that chocolate
is full of antioxidants and other good stuff was almost too good to
be true. In careful portions, it’s even an effective diet aid.
What could be better?
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|
How about really delicious organic chocolate? Lake Champlain Chocolate
Organic Chocolate Bars are out-of-this-world fabulous. The flavours
give even the jaded chocolate cognoscenti a treat: Milk chocolate
with Sea Salt and Dark Spicy Aztec Chocolate were just two flavours
that left us wanting more! You can order a sampler of all 4 bars for
$9.50 U.S. The bars are $2.50 each. www.lakechamplainchocolates.com
|
| Crepes:
an easy treat |
| with Quebec flair |
| Crepes with warm maple syrup and butter are a regular breakfast
treat in Quebec City. I adore them. They are fast and easy to make,
and don’t require fancy ingredients. Once you get used to making
them, you’ll find they’re a snap, and a simple way to
delight your friends and family. |
| As I am not a breakfast person, I prefer them filled with cheese
and ham for a simple supper or late night party snack. Also, I have
a fancy crepe maker and never use it. Basic recipe |
| 2 large eggs |
| 3 tbsp. melted butter |
| 1 cup of milk |
| 1 cup 2 tbsp. flour |
| 1 tbsp. sugar |
| ¼ cup of water |
| dash of salt |
| Melted butter for frying pans - about 2 tbsp. |
| Mix the batter in a blender or food processor or use a hand blender,
until very smooth. Then place it in the fridge for at least a half
hour. If you’d like it for breakfast, you can do it the night
before and leave it. The flour relaxes and makes a more tender crepe.
Using a blender brings in air and takes out all the small lumps. It
is the way I learned, it and it works very well. |
| Cook the crêpes in a shallow non stick omelet or frying pan.
Have sheets of wax paper ready to use to stack them. I tear them ahead. |
| Heat your pan to med-hot and coat with melted butter. Spread with
a thin coating of batter - about a small ladle-full or about a quarter
of a cup. Tilt the pan to spread the batter. Cook a few minutes till
you see small bubbles and then flip. Cook until both sides are lightly
brown. It is not unusual to toss the first crepe in the garbage. |
| Keep the crepes stacked with wax paper in a warm oven. Serve with
more butter and warm maple syrup and some fruit. This is very popular
in Quebec. Or try them with cream and berries or flamed, or simmer
lightly with orange liquor for Crepes Suzette.
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These crepes are also good filled with grated Swiss or smoked Gouda
and shaved or black forest ham. Fold the warm crêpe into quarters,
top with more grated cheese. Some people like a dab of sharp mustard,
too.
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A visit from Bonhomme the official Carnaval
mascot.
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| So darlings I hope you can fit a mini-break in your busy schedules,
we all need some fun. All the things we do to make life sweet are
important; they rev our engines, recharge our souls, and according
to all the experts I talk to, mend our cells. So my darlings, live
a healthful life in motion, but also live in beautiful scents and
take some time to share sweet things with dear friends! |
| Until next week please sign-up
if you haven’t; DolceDolce is are free
and forward
us to all your friends. . |
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| Gracey Hitchcock |
| Editor |
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