tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48401802769386240092024-03-19T17:21:56.763+08:00halfwhiteboyfashion, fragrances, food, travel, and mehalfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.comBlogger2030125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-8478663619111598732024-01-28T15:18:00.001+08:002024-01-28T15:18:56.276+08:00FRAGRANCE | Roasted Green Tea EDP by J-Scent is exactly what it says it is<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53491454357/in/album-72177720314282927/" title="halfwhiteboy - J-Scent Roasted Green Tea EDP 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - J-Scent Roasted Green Tea EDP 01" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53491454357_2f09f93063_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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The name says it all. <b>J-Scent Roasted Green Tea</b> smells exactly just
like what it says on the label: roasted green tea. The first time I tried it,
I smiled. Even though I'm primarily a coffee person, I do appreciate good tea
as well. The smell instantly brought me back to that moment when we were
having matcha at a Japanese traditional-style tea house in the middle of
<b>Hamarikyu Gardens </b>in Tokyo. The fragrance is such a delight to take in
and of course, wear. <span><a name='more'></a></span>
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Although the crystal-clear liquid doesn't visually carry any hint of green at
all, its smell is a very realistic interpretation of matcha. That familiar
bitterness you get from roasted green tea is evident, here given a pleasant,
olfactive do-over with a creamy, powdery top and a bright, minty accent. The
creaminess is very measured, which is why the green tea remains light and
refreshing, contrasted beautifully by that burnt, nutty taste.
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53492766485/in/album-72177720314282927/" title="halfwhiteboy - J-Scent Roasted Green Tea EDP 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - J-Scent Roasted Green Tea EDP 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53492766485_0b9688c18a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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In no time, the scent also develops an underlying, mild, vanillic sweetness.
It's just about right to add depth to the composition, so the fragrance never
loses its matcha character. It's a perfectly unisex scent that's light enough
for warm days.
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Despite its eau de parfum concentration, <b>J-Scent Roasted Green Tea</b>'s
projection is on the soft side. It certainly won't fill a room but it's enough
for someone next to you to notice it and likely compliment you. Longevity is
likewise about average, so you'll surely have to resort to resprays to get you
through the day. Still, I love the scent so much that I'm willing to look past
its performance issues. While it seems like a safe blind buy, I still suggest
trying it before committing to a bottle.
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halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-13343548888361036562024-01-24T12:32:00.001+08:002024-01-24T15:23:30.080+08:00FRAGRANCE | Continuum [12:00 GMT] EDP by Tumi: Not unique but still a well-executed, masculine fragrance nonetheless<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53484062688/in/album-72177720314282927/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tumi Continuum EDP 01"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53484062688_9d98f97e8d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="halfwhiteboy - Tumi Continuum EDP 01"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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I never would have thought <b>Tumi</b>, maker of high-quality bags and
luggage, had a line of fragrances until I was given a 30ml bottle of
<b>Continuum [12:00 GMT]</b>. The presentation, while straightforward, is both
elegant and rugged at the same time; very masculine in appeal. I also love how
its black and brown color scheme echoes that of my Tumi laptop bag, which only
added to my immediate fondness for it.<span><a name='more'></a></span>
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But did that instant fondness extend to the scent? Well, it sure as hell did!
As with its presentation, Continuum is likewise characteristically masculine
in scent, with a fairly dark vibe to boot. And I love dark, so Tumi had me
there already.
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53483926231/in/album-72177720314282927/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tumi Continuum EDP 02"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53483926231_bebbb18e19_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Tumi Continuum EDP 02"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Deliciously dark and dry tobacco and leather mark the scent at the onset,
accompanied by an incense-y sweetness and a mild citrus accent. The incense
here is not the airy kind but rather full and on the heavy side, lending the
tobacco and leather some needed moisture to round the scent out. There's also
something sweet and sour-ish going on, perhaps from oud. It offers nary
anything distinct in terms of progression, with everything just swirling
together and projecting this wonderful aroma. Over time, however, the citrus
expectedly fades while the scent becomes less sour and less sweet, leaving the
tobacco much more prominent.
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Admittedly, it's nothing unique or groundbreaking, as these accords have been
done time and again. Still, while there are facets of this creation that echo
the likes of
<b
><a
href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/06/fragrance-tobacco-oud-edp-by-tom-ford.html"
target="_blank"
>Tom Ford Tobacco Oud</a
></b
>,
<b
><a
href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2016/02/fragrance-burberry-london-probably-my.html"
target="_blank"
>Burberry London</a
></b
>, and a few others, Continuum is by no means a replica of any of these. It
remains its own scent, however reminiscent it or any of its accords are of
other fragrances before it.
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<b>Tumi Continuum [12:00 GMT] </b>leans formal or office and because
of its scent profile, works better for cold than warm settings. Projection is
generally moderate but prefers to sit close to the skin after around the two
or three-hour mark, although some activity or heat will afford you random
whiffs of it throughout the day. All in all, I'm happy with it.
</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-56587398274568126312024-01-16T12:57:00.001+08:002024-01-16T13:04:24.461+08:00LOOKBOOK | Scrambling in Shibuya<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53467351464/in/album-72177720314091927/" title="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53467351464_1386d4aac0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<div>Ah yes, everyone's scrambling at the <b>Shibuya Scramble Crossing</b>, some even with selfie sticks in tow. Looking back, though, I can't believe I wore these bulky and very heavy, <b>square-toe leather shoes</b> from <b>Marsèll</b>—to a place where a lot of walking is expected. And I kid you not when I say they're heavy. But then I just love the way they look, not to mention that they add an inch or two to my height. Nevertheless, I managed with no blisters whatsoever; just tired legs and feet.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't worn these <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/06/lookbook-wider-better.html" target="_blank">rust brown wide-leg pants</a></b> in a while, so I thought its relaxed cut would go well with the bulky shoes. Paired it with a sweater in a complementing color scheme, and topped with a <b>navy coat</b> for whenever I'm outside. Wonderful time if you ask me.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53466124547/in/album-72177720314091927/" title="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53466124547_7b08d4cc59_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53467351429/in/album-72177720314091927/" title="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53467351429_2e2b47679d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53467453775/in/album-72177720314091927/" title="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 04"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - rust brown wide-leg pants, navy coat, and square-toe leather shoes 04" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53467453775_00842a56a0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<div>How about you, would you dare go walking around Tokyo in such heavy shoes as mine?</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-43119389244943430432023-12-15T12:35:00.001+08:002023-12-15T13:21:26.695+08:00LOOKBOOK | A walk in the park<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53396929654/in/album-72177720313362762/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396929654_29d3d9d3cf_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<div>I'm back in the tropics and naturally, I miss the cold autumn air of Tokyo. Here I was in <b>Hama-rikyu Gardens</b> for an afternoon leisurely stroll with my wife. Wore a <b>mustard pullover</b> and gray joggers, <b>teal blue oversized coat</b> in tow.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53396804378/in/album-72177720313362762/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396804378_0bbf0f088b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<div>While the cold was tolerable, eventually I decided to put my coat on because I got tired of lugging it around. It was quite heavy actually. My footwear choice proved right, though, as we weren't treading on concrete pathways at all.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53396804388/in/album-72177720313362762/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396804388_6865fc3450_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53396616921/in/album-72177720313362762/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 04"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 04" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396616921_b9b5af4843_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53396616926/in/album-72177720313362762/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 05"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 05" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396616926_94588d81bd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53396929604/in/album-72177720313362762/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 06"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard pullover and teal blue coat 06" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53396929604_69a6064f46_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<div>10,000 steps target achieved!</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-83983383230902451212023-12-14T12:18:00.001+08:002023-12-14T12:18:26.082+08:00LOOKBOOK | Military illusion<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53219190231/in/album-72177720311131166/" title="halfwhiteboy - Green and black outfit, abstract watercolor print pants 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Green and black outfit, abstract watercolor print pants 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53219190231_0b55973a12_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<div>At first glance, my pants may easily be mistaken for camo pants. They're not. It's some kind of abstract watercolor print I couldn't quite make out. Taking off from its green and black hues, I paired it with, well, green and black pieces.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53219192001/in/album-72177720311131166/" title="halfwhiteboy - Green and black outfit, abstract watercolor print pants 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Green and black outfit, abstract watercolor print pants 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53219192001_bdd6e266b0_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53219702315/in/album-72177720311131166/" title="halfwhiteboy - Green and black outfit, abstract watercolor print pants 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Green and black outfit, abstract watercolor print pants 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53219702315_461c9275a4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<div>And that's about it. Ciao!</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-45523802372529036372023-10-31T23:26:00.001+08:002023-10-31T23:26:54.480+08:00LOOKBOOK | Fangs out for Halloween 2023<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXM2na4pt9bbJ1er0Hm7M33zFrofRTL1jkmA_t7nO8pE3bBpmox7DNbBelGErY4fu1PftXOsrzU2WGlGGEESQLIKJXuqVAvMqr747OAOoEV8EKptz_vneDGWlG2rPAacEEZrYxnlrh2jHBbi2FBOol9FYkn_IlMG8K_kWvTCyR45CkP1BSCDopHYDgmw/s3808/Picsart_23-10-31_21-58-34-509.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3808" data-original-width="2856" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXM2na4pt9bbJ1er0Hm7M33zFrofRTL1jkmA_t7nO8pE3bBpmox7DNbBelGErY4fu1PftXOsrzU2WGlGGEESQLIKJXuqVAvMqr747OAOoEV8EKptz_vneDGWlG2rPAacEEZrYxnlrh2jHBbi2FBOol9FYkn_IlMG8K_kWvTCyR45CkP1BSCDopHYDgmw/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_21-58-34-509.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bride of Dracula and, er, Dracula. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Even when we got no parties to attend, we do dress up for <b>Halloween</b>—most Halloweens at least. This year we decided on <b>Dracula</b>, with me taking on the horror icon and my wife as <b>Dracula's bride</b>. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>So what to wear? We went with Amazon and enjoyed free delivery to the Philippines. My wife found this coat with built-in vest and I was immediately on board. The material is velvet and I must say that I'm really digging the embroidery here. So fancy! Quality's pretty good, too. All else—shirt, bow tie, pants—are from my closet. She also found something for her but for some unfortunate reason, they canceled her order. It was Lazada to the rescue then. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also got these 20-piece "floating" candle set from Amazon to set the mood at home. Although it's very Hogwarts Great Hall (especially with the wand remote control), I believe there's a scene in Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula movie where the vampire is seen amid a sea of candles (in hindsight, not sure if they were floating, though), so this still fits veey much into our theme.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78vEgLOedcn2xqrCq3G1MNjdrDpcEwWXdZEYIypK3tPfXq05q31nTqRwAoFhUbPjyOAcKRfOwVIQiTKAQq3sTdwcNYs9TfUVSwaIB739-UKI7MUMA_jke5T01RSzrlxWzsxCrpozR89KhyFSE1o1OjDWEllaVMi9tteoHeLf9-giAIkm7Y0jDsf8dSnU/s3636/Picsart_23-10-31_22-03-42-230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3636" data-original-width="2727" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78vEgLOedcn2xqrCq3G1MNjdrDpcEwWXdZEYIypK3tPfXq05q31nTqRwAoFhUbPjyOAcKRfOwVIQiTKAQq3sTdwcNYs9TfUVSwaIB739-UKI7MUMA_jke5T01RSzrlxWzsxCrpozR89KhyFSE1o1OjDWEllaVMi9tteoHeLf9-giAIkm7Y0jDsf8dSnU/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-03-42-230.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, no, no, this ain't Hogwarts, kid. In case you're unaware, I bite. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I also needed fangs of course and I wanted something a cut above the usual, cheap plastic kids use. Again, thank you, Amazon, because we found these fairly realistic and good quality ones. Housed in a coffin-shaped plastic box (so cute!), the pair of fangs came with an adhesive set that you'll be mixing to fill into each fang's cavity before fitting it over your incisor. I kind of effed the process up but thankfully I still managed to salvage the whole thing. Somehow. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYBw94E-3ShIyLYcKCX2_Eqqfcv59UYp0p63zeoRt1zjRR5E40odMXE3GQ3rPyuAzljLKp528LywDQdWF8UZ1WhrqHHnA3blWd3eMlYIhqTOv82SgF7cDLtwRYxGVcHjZuXJ7N2FFEqR1mLBvybd7MMXzAuVV466XPCj1C92wQoPqOo7YuHAuviM046I/s3935/Picsart_23-10-31_22-07-12-868.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3935" data-original-width="2951" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYBw94E-3ShIyLYcKCX2_Eqqfcv59UYp0p63zeoRt1zjRR5E40odMXE3GQ3rPyuAzljLKp528LywDQdWF8UZ1WhrqHHnA3blWd3eMlYIhqTOv82SgF7cDLtwRYxGVcHjZuXJ7N2FFEqR1mLBvybd7MMXzAuVV466XPCj1C92wQoPqOo7YuHAuviM046I/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-07-12-868.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Dracula has an uneven bite. No dentist would see him, though. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And so there we had another happy Halloween at home. As much as we wanted to also dress our cats up, doing so with eleven of them is downright impossible. But at least we got two of them in costumes. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNKlHmRcEGCk8sEiHfdbdv7yrSWCphIr0DaEWj96XtfOEzocmabES3SUqSmqcXztME9Eqmf1E-9Uzy3IZpcHUr5ZWNbiGXcfTqr0ThuIZ-75EsU-pI1Ao7Fek3An7Tg2AHlkZZqruLONe2BHGdaP-rozs-tDOFRFfioLVEZIvFSU0ZHHHuioc8C8IxDE/s3634/Picsart_23-10-31_22-03-07-883.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3634" data-original-width="2725" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNKlHmRcEGCk8sEiHfdbdv7yrSWCphIr0DaEWj96XtfOEzocmabES3SUqSmqcXztME9Eqmf1E-9Uzy3IZpcHUr5ZWNbiGXcfTqr0ThuIZ-75EsU-pI1Ao7Fek3An7Tg2AHlkZZqruLONe2BHGdaP-rozs-tDOFRFfioLVEZIvFSU0ZHHHuioc8C8IxDE/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-03-07-883.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dracula posing for a portrait. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_zIERy2iiVxHT8ZQFGN9Mij-D2GosJkwp6QgkOaRVE1Z4GWo4qs6IXC8oeqlkuOxzeaz1lc7mh_kyME9HQ2eqGqkU2T4rnqypMLh15ZPF98hnAuPYANroaE28Tci6CsLfOgpJaaPCnI8yydkDti5_PfdXUyVSchKHlEGKCMKTh46h1w-Fo9pFPFxu_c/s3728/Picsart_23-10-31_21-59-32-061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3728" data-original-width="2796" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_zIERy2iiVxHT8ZQFGN9Mij-D2GosJkwp6QgkOaRVE1Z4GWo4qs6IXC8oeqlkuOxzeaz1lc7mh_kyME9HQ2eqGqkU2T4rnqypMLh15ZPF98hnAuPYANroaE28Tci6CsLfOgpJaaPCnI8yydkDti5_PfdXUyVSchKHlEGKCMKTh46h1w-Fo9pFPFxu_c/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_21-59-32-061.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do we look?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaGOIB_Bhx869g8vQhlAN4i-F_YkNVdrGAbt4bKhLZAK_cwvf65ADuriZEmTMKrLYXHm5wr8E3wG-pxPq2c4j9O-bhx5CVakVTIMpr4igx6ySyUXCWhsYocsXACSS6DlsYB-biKnC8be_Ptaxi0J2u1D7ERfc09CZqKXibbc0fvSJfVFV1enbVM_BDyY/s3916/Picsart_23-10-31_22-05-44-996.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3916" data-original-width="2937" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaGOIB_Bhx869g8vQhlAN4i-F_YkNVdrGAbt4bKhLZAK_cwvf65ADuriZEmTMKrLYXHm5wr8E3wG-pxPq2c4j9O-bhx5CVakVTIMpr4igx6ySyUXCWhsYocsXACSS6DlsYB-biKnC8be_Ptaxi0J2u1D7ERfc09CZqKXibbc0fvSJfVFV1enbVM_BDyY/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-05-44-996.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Count Dracula and Count Catula. I swear it's a cape and not a poinsettia. So hard to get these furbabies to pose for photos. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzC_mfMkXc1dNwJiLNuoCzw_b07Bat5I_fynBcwjKNcrq1R-uxSwPKC2IdhMso-oGd3iZ512R4HTTG1rEEljSUgSN1xbe_YXG7TFChANW_XeT4ZIfBNgA3aG4PGJNC0x2WroGSbMbwe__xInSN1PdHk4ORyCk6LpShsMnu8gLFvLrTc4GxDGW6a5BNnMM/s3484/Picsart_23-10-31_22-00-58-815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3484" data-original-width="2613" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzC_mfMkXc1dNwJiLNuoCzw_b07Bat5I_fynBcwjKNcrq1R-uxSwPKC2IdhMso-oGd3iZ512R4HTTG1rEEljSUgSN1xbe_YXG7TFChANW_XeT4ZIfBNgA3aG4PGJNC0x2WroGSbMbwe__xInSN1PdHk4ORyCk6LpShsMnu8gLFvLrTc4GxDGW6a5BNnMM/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-00-58-815.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you it's a cape. Count Catula and his lovely mom. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDY3QmSmkJ_3qtltUzxfNAesTsCvTMnGmMSN3QzNFonm3I4drAovvrYDJb-glCJyHAn_oHPVhHMBX6KGHTMMzoVfCbCNlN3835qFMW8bwbpCdfunh7VOJbWbHJBAw44JYYGvbS5lqSfqcXjs4lw8oUl-0ditA6If_BSdb_106ycAD-v84kJf6e9zY6Bs/s3944/Picsart_23-10-31_22-06-30-682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3944" data-original-width="2958" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDY3QmSmkJ_3qtltUzxfNAesTsCvTMnGmMSN3QzNFonm3I4drAovvrYDJb-glCJyHAn_oHPVhHMBX6KGHTMMzoVfCbCNlN3835qFMW8bwbpCdfunh7VOJbWbHJBAw44JYYGvbS5lqSfqcXjs4lw8oUl-0ditA6If_BSdb_106ycAD-v84kJf6e9zY6Bs/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-06-30-682.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gru was enjoying his bat wings, though. He wore it the whole night with no intention of taking it off at all. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78z32tuSCs651BcUPKGNYoT8yRpiYoJ2HsBLzpr89JzG8gZR8pd-A44UOg3nZb-IGyPhU-3PsdGcXfL3liKbXh2Ib2yL11KWgtVyR04D0WPdgdgBo38u5H6Yu_hqlYi18E4r2MAvJsgvlcpLorLCBjPw6OMenFJ9V3RGE6ONzB6cgjf8XGOoxfbFh19g/s3780/Picsart_23-10-31_22-01-43-745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="2835" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78z32tuSCs651BcUPKGNYoT8yRpiYoJ2HsBLzpr89JzG8gZR8pd-A44UOg3nZb-IGyPhU-3PsdGcXfL3liKbXh2Ib2yL11KWgtVyR04D0WPdgdgBo38u5H6Yu_hqlYi18E4r2MAvJsgvlcpLorLCBjPw6OMenFJ9V3RGE6ONzB6cgjf8XGOoxfbFh19g/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_22-01-43-745.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Till next year! </div><div><br /></div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-53261393646853627972023-10-28T19:29:00.020+08:002023-11-02T15:08:22.144+08:00EVENTS | Halloween 2023: Inside Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory<div><i><b>Updated with photos and tidbits, Nov. 1, 2023</b></i></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqjq1rxX-rrL6PSlfnAOL2X3NBBHG0IO77iSjv35BKcjFwXSaT9xwaNXccQgQ9edWLJlMGiUXWR0PgAFejzvo0-aKyomy43plBofRIBVYRknqs0vwOQcwY59_kRa-AmxrKjeHPB7dNNz8xvogoQ4q1UVUnA2pwnlzBEKOrsV0ZUeULsBX3H6JF9e68pk/s3999/Picsart_23-10-31_13-00-17-544.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3999" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqjq1rxX-rrL6PSlfnAOL2X3NBBHG0IO77iSjv35BKcjFwXSaT9xwaNXccQgQ9edWLJlMGiUXWR0PgAFejzvo0-aKyomy43plBofRIBVYRknqs0vwOQcwY59_kRa-AmxrKjeHPB7dNNz8xvogoQ4q1UVUnA2pwnlzBEKOrsV0ZUeULsBX3H6JF9e68pk/w640-h480/Picsart_23-10-31_13-00-17-544.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It's been years since we last decorated our office for Halloween. Although our company continuously held office decorating contests up until the pandemic, it was in 2018 when we last joined (and won!) with our <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2018/10/lookbook-halloween-2018-betrayus-is-my.html" target="_blank">Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures Halloween office decor</a></b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now the annual contest is back and they've expanded it to multiple office locations. We've since moved to a new office and despite everyone being very busy with work, we still managed to execute our <b>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Halloween office decor theme</b>. Here's a quick, albeit shaky, tour.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0qlVCpYGg_U?si=jTvzVyG0WHwRZ0Z0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><strike>I'll update this post with photos and more tidbits soon. Meanwhile, Happy Halloween!</strike><div><br /></div><div>I set out which parts of our office we were decorating, one that wasn't too big to cover and one that facilitated a single traffic flow. As in the past, we divided the area into sections after the movie, each with its own activities for kids where they earn candies. We also made use of recycled materials from old newspaper and boxes to used plastic bottles and whatnot. Somehow, we did it despite cramming everything into just a day or two. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Chocolate Garden</b></span> </div><div>This was where <b>Willy Wonka</b> and the <b>Oompa Loompas</b> treated visitors to a dance number as a way of welcoming them to the factory. And of course we had an arch, fashioned out of boxes, newspaper, and whatever else we could find in our stockroom. I know we didn't quite nail the chocolate waterfall but we did what we could with brown cloth and an electric fan blowing behind it. Perhaps if work didn't get in the way of Halloween fun. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMK8El3LMO8tnxv7-R8ZBxVq8jMyCP3i7LBitP4fpBmsPz5a9cXqgoXEofOnYWeSD75kCRK_rrqpn6RBRCcEA6s0cn0yCkhrAAQZNaKsqD_Slngy7YY5NSXLcuEcd1gtIJOZT8dclcu7_j69Sg70uG1KziGHOoG59BCQLm-8pwCft3N5j0Kq7oBLOrRA/s3968/Picsart_23-10-31_13-01-43-145.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2976" data-original-width="3968" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMK8El3LMO8tnxv7-R8ZBxVq8jMyCP3i7LBitP4fpBmsPz5a9cXqgoXEofOnYWeSD75kCRK_rrqpn6RBRCcEA6s0cn0yCkhrAAQZNaKsqD_Slngy7YY5NSXLcuEcd1gtIJOZT8dclcu7_j69Sg70uG1KziGHOoG59BCQLm-8pwCft3N5j0Kq7oBLOrRA/w640-h480/Picsart_23-10-31_13-01-43-145.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not just a garden, as it sure looks like a jungle in here. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJHasTKhL0SizeL89ofLQn3fXCdfT4Nds4WTeXfdmq_fvLybdW_LXNk0QjWuH1s_GCMLFwGjrV1RAZfQw8KjFBp5uAVOUx-rNvIco-FRuwshE4PxsWF_4L1Ee1xGxX60_4N8uqnDj90XT_xkQVJgfpyshvDsazWnwfm4rD7tR7VwqhxBXbzv7bVMG-Cs/s3730/Picsart_23-10-31_13-02-56-007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3730" data-original-width="2797" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJHasTKhL0SizeL89ofLQn3fXCdfT4Nds4WTeXfdmq_fvLybdW_LXNk0QjWuH1s_GCMLFwGjrV1RAZfQw8KjFBp5uAVOUx-rNvIco-FRuwshE4PxsWF_4L1Ee1xGxX60_4N8uqnDj90XT_xkQVJgfpyshvDsazWnwfm4rD7tR7VwqhxBXbzv7bVMG-Cs/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_13-02-56-007.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy canes made out of rolled newspaper and crepe paper, with a <i>walis ting-ting</i> (broom) as support </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbtNy2vNMCfFrfGSSU5jTwRlMHRmIuM3c6rnAF_nk-C8WzZD29Ej1BwXXJI1CMRDcitwEsYxCSFGee0GdZYTiLn4XKsArHAUEVwRsyfbKSxy7iBJjxUBWnIof_aSo-LIIN26hTH7I97mUYjs852JyZNXvqc5EqM3C1Yyvd7tFUl1d1r2eW4Jd6BUa1Nc/s3665/Picsart_23-10-31_13-04-31-254.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3665" data-original-width="2749" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbtNy2vNMCfFrfGSSU5jTwRlMHRmIuM3c6rnAF_nk-C8WzZD29Ej1BwXXJI1CMRDcitwEsYxCSFGee0GdZYTiLn4XKsArHAUEVwRsyfbKSxy7iBJjxUBWnIof_aSo-LIIN26hTH7I97mUYjs852JyZNXvqc5EqM3C1Yyvd7tFUl1d1r2eW4Jd6BUa1Nc/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_13-04-31-254.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used umbrellas for our oversized mushroom candies, fluffed with newspaper, covered in crepe paper, and topped with used paper cups. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Inventing Room</b></span></div><div>This is where all the good stuff gets made, tested, and perfected before they're sold commercially. Call it the factory's R&D lab, if you may. Cardboards, plastic bottles, balls, deflated clappers, flasks, and what-have-you were employed in making this room come to life. Here the kids got to experiment with mixing colors and even "making" their own candy. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvej3DMm3zCs1syhXIuBJtROxlhRxhyphenhyphenWpPMEAEJA4dg2cBG354J4C1F7frmUAf3eaP2aRLkiOomTzhI2UWtWjLaraYiiXcDHXg-yUJmFSvtS_3nzYxzgnzkMbo57WpbgdpFlcB81zuLhxY0gLqxiWhqzKbLwh3khX72gWyCKQgldXcQxfn7puL-TEah8/s3916/Picsart_23-10-31_13-05-33-968.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2937" data-original-width="3916" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvej3DMm3zCs1syhXIuBJtROxlhRxhyphenhyphenWpPMEAEJA4dg2cBG354J4C1F7frmUAf3eaP2aRLkiOomTzhI2UWtWjLaraYiiXcDHXg-yUJmFSvtS_3nzYxzgnzkMbo57WpbgdpFlcB81zuLhxY0gLqxiWhqzKbLwh3khX72gWyCKQgldXcQxfn7puL-TEah8/w640-h480/Picsart_23-10-31_13-05-33-968.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Inventing Room.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsImgLEJUoP_I9_siki2xvnhkpvF9ZKRGmNs31YOs8jFDdfvRv_hrAzJGV3K9Wt9tzS80Dfu0P7xR2vknTRi66iA1AnX_yg3srkaDm31PIzszMBJHNqo370rqzSVVMafTK6ngXGHgkAR0IISU5fBeupL3sT0DiTjC5lz6EfGsoi5ZfzrAn15GDmQoMepA/s3786/Picsart_23-10-31_13-06-32-216.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3786" data-original-width="2839" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsImgLEJUoP_I9_siki2xvnhkpvF9ZKRGmNs31YOs8jFDdfvRv_hrAzJGV3K9Wt9tzS80Dfu0P7xR2vknTRi66iA1AnX_yg3srkaDm31PIzszMBJHNqo370rqzSVVMafTK6ngXGHgkAR0IISU5fBeupL3sT0DiTjC5lz6EfGsoi5ZfzrAn15GDmQoMepA/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_13-06-32-216.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just pull the lever, and out come your candy. Amazing, right? </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Nut Sorting Room</b></span></div><div>Unlike in the movie, we didn't have to throw any kid down the garbage chute. We borrowed a tarp and painted a swirling design on it. Kids got to play with makeshift board games fashioned out of pizza and spaghetti boxes, paper straw, etc. The squirrels here were gigantic, though. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RIqYxtjv-2M_0m-QCRGoisf4m5Qu9buYkuyW_jvaAyBGurmanhNGGHwK5UyScLVxBsPZJ4ZtG8G8DKEKagOB2rkuVPCO3VW-ZaQdH_wZqMuz5VjvpeO00sbnhDvN2LCXL63JVURzB28G9BHAuxOOpF9ka-0XUHbTTflConUtA5M3O27A8tkqwhTRQ2k/s3757/Picsart_23-10-31_13-07-35-008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2818" data-original-width="3757" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RIqYxtjv-2M_0m-QCRGoisf4m5Qu9buYkuyW_jvaAyBGurmanhNGGHwK5UyScLVxBsPZJ4ZtG8G8DKEKagOB2rkuVPCO3VW-ZaQdH_wZqMuz5VjvpeO00sbnhDvN2LCXL63JVURzB28G9BHAuxOOpF9ka-0XUHbTTflConUtA5M3O27A8tkqwhTRQ2k/w640-h480/Picsart_23-10-31_13-07-35-008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No squirrels were harmed in the making of this attraction. In fact, they all seemed to have run away to go trick or treating at the other floors. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Television Room</span></b></div><div>In the movie, this room was where they were still perfecting an experiment about transmitting chocolate to customers through their TV sets. Let's just say that a naughty kid was unwittingly shrunk and could not be restored to his original size. Now we don't want that happening here, now do we? Besides, everything sounds so complicated. Decked in white cloth and white paper, with plastic water gallons for cameras, we made this room our photo booth then. Photos were uploaded to a shared drive that they can access via a QR code. Neat, huh? </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbis7DxgwS7RjTmax8t-1aUp1u740Y_G_d_mRbUeFxKUoLGzDBG276klJoaoHFfPM_QjtvnpfR3g1q3-N1LvVHcpIZ-uXv399yGyuywH5zuUXoLN9Fl7ZKbz628qEBc0ELCVKPMNMyrk7tFZyO3MnUwOkkHnlVrg-EokfxLSXy2NzXsEKtXgeqw5OuLcc/s3849/Picsart_23-10-31_13-09-30-401.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2887" data-original-width="3849" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbis7DxgwS7RjTmax8t-1aUp1u740Y_G_d_mRbUeFxKUoLGzDBG276klJoaoHFfPM_QjtvnpfR3g1q3-N1LvVHcpIZ-uXv399yGyuywH5zuUXoLN9Fl7ZKbz628qEBc0ELCVKPMNMyrk7tFZyO3MnUwOkkHnlVrg-EokfxLSXy2NzXsEKtXgeqw5OuLcc/w640-h480/Picsart_23-10-31_13-09-30-401.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The all-white (well, almost) Television Room. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Great Glass Elevator</span></b> </div><div>Although we never really made it fly like in the movie, we did our own version of this flying elevator anyway, using pandemic-era acrylic sneeze guards and recycled plastic. In the film, Willy Wonka and Charlie took off in this elevator and crashed into Charlie's house. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tgOCAs63BR38n4Hy6vpXQkrrBZBHiOBUU_szX9DebehU4avVxZoZIY2pGLzO0bAKaoXvprhWPcA-qkTWcXyNuteSboqnBjAd_P58EPtGEEaPgsZeWdcBsyI1_2iSNcWbHpsC15LqdwFJt1nWqeyI3fVixzGMDyPSAaeLpaFdnF788nxutNEpq0nj8vw/s3872/Picsart_23-10-31_13-10-12-576.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3872" data-original-width="2904" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tgOCAs63BR38n4Hy6vpXQkrrBZBHiOBUU_szX9DebehU4avVxZoZIY2pGLzO0bAKaoXvprhWPcA-qkTWcXyNuteSboqnBjAd_P58EPtGEEaPgsZeWdcBsyI1_2iSNcWbHpsC15LqdwFJt1nWqeyI3fVixzGMDyPSAaeLpaFdnF788nxutNEpq0nj8vw/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_13-10-12-576.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We jokingly call it a couple's shower room. Look at the plastic bottle engine above, though. Yes, this piece was a labor of love. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Inside Charlie's Home</b></span></div><div>We decided we'd end the tour inside Charlie's humble abode. What better way to end the experience than with a warm, cozy atmosphere and comforting hugs from Charlie's grandparents? And oh, this was a lot of work as well and plenty of attention to detail. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik88hUyBhAgzTbDpXL6VN9t3JFCLQXNZcl80egvWATi5GsYtD8o6tEvvp4TC_XUVgDE31uwTlNVqx6YdCLc6CiT-Z0Y3yuRRCdMGht_5-TN0t0FHYhGuEPgMGV-hKYnUd8uTa65geCIlvhMomahYTSFiWtKh0EEvx4RmYWFajL4q2YJ84-2ZugmNpS1eg/s3968/Picsart_23-10-31_13-10-55-938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3968" data-original-width="2976" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik88hUyBhAgzTbDpXL6VN9t3JFCLQXNZcl80egvWATi5GsYtD8o6tEvvp4TC_XUVgDE31uwTlNVqx6YdCLc6CiT-Z0Y3yuRRCdMGht_5-TN0t0FHYhGuEPgMGV-hKYnUd8uTa65geCIlvhMomahYTSFiWtKh0EEvx4RmYWFajL4q2YJ84-2ZugmNpS1eg/w480-h640/Picsart_23-10-31_13-10-55-938.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't want a nice, warm bed? And look, it's snowing outside!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88n9r4yN1DXUWmH3l1-vNo8StT9aBUKaCXIq0oIKy-YBWPDSYc3oJJ96ci9nLN8hVh4GdGkKsb3O2KxFlGsEcqCT-QSFrKDmqsSqnSyn9krS0TtX6rwipluB8R1sijop6wiujN4raGnfjtAsAHgDR3dRhxpVFzRz2BYxK8FP28fHhLQ69l8MPSSJweXE/s3921/Picsart_23-10-31_13-11-34-149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="3921" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88n9r4yN1DXUWmH3l1-vNo8StT9aBUKaCXIq0oIKy-YBWPDSYc3oJJ96ci9nLN8hVh4GdGkKsb3O2KxFlGsEcqCT-QSFrKDmqsSqnSyn9krS0TtX6rwipluB8R1sijop6wiujN4raGnfjtAsAHgDR3dRhxpVFzRz2BYxK8FP28fHhLQ69l8MPSSJweXE/w640-h480/Picsart_23-10-31_13-11-34-149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't it feel absolutely homey in here? All the effort put into this room is palpable, is it not?</td></tr></tbody></table><br />**********************<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJVh1TZXmByPcxK1MMv0Mh6MYu5V5jkYtrUgmscAWxbRhJgee9FKyowNIr9R-Kx8vgkjWk81r_IV6E1pMkWnJO_NO_YweZ22OclMUorFrtucRmChD7a_hYU3K14Io-3VqXJc3wati1y84c_jfraiqOH7lHTI4dhJGwVg6pylsG_qaR94-Kq8ujNxiiRI/s1616/Picsart_23-11-01_17-10-09-066.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1616" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJVh1TZXmByPcxK1MMv0Mh6MYu5V5jkYtrUgmscAWxbRhJgee9FKyowNIr9R-Kx8vgkjWk81r_IV6E1pMkWnJO_NO_YweZ22OclMUorFrtucRmChD7a_hYU3K14Io-3VqXJc3wati1y84c_jfraiqOH7lHTI4dhJGwVg6pylsG_qaR94-Kq8ujNxiiRI/w640-h428/Picsart_23-11-01_17-10-09-066.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">🎃🎃🎃</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div>And that's a wrap! Hope you enjoyed as much as we did. Again, Happy Halloween from us! </div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-30027325867262135992023-09-25T12:52:00.000+08:002023-09-25T13:12:51.042+08:00FRAGRANCE | Poggio in Fiore EDP by La Collina Toscana: Pleasantly sweet florals for everyday<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53212236275/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - La Collina Toscana Poggio in Fiore 01"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53212236275_2869e6b794_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - La Collina Toscana Poggio in Fiore 01"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>It's been a little over four years already since I first (and last) wrote about a fragrance from <b>La Collina Toscana</b>. That frag was the aromatic, warm, and spicy beauty <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/06/fragrance-warm-aromatic-spicy-affair.html" target="_blank">Rocca della Signoria</a></b>. Although I believe this Italian house is long gone, my wife and I still managed to complete all six bottles from their Tuscany Reserve line. Today, I'm writing about <b>Poggio in Fiore</b>, whose bottle is marked by a pink ribbon running its sides and base.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The fragrance is dominated by sweet florals, led by frangipani and tiare, with hints of jasmine occasionally coming through. It smells clean, with occasional indolic whiffs early on. The vibe is light and dainty, marked by a carefree innocence—a happy scent, so to speak. It's akin to <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2021/05/fragrance-velvet-love-edp-by-dolce.html" target="_blank">Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Love</a></b> in its simplicity sans the spiciness. Although the florals develop a mild creaminess almost immediately, the scent remains light. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53212029903/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - La Collina Toscana Poggio in Fiore 02"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53212029903_77120d5350_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - La Collina Toscana Poggio in Fiore 02"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>The florals are brushed with a very thin layer of caramel and vanilla. Other than its sweetness, the caramel's flavor is most noticeable in the first few minutes upon spraying before it gets lost in the whirlwind of petals. Even then, it's easy to miss. However, it does attempt a comeback later on but it never really gets to the level of prominence of caramels in gourmands like <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/01/fragrance-casamorati-lira-by-xerjoff.html" target="_blank">Casamorati Lira by Xerjoff.</a></b> This is why I don't see Poggio in Fiore as a gourmand. Musk is likewise barely perceptible unless you sniff hard and really work your brain to isolate each individual note. </div><div><br /></div><div>This fragrance is unassailably linear with generally good projection. While it never gets loud, it casts a pleasant scent bubble around me that remains noticeable for several hours. It does lean feminine because of the florals but I can comfortably wear it just the same. It's a veritable year-rounder for me and will probably suit any occasion imaginable. All in all, <b>La Collina Toscana Poggio in Fiore</b> is a solid and easy to like fragrance in my book.</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-73840967644160004542023-09-15T23:58:00.000+08:002023-09-15T23:58:05.676+08:00FRAGRANCE | A*Men Pure Coffee EDT by Mugler: Good but not enough coffee to perk you up<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53188513622/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*Men Pure Coffee 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*Men Pure Coffee 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53188513622_d516696cb8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>A coffee lover like me ought to have coffee-centric frags in my arsenal, right? Surprisingly, however, I don't have a lot, so I probably need to expand. Yes, I've long been eyeing <b>Kerosene Follow</b>, as well as its recent follow-up<b> Followed</b> (that's a lot of follows there) but I thought I'd look first into what I might have. Well, for starters, I do have the discontinued <b>A*Men Pure Coffee by Thierry Mugler</b>.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>That <a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/02/fragrance-amen-edt-by-thierry-mugler.html" target="_blank">A*Men tonka-patchouli signature</a> is evident right from the start, only with a bit more coffee in the opening. I also get a bright, citrus-like sourness but it leaves in about fifteen minutes. The coffee, while evident, is controlled; not too strong, bitter, or even sweetened. That said, it's a little disappointing given the expectations unwittingly set by such a name as <b>Pure Coffee</b>. It's just not enough as a caffeine fix for me.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53189596373/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*Men Pure Coffee 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*Men Pure Coffee 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53189596373_9b42b99ed7_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>I could be wrong but I also feel like there's lavender in the composition because of a particular sliver of freshness I pick up amongst the coffee and woody earthiness. It's not much but it can be gleaned upon closer inspection. At some point the sweetness tries to amp the volume up but it's capped off in no time. As a result, this flanker is a lot less sweet than the OG, <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/02/fragrance-amen-pure-havane-edt-by.html" target="_blank">A*Men Pure Havane</a></b>, or <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/07/fragrance-amen-pure-tonka-edt-by.html" target="_blank">A*Men Pure Tonka</a></b>. Musk is also later revealed, with that sweaty sort of scent swirling with the coffee, tonka, patchouli, and the occasional whiff of mildly creamy lavender freshness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Performance isn't the best in the series. After a moderate opening, it starts settling close to the skin within two to three hours, then the scent slowly fades thereafter. Despite its imperfections, though, <b>A*Men Pure Coffee</b> is a fairly good fragrance on its own merits. Its gourmand-ish profile makes it an easy wear for either sex, whether in formal or casual settings, but one that wouldn't be an ideal choice for hot weather. It's not particularly groundbreaking or anything but it's still nice to have.</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-4511416335757100692023-09-12T17:49:00.000+08:002023-09-12T17:49:11.779+08:00LOOKBOOK | The blues and the Big Red Boots<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53182264253/in/album-72177720311131166/" title="halfwhiteboy - blue relaxed fit outfit and big red boots 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - blue relaxed fit outfit and big red boots 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53182264253_2b6658149e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Took my <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/07/lookbook-finallyme-and-my-big-red-boots.html" target="_blank">MSCHF Big Red Boots</a></b> out for a spin since I hardly ever wear them. Although they're fun to wear, I need to be in the right mood because of how bulky they are. But whenever I wear them, it's instant happiness not just for me but for those around me as well.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Here I paired them with an <a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/02/lookbook-undecided.html" target="_blank">oversized long-sleeved tee</a> and a rather loose-fitting pair of jeans tucked into the boots. Shades of blue and and a big pop of red!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53181172037/in/album-72177720311131166/" title="halfwhiteboy - blue relaxed fit outfit and big red boots 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - blue relaxed fit outfit and big red boots 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53181172037_bffe7cf4fe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53181761901/in/album-72177720311131166/" title="halfwhiteboy - blue relaxed fit outfit and big red boots 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - blue relaxed fit outfit and big red boots 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53181761901_23fb844acd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's go!</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-66460513437361801202023-09-11T12:30:00.008+08:002023-09-11T17:52:18.850+08:00FRAGRANCE | Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum: A confident scent that lacks confidence<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53179557491/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53179557491_b643918efe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
From <b>Bentley</b> (with its oh-so-good <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/06/fragrance-bentley-for-men-intense-edp.html" target="_blank">Bentley for Men Intense</a></b>), to <b>Ferrari</b> and
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/09/fragrance-mercedes-benz-addictive.html" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz</a></b>, car-branded fragrances often surprise me with how good they turn out to be
relative to their fairly affordable pricing. I may not be able to afford a
Mercedes-Benz sedan but at least I can get myself a bottle of
<b>Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum</b> without first poring painstakingly over my
finances. <span><a name='more'></a></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
And speaking of Le Parfum, my, what a handsome-looking bottle this is! With
its ombre color design and tasteful combination of shiny and matte chrome
finishes, it sure looks classy and more expensive than how much they're
selling it for. The cylindrical box is supposedly a nice touch as well but
unfortunately mine suffered from being stored too long. The faux leather
casing was left peeling and instead of opening like a door, everything just
stuck together that I had to rip it apart. Too bad. But at least it's not a
multimillion-peso car we're talking about here.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53180062898/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53180062898_5240074c6e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53180055368/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53180055368_773060d9b1_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div>
Leather is evident from the very first spray even if it's momentarily buried
under a layer of lemony citrus and a mild peppery sharpness. After several
minutes, though, the citrus dies down and more of the leather comes through.
The pepper, on the other hand, is now muted but not totally gone. To some
degree, the leather accord is reminescent of either
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/03/fragrance-tom-ford-ombre-leather-edp.html" target="_blank">Tom Ford Ombré Leather</a></b>
or <b>Tuscan Leather</b>, just not as strong, dark, and smoky. Compared to
those two, Le Parfum appears brighter and more approachable.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Although it's the leather that's primarily wafting around, up close and for
several long minutes, I also get some plasticky violets. After some two hours,
I finally get the listed oud, albeit in a much softer state. It's quite
pleasant actually: woody, lightly sweetened, and with nary a hint of anything
animalic. Together with what's left of the leather, they slowly fade on my
skin, their individual traits blurring by each passing minute. It's rather
disappointing, though, how this confident-smelling gentleman starts fairly strong but quickly
loses steam and is practically gone in under six hours, give or take. I'm not saying this should be a monster; I just wish it wore its confidence on its sleeve even a tiny bit more. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
Overall, <b>Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum</b> is a respectable masculine fragrance
despite its less than desirable performance. It has an elegant vibe more
suited to formal or business settings. While its scent profile makes it a
typical cold weather frag, its generally weak projection unwittingly makes it
wearable on warmer days just the same. Oh well, so much for owning a Mercedes.
</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-5078510194261317712023-09-04T12:35:00.002+08:002023-09-04T12:35:57.260+08:00FRAGRANCE | Cannabis Dolce EDP by Bois 1920 is neither cannabis nor dolce <div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53163229450/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Bois 1920 Cannabis Dolce 01"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53163229450_df474ac430_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Bois 1920 Cannabis Dolce 01"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>When I wrote about the <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2022/07/fragrance-on-high-with-bois-1920.html" target="_blank">Bois 1920 Cannabis Collection</a></b> last year, I said I'd be waiting should the brand decide to expand the line. Well, here I am with a bottle of <b>Cannabis Dolce</b>. Because of the name, I was expecting something sweeter this time around, even more so than <b>Cannabis Fruttata</b>. The bottle's brown hue makes me think of brown sugar, too. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Dolce</i> kicks off with its predecessors' trademark bitter greenness; aromatic and sort of mentholated. The menthol reminded me of <b>Cannabis Salata</b> but only for a moment, as it quickly establishes its own identity. The sweetness I was expecting starts off rather mild, however, and is resinous in character. It does grow in strength but is capped too soon by some warm spices. I don't mind the spices as much except that I was hoping for a more dominant sweetness simply because of how this release is named. If any, at least the resins keep the sharpness in check. </div><div><br /></div><div>This combination of spice and what sweetness there is also overpowers the bitter greenness, its moment sadly rendered fleeting when it should have been underscoring the scent (I mean, cannabis, where art thou?). But at least the aromatic, almost camphorous, green overtone somehow endures. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53163229430/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Bois 1920 Cannabis Dolce 02"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53163229430_f356a13574_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Bois 1920 Cannabis Dolce 02"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Before long, a dry, woody base develops. Like <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2018/04/fragrance-vial-trial-diptyque-tam-dao.html" target="_blank">Diptyque Tam Dao</a></b>, it's reminiscent of pencil shavings, so it's either cedar or sandalwood. The spices stick around although they start to ease, leaving the resins just a bit more room to wiggle. Eventually, the mildly camphorous cloud parts and the scent settles into a warm, spicy wood, infused with a now slightly smoky but still mild sweetness. Performance is pretty good, at par with other <i>Cannabis</i> variants. It's a bit strong in the opening but it gradually mellows, lasting for several hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before this 2023 release, Cannabis Salata was the least cannabis of the line for me. Now, it's definitely <b>Cannabis Dolce</b>, which is neither cannabis nor dolce. It is its own fragrance rather than a flanker, albeit a pretty good, masculine-leaning one. It's wearable in most settings but I think it's best suited for colder temperatures. </div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-12268507295476576832023-09-01T12:35:00.004+08:002023-09-12T12:20:28.654+08:00FRAGRANCE | A look into Jo Malone's The Highlands Collection<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53156644620/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone The Highlands Collection 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone The Highlands Collection 01" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156644620_88e0617be6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I may not be a fan of <b>Jo Malone</b> fragrances but somehow, the London
house has repeatedly endeared me to their limited edition collections. No, I
wasn't entirely floored by their
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/07/fragrance-jo-malone-lavenderland.html" target="_blank">Lavenderland Collection</a></b> (liking two out of three ain't bad, though) but I adore their
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/03/fragrance-jo-malone-cade-cedarwood.html" target="_blank">Wild Flowers & Weeds Collection</a></b> so much. And now comes
<b>Jo Malone's The Highlands Collection</b>. <span><a name='more'></a></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Featuring four fragrances, the bottles look really pretty and dainty with
painted designs of the flowers and foliage highlighted in each composition.
From a quick testing at the store, we ended up liking three but went home with
only two because <b>Wild Achillea</b> smelled practically the same (at least
from memory) as <b>Nettle & Wild Achillea</b> from 2019's Wild Flowers
& Weeds Collection. We tried to like <b>Highland Heather</b> but we just
couldn't get past the annoying sharpness, so I'm also not writing about it.
Anyway, here goes.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53156644775/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone Melancholy Thistle"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone Melancholy Thistle" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53156644775_0e09d82e5e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Melancholy Thistle</b></span>
<div>
I don't find anything melancholic about this at all because on the
contrary, <b>Melancholy Thistle</b> opens with a bright and
refreshing quality to it. It's predominantly green with citrusy nuances,
joined shortly by a mild, nectary sweetness. After a few minutes, a spicy
facet appears, something cumin-like. It's not much (at least yet) but it
starts to steer the overall scent into a more masculine direction, albeit tempered with a clean, powdery overtone. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
The cumin is reminiscent of
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2018/10/fragrance-1920-origin-by-tous-another.html" target="_blank">1920 The Origin by Tous</a></b>, albeit tempered by the mild, nectary sweetness—but not for long. As the
sweetness diffuses, the cumin grows stronger, moderately projecting its funk
around and turning the overall scent a bit warmer versus its refreshing start.
Nevertheless, it's no cause for worry as it's still far from
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/07/fragrance-lautre-edt-by-diptyque-spice.html" target="_blank">Diptyque </a></b><b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/07/fragrance-lautre-edt-by-diptyque-spice.html" target="_blank">L'Autre</a></b>
levels of funk. That one is a literal spice bomb. Besides, the scent has this inexplicable, clean powdery overtone. The sweetness's retreat
also leaves the bitterness of the green accord exposed, something I
certainly welcome. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
But then this fragrance just can't stay put. After an hour or so, the cumin
starts to mellow, revealing more of the pleasant sweetness again. Several
hours later, the scent takes on a woody turn. The cumin is now gone while
the sweetness and greenness fuse together to give the woodiness a particular
flavor that reminds me of
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/07/fragrance-parco-palladiano-x-olivo-by.html" target="_blank">Bottega Veneta Parco Palladiano X: Olivo</a></b>, which I had just been recently wearing. This goes on until the scent
fades. Projection is moderate for up to three or four hours before waning. However,
as a skin scent, it's fairly long-lasting. </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53155634552/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone Mallow on the Moor"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone Mallow on the Moor" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53155634552_2eed93bcfa_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mallow on the Moor</b></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Sweet, plasticky violets are what I immediately get. It's something that
I've come to recognize over the years, thanks to the likes of
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2021/05/fragrance-pierre-de-lune-edp-by-giorgio.html" target="_blank">Giorgio Armani Pierre de Lune</a></b>,
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2021/01/fragrance-agar-de-noir-extrait-de.html" target="_blank">Areej Le Doré Agar de Noir</a></b>, and many more that taught me that this plasticky accord that they share
is emanating from violets. Right off the bat, Mallow on the Moor smells very
pleasant.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Approximately ten minutes later, a light almondy scent emerges, adding
another layer of flavor to the fold. The scent then gets a bit powdery but
it's still the violets and the almonds that are prevalent. The sweetness
never packs on weight, so the scent remains fresh and clean-smelling, kind
of like some luxurious soap.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
This is basically a linear scent, where everything just diffuses over time.
It projects moderately for up to two or three hours before waning but lasts
quite long as a skin scent. Compared to Melancholy Thistle, though, this
one's slightly weaker.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53155634567/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone Nettle & Wild Achillea"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone Nettle & Wild Achillea" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53155634567_6fef34fe8b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nettle & Wild Achillea</b></span>
</div>
<div>
Although technically not part of The Highlands Collection, I'm writing about
<b>Nettle & Wild Achillea</b> here since I believe it's basically the
same fragrance as <b>Wild Achillea.</b>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Also a linear fragrance, Nettle & Wild Achillea is lemony, bitter,
green, and grassy, with a little bit of fresh, spicy sharpness. It's bright
and refreshing in a green, herbal kind of way. There's very little
sweetness, which allows the bitterness to punch through. However, it still
isn't excessively bitter, putting it somewhere between
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/06/fragrance-eau-de-campagne-edt-by-sisley.html" target="_blank">Sisley Eau de Campagne</a></b>
and
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/11/fragrance-fougere-laube-edt-by-rogue.html" target="_blank">Rogue Perfumery Fougère L'Aube</a></b>. Still, I reckon you must like grassy scents to appreciate this.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
As for me, I like it. Performance-wise, it's on par with Mallow on the Moor.
</div>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>******************</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53155634577/in/album-72177720310895659/" title="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone The Highlands Collection 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Jo Malone The Highlands Collection 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53155634577_5e73e049ff_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>
In hindsight, <b>Jo Malone's The Highlands Collection</b> has enough
interesting elements that might interest you. Even if most of them don't have
much to offer in terms of development, performance across all of them ain't
bad at all. They're worth trying, in my opinion, but there's no time to
dillydally since they won't be around for long.
</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-37869461994500682362023-08-31T12:43:00.001+08:002023-08-31T15:47:49.919+08:00LOOKBOOK | Mindanao-inspired for our 'Buwan ng Wika' celebration<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53153969181/in/album-72177720310659903/" title="halfwhiteboy - batik blazer modern filipino attire 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - batik blazer modern filipino attire 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53153969181_986e8c7804_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>I love <b><i><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2015/08/lookbook-20aug2015-dressed-up-for-buwan.html" target="_blank">Buwan ng Wika</a></i></b> (Philippine Language Month) celebrations at the office. Actually, every chance I get to play a little dress-up, I love. Last year, I wore a <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2022/09/lookbook-buwan-ng-wika-trip-haciendero.html" target="_blank">Barong Tagalog with plaid pants</a></b> in a <i>haciendero</i>-inspired getup (or at least what I thought a haciendero of yore looked like). This year, I went all the way down south for inspiration and sported a <b>batik blazer</b>. I actually got it for last year's celebration but unfortunately, my parcel arrived way too late. Nevertheless, at least it still proved useful.</div><div><br /></div><div>I reckon this piece would have been traditionally worn without anything underneath (just like a vest) but to give it a modern and office-appropriate spin, I slipped into a plain black pullover. Besides, I don't want my abs—I mean, flabs—showing. Completed the look with black pants and a touch of outré via my <a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/06/lookbook-of-knit-polos-and-whimsical.html" target="_blank">oversized chain loafers</a>. The shawl worn like a waistband was a token addition in keeping with the theme assigned to our group.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53154463298/in/album-72177720310659903/" title="halfwhiteboy - batik blazer modern filipino attire 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - batik blazer modern filipino attire 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53154463298_789b47b9ae_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53154399835/in/album-72177720310659903/" title="halfwhiteboy - batik blazer modern filipino attire 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - batik blazer modern filipino attire 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53154399835_08654aea48_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Till next year!</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-44297020478194260292023-08-23T22:21:00.001+08:002023-08-23T22:21:41.723+08:00FRAGRANCE | Soleil de Feu EDP by Tom Ford: Controlled sexy summer flair and comforting warmth combined<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53136698529/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Soleil de Feu 01"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53136698529_e74e97fc57_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Soleil de Feu 01"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
So we get another "Soleil" release from Tom Ford and every time, my wife and I
end up nabbing a bottle. We probably must like each one enough for us to do
so. Anyway, true to its name, <b>Soleil de Feu</b> certainly has that
summer vibe going on—and I'm all for it. <span><a name='more'></a></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The scent is marked by a spicy, ambery sweetness. The spices carry very little
sharpness, so it's miles away from the boldness of another revered amber frag,
<b
><a
href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/01/fragrance-grand-soir-edp-by-maison.html"
target="_blank"
>MFK Grand Soir</a
></b
>. Although both share a similar pleasantness, the amber isn't particularly
powdery like in <b
><a
href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2022/02/fragrance-eyes-of-tiger-edp-by-gucci.html"
target="_blank"
>Gucci's The Eyes of the Tiger</a
></b
>. What little sharpness the spices bring dissipates in no time. Then comes
cinnamon, providing the scent with a wonderful flavor. Meanwhile, a mild woody
accord underscores the scent and a creamy, coconut-like facet is
introduced.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53136971173/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Soleil de Feu 02"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53136971173_719f422bbb_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Soleil de Feu 02"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The coconut steers the scent a bit into tropical beach territory but stops
itself from totally going there. On the other hand, a particular flavor is
achieved as the cinnamon blends with the lactonic creaminess; hence, the chai
latte comparisons I've read about online. Everything in Soleil de Feu comes in
moderate doses, which could be why the fragrance retains a summery feel
despite having some inherently heavy accords like ambery sweet resins and
creamy coconut.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<b>Tom Ford Soleil de Feu</b> is practically a linear affair, offering both a
sexy, summer flair and a nice, comforting warmth. While I like the scent
enough, I think it lacks oomph and personality, more so since I find its
performance wanting. It starts off with moderate projection but retreats
rather hurriedly close to my skin. It does last fairly long, though, but my
nose is struggling with catching whiffs of it for the most part. Even though I
don't care for compliments, I want to be able to smell what I'm wearing.
Considering the price, you better test it first before committing to a
bottle.
</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-42731124367372466102023-08-22T12:26:00.002+08:002023-08-22T12:26:27.567+08:00LOOKBOOK | Mustard and maroon<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53133685584/in/album-72177720310659903/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard and maroon outfit 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard and maroon outfit 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53133685584_4a5f5c8b97_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Even with the occasional monsoon rains, it's still as hot and humid as ever in this part of the world. This short-sleeved, Southeast Asian printed polo would do. The shirt's combination of <b>mustard and maroon</b> works really well that I decided to extend it to the rest of my outfit, so it's maroon from waist down.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53133478651/in/album-72177720310659903/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard and maroon outfit 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard and maroon outfit 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53133478651_24c2131d82_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53132878562/in/album-72177720310659903/" title="halfwhiteboy - mustard and maroon outfit 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - mustard and maroon outfit 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53132878562_3f87f022ed_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Ciao!</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-88806717770487208822023-08-20T19:44:00.000+08:002023-08-20T19:44:44.492+08:00FRAGRANCE | Eau de Jade EDP by Giorgio Armani: An overpriced cologne that smells and performs like a cologne<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53129518833/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Armani Privé Eau de Jade 01"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53129518833_0ec36b0032_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Armani Privé Eau de Jade 01"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Marketed by <b>Armani</b> as a reinterpretation of eau de cologne, <b>Eau de Jade</b> sure has the hallmarks of a classic cologne, only in eau de parfum concentration. I get a crisp, bitter citrus right at the onset. Zesty and bright, the scent is brightened up even further by a mild, peppery sharpness; definitely clean and refreshing. However, unlike <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/04/fragrance-tom-ford-neroli-portofino-edp.html" target="_blank">Tom Ford Neroli Portofino</a></b>, another cologne-esque EDP, Eau de Jade has little to no sweetness. </div><div><br /></div><div>A mild, green undertone courses through the scent, adding a tiny bit of complexity to the composition. The spiced-up, citrusy zing softens after several minutes, hastily revealing a soft, white musk at the base. The citrus flavor is still around but in a considerably weakened state. I'm digging the quiet fluffiness of the musk, though. It's like a plush blanket you'd love to snuggle in on a cold rainy day. While I like the contrast between the perky citrus opening and this cozy, soft drydown, the hurried transition can make it a bit jarring. Still, it's an overall nice and inoffensive scent; unisex and easy to wear. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since it's released under the <b>Armani Privé</b> line, <b>Eau de Jade</b> is of course ridiculously priced. Factor in its rather simple scent structure and muted performance (much like <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2021/05/fragrance-pierre-de-lune-edp-by-giorgio.html" target="_blank">Pierre de Lune</a></b> actually), and you'll question whether it's even worth copping. </div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-37276296385849215292023-08-08T20:38:00.001+08:002023-08-08T20:38:23.649+08:00FRAGRANCE | 5 Days of Zara with the Zara Weekly Mood Collection <div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53101547800/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection 01" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53101547800_ea840ea782_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
As a behemoth in the fast fashion industry, it's no surprise that
<b>Zara</b> has been steadily churning out clothes and accessories at such a
rapid pace. Not to be content with fashion alone, though, it has also been
producing fragrances at an equally impressive speed. And I'm not just talking
about bottles but collections, the latest being the
<b>Zara Weekly Mood Collection</b>. <span><a name='more'></a></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
This is a five-piece eaux de parfum capsule collection to go with the five
workdays of the week. I don't know why they didn't include the weekend,
though, when they're the most important. The house also made a curious choice
for packaging. Instead of the usual box, each bottle is encased in white
cardboard that mimics its shape. It's sealed and flips open vertically from
the bottom. The bottles are nice. Each one is characterized by a flat front
and a slightly curved backside. But what I'm really loving are the glass
labels, which give off an elegant sheen when hit by light. The typeface is
also very apt for the overall aesthetic.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I won't dwell on whether or not each frag is a dupe of something else. I'll
simply give a rundown of each scent based on my experience.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53101547740/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Monday - No Drama Allowed"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Monday - No Drama Allowed" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53101547740_1a7bfdd4e2_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monday | No Drama Allowed</b></span>
</div>
<div>
If you hate Mondays (seriously, who doesn't?), No Drama Allowed tries to
brighten up your mood with a fresh, spicy rose. There's also an indistinct
fruitiness that lends the scent a mild sweetness. The spices, however, warm up
almost immediately while retaining that prickly quality on top. The rose, on the
other hand, morphs from fresh and dewy to near-jammy.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Later, the warmth of the spices dissipate, leaving behind their peppery
sharpness, which has since grown a little stronger. A mild muskiness slowly
appears. It's a clean and pleasant type of musk, the kind usually employed in
other rose-centric compositions like
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/07/fragrance-rose-olivier-edt-by-bastide.html" target="_blank">Bastide Aix en Provence Rose Olivier</a></b> and
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/07/fragrance-acqua-allegoria-ginger.html" target="_blank">Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Ginger Piccante</a></b>, among many others.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
After some time, the sharpness eventually softens. The rose remains dominant,
which paradoxically is both fresh and jammy at the same time, continuously
supported by the mild musk up until the scent fades hours later. Because of
the rose and the fruity sweetness, this leans stereotypically feminine
although I don't have any problem at all wearing it. It's relative lightness,
on the other hand, makes <b>Monday – No Drama Allowed</b> wearable in
practically any weather and occasion.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53101331059/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Tuesday - Totally Terrific"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Tuesday - Totally Terrific" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53101331059_75e61369e3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tuesday | Totally Terrific</b></span>
</div>
<div>
This one opens fresh with spiced-up citruses. There's a woody undertone but it
diffuses in no time. In a few minutes, the spiciness from the cardamom warms
up, projecting its inherent bitterness and sharpness. A particular sweetness
develops, adding a bit more warmth and tempering the sharpness in the process.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I soon realized that the woodiness is still around, only sitting quietly in
the background but noticeable when smelled up close. A certain creaminess
slowly emerges, then blends seamlessly into the composition. Eventually, the
sharpness lifts off and the scent is now a warm, spiced wood with a
deep-seated, bitter smokiness and a mild, creamy sweetness. It could just be
me but the smokiness is a bit like cigarette smoke, but only when I sniff deep
into where I sprayed. Although still unisex,
<b>Tuesday – Totally Terrific</b> is the most masculine in this collection,
one that would fit in most conditions.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53101136311/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Wednesday - I'm Most Grateful"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Wednesday - I'm Most Grateful" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53101136311_35dac4a4e5_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wednesday | I'm Most Grateful</b></span>
</div>
<div>
It's a bouquet of nectary sweet florals for hump day. It gets a bit heady,
yes, but never to the point of becoming totally overwhelming. Somehow, it
manages to remain relatively fresh and clean all throughout. Compared to other
floral fragrances along the lines of <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/10/fragrance-figment-woman-edp-by-amouage.html" target="_blank">Amouage Figment Woman</a></b>
or even
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2021/03/fragrance-crab-apple-blossom-perfume-by.html" target="_blank">Clive Christian Crab Apple Blossom</a></b>, <b>Wednesday – I'm Most Grateful</b> is bereft of any creamy or
indolic properties.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
That there's a hint of spice and juicy pear probably help in balancing the
overall scent structure. That hint of spice is a simple but effectively nice
touch in achieving a generally light and airy olfactory experience despite the
barrage of sweet florals. The flowers later part, as if by a soft breeze,
slowly revealing a mild, still mostly unnoticeable, woody base. There really
is little to no development in the scent—and that's okay. Obviously, this
leans feminine, even more so than <i>Monday</i>. An apparent versatile wear, it
smells contemporary, something the younger crowd can perhaps easily
appreciate.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53101136431/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Thursday - No Valentines but Flowers"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Thursday - No Valentines but Flowers" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53101136431_a7cf264cbe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thursday | No Valentines but Flowers</b></span>
</div>
<div>
I don't know about the name but there are basically no flowers in this
fragrance. Instead, <b>Thursday – No Valentines but Flowers</b> is marked by an almost-toothachingly fruity sweetness. There's a
fleeting citrus in the opening but it does nothing to balance the sugar off.
Lychee is most identifiable and later, raspberry, too. However, they soon lose
their respective identities and blend together to form some sweet, fruity
compound that's characteristically feminine-leaning.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
There are flecks of peppery sharpness but they come and go and don't really
make much of an impression, especially when compared to <i>Monday</i> and
<i>Wednesday</i> that make much better use of spices as contrasting notes.
Still, the sweetness is tolerable and the scent remains very approachable.
Later, No Valentines but Flowers develops a quality that's a cross between
candy and shampoo—and in a good way—with its core fruity sweetness persistent
unto the end. Although this is my least liked of the bunch, I'm sure it will
have its fans.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53101136401/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Friday - Freaking Gorgeous"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection - Friday - Freaking Gorgeous" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53101136401_263234a5aa_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><span style="text-align: left;"> </span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Friday | Freaking Gorgeous</b></span>
</div>
<div>
It's a happy Friday with creamy almonds accompanied by a citric sharpness that
exits in no time. Almonds, for me, are always a welcome note in fragrances.
Top of mind right now are
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/05/fragrance-casamorati-italica-edp-by.html" target="_blank">Xerjoff Casamorati Italica</a></b>
and
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2022/06/fragrance-pi-edt-by-givenchy-is-all.html" target="_blank">Givenchy Pi</a></b>
but there are of course many more. Some vanilla-tonka sweetness soon emerges,
which, together with the lactonic almonds, make for something really
delectable. There's also a mild woodiness rising, just enough to keep the
whole scent grounded.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<b>Friday – Freaking Gorgeous</b> doesn't offer much in terms of development;
everything just swirls together until each individual note is indecipherable.
Nevertheless, I love the scent. It's one of my favorites in this collection, a
toss-up actually between <i>Tuesday</i>. For a gourmand (it is, right?), it
defies the heaviness normally associated with this fragrance family and
remains fairly light and clean, making it a suitable wear for anyone and for
perhaps any weather.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>************************</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53100571647/in/album-72177720310324555/" title="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Zara Weekly Mood Collection 03" height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53100571647_8ee349a761_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
With regard to performance, all five do quite well. They all project
moderately for a few hours before gradually retreating as skin scents. For the
price, definitely not bad. All said, I'm happy with the <b>Zara Weekly Mood
Collection</b>. Go try them!
</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-61402034857284089022023-07-31T20:03:00.001+08:002023-07-31T20:03:30.985+08:00LOOKBOOK | Dusty green<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53083800774/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - dusty green pants and white pullover outfit 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - dusty green pants and white pullover outfit 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083800774_06d103f43a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Dusty green pants</b>, a white pullover, and white sneakers. That's all. And oh, a scarf because the AC at the office is on overdrive. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53084102033/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - dusty green pants and white pullover outfit 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - dusty green pants and white pullover outfit 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084102033_92c79c6185_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53083800744/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - dusty green pants and white pullover outfit 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - dusty green pants and white pullover outfit 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53083800744_500964d77f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Monday! Have a great week ahead!</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-23537312876876387702023-07-30T15:31:00.002+08:002023-07-31T15:01:31.850+08:00FRAGRANCE | Cherry Smoke EDP by Tom Ford: A more masculine take on the original<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53080663046/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Cherry Smoke 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Cherry Smoke 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53080663046_8eaa81b184_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
I know <b>Tom Ford fragrances</b> are often criticized for being overpriced
(more so now with Estee Lauder jacking prices up) and for no longer being as
unique and creative as their earlier counterparts. However, when the house
released a pair of
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2020/05/fragrance-lost-cherry-edp-by-tom-ford.html" target="_blank">Lost Cherry</a>
flankers</b>
earlier this year, I still got excited because in spite of what other people
say, I do like Lost Cherry; so I got <b>Cherry Smoke</b> as soon as it became
available locally. The other one, <b>Electric Cherry</b>, I have yet to
try.<span><a name='more'></a></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
No surprise, cherries open the show for <b>Tom Ford Cherry Smoke</b>. They're
sweet, sour, and a bit boozy all at once, supported by an underlying leather
accord with a mild smokiness. The sweetness had me thinking for a moment
there. There's something among the fragrance's sweetening agents that remind
me of the apricot syrup in
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/11/fragrance-kimonanthe-edp-by-diptyque.html" target="_blank">Diptyque Kimonanthe</a></b>, which I find really nice. I also noticed, albeit belatedly, that there's a lipstick-y quality to the scent as well. I don't think it's from iris because it's decidedly different from <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2017/01/fragrance-dior-homme-intense-another.html" target="_blank">Dior Homme Intense</a></b>; so it must be the cherries. While the scent is generally sweet at this point,
the sourness and booziness—not to mention the leather bubbling under—provide
enough contrast, so it doesn't become cloying. </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53081163238/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Cherry Smoke 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Cherry Smoke 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53081163238_bb5ec2ca4e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53080865674/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Cherry Smoke 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Cherry Smoke 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53080865674_782474fe8d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><div>After several minutes, the mildly smoky leather slowly steps into the front but doesn't necessarily dominate, at least just yet. Meanwhile, the sourness dissipates but the sweetness and the cherry flavor remain. A mild sharpness ensues but is easily subdued by everything else going on. Something woody also peeks through but retreats just the same. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>
Later, the sweetness starts to relax and the leather becomes more prominent.
Still, it's far from other leather-dominant frags like
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2022/03/fragrance-rose-de-russie-edp-by-tom.html" target="_blank">Tom Ford Rose de Russie</a></b>
or even sweeter ones like
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/09/fragrance-cuirs-edp-by-carner-barcelona.html" target="_blank">Carner Barcelona Cuirs</a></b>. The sharpness returns but then softens again, bringing out the woodiness
out of hiding. Despite the fragrance's name, I don't really find smoke to be a
major player in this composition. It's there but nuanced. The cherries and
sweetness come and go, as do the smoky leather and wood, as if in a
cycle—until everything settles into a sweet, cherry-tinged, smoky leather and
wood combo. This goes on for several more hours until the scent is no
more.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
On its own, <b>Tom Ford Cherry Smoke</b> isn't particularly dark but when
compared to Lost Cherry, it appears so. I find Lost Cherry much sweeter,
lighter, and as a result, more unisex. Cherry Smoke, on the other hand,
possesses a masculine slant because of the leather, wood, and the subtle
smoke. For me, though, it's still wearable for both sexes. Initial projection
is on the loud side but it gradually dials the volume down until it fades.
Even though I'm not getting much smoke from it, I'm still happy with Cherry
Smoke overall.
</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-82625154273460772622023-07-28T12:09:00.000+08:002023-07-28T12:09:29.063+08:00LOOKBOOK | Relaxed and colorful<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53057378763/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - colorful pastel graphic print shirt outfit 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - colorful pastel graphic print shirt outfit 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057378763_23060b23a3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Friday! Just me in an oversized, graphic, <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2022/08/lookbook-tourist-mode-in-pastels.html" target="_blank">pastel printed shirt</a></b>. Didn't go all baggy this time and paired it with pants in a contrasting, tapered fit. Hello, weekend!<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53057378783/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - colorful pastel graphic print shirt outfit 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - colorful pastel graphic print shirt outfit 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057378783_689e9c70b1_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53057083204/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - colorful pastel graphic print shirt outfit 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - colorful pastel graphic print shirt outfit 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057083204_107d8904cd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Ciao!</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-2785959415426199492023-07-26T19:37:00.000+08:002023-07-26T19:37:05.312+08:00FRAGRANCE | A*men Pure Tonka EDT by Thierry Mugler: No, it's not purely tonka but it sure is pure gourmand bliss<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53072619574/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*men Pure Tonka 01"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53072619574_973e13e97c_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*men Pure Tonka 01"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>This must have been with me for some four years already, box totally unopened until now. Apparently, <b>A*men Pure Tonka by Mugler</b> has become highly sought after among fragheads, not just because it's been discontinued but because it's a really good fragrance. Although I don't know if this was also later released with only Mugler instead of Thierry Mugler on the box but mine has the latter embossed on the shiny black carton. Again, the latter is more desirable for fragrance aficionados because it's indicative of older batches.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>After struggling with the sprayer (as is common with all A*men bottles), I finally got a decent mist and was able to breathe in all of Pure Tonka's goodness. The opening is marked by a fresh, slightly creamy lavender set against a warm and sweet backdrop. After several minutes, tonka starts coming through, along with tiny flecks of spicy sharpness. I don't get the patchouli just yet since understandably, it's the tonka they're playing up here. Nonetheless, I'm expecting it, being a key component of the A*men DNA.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53072830625/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*men Pure Tonka 02"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53072830625_c86d07bfe0_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="halfwhiteboy - Mugler A*men Pure Tonka 02"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after, come vanilla, coffee, and chocolate, their combined aroma swirling around like some sugar-loaded barista creation. The spiciness puts up a fight but the lavender is struggling to slice through the thick caffeinated concoction. It's trying, though, and I can still pick it up at this point. Later, I also get licorice joining in the fray. You'd think this would be a cloying mess with all the sweetness but the perfumer deftly maneuvers the scent away from that trap. Although this would still be best worn during colder days or in temperature-controlled environments, I find the scent perfectly balanced.</div><div><br /></div><div>Between one to two hours later, this balance is further cemented when the patchouli finally makes its dry, woody presence felt. Somehow, despite the fragrance being a sweet gourmand, the dry woodiness stands apart, like I'm able to isolate it from everything else. At this point, that familiar <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/02/fragrance-amen-edt-by-thierry-mugler.html" target="_blank">Mugler A*men</a></b> DNA is now complete, validating Pure Tonka's position as a flanker instead of a completely different scent that just happens to share the A*men name. Both lavender and spiciness are now gone, and the vanilla, coffee, chocolate, and licorice have homogenized into one delectable aroma.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although marketed as a men's frag, I believe a woman can easily wear this given its gourmand profile. It's a beautiful scent; warm, cozy, and yummy. I don't know if it's just because of the sprayer unable to produce a proper mist but I don't find <b>A*men Pure Tonka</b> to be a roaring room-filler. Nevertheless, it's a long-lasting scent. All said, I'm very happy to have it in my collection.</div>halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-56310388856841162252023-07-25T12:58:00.000+08:002023-07-25T12:58:13.461+08:00FRAGRANCE | Gold Sugar EDT by Aquolina is sugar done right<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53067654816/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Aquolina Gold Sugar EDT 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Aquolina Gold Sugar EDT 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53067654816_61d9c7ef09_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
After revisiting the odd but intriguing
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/04/fragrance-black-sugar-edt-by-aquolina.html" target="_blank">Black Sugar by Aquolina</a></b> some months ago, I now turn my nose to one of its sisters,
<b>Gold Sugar</b>. I'd say that both packaging and scent are as shining and
shimmering as the fragrance's name. And as implied, it's definitely going to be sweet. </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Gold Sugar is an exuberant scent, marked by an orangey and creamy
opening. This combination of something acidic and bright with something heavier and sweet almost always works. Think <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/01/fragrance-majaina-sin-edp-by-different.html" target="_blank">Majaïna Sin by The Different Company</a></b> or <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2021/04/fragrance-tom-ford-metallique-edp-is.html" target="_blank">Tom Ford Metallique</a></b>, both of which feature a warm and sweet vanilla base contrasted by citrus and spice. Coconut is also evident in Gold Sugar but it's easily subdued by the oranges. It's still there, though, just pushed to the back. </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53067654826/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Aquolina Gold Sugar EDT 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Aquolina Gold Sugar EDT 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53067654826_2ece3e8ea3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>After several minutes, a sugary sweet cream appears, absorbing all of the citric oranges in its path. With the oranges practically neutralized, the coconut steps back into the light—but not for long, as it's also whipped into the cream, resulting in a delectable dessert-like aroma (crème brûlée, as listed). The scent later develops a mild sharpness, somehow just to keep the sweetness in check, so it never gets cloying. Hours later, amid the now-softened sweetness, I smell a whispering musk up close. It's subtle but nonetheless lovely.</div><div><br /></div><div>Projection is generally moderate but the scent lasts fairly long. Despite the "sugar" in the name, <b>Gold Sugar</b> never gets to a point where I find it sickening. Though predominantly sweet, I find it balanced. Unlike most sweet scents that carry an inherent weight in them, this can be worn in almost any weather or occasion, as long as it's not really, really hot. Guys and girls alike can wear this with ease. All in all, this is a pretty good and affordable fragrance that's worth a try.</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-84027586129120834462023-07-22T17:44:00.003+08:002023-07-22T17:44:26.244+08:00LOOKBOOK | Finally...me and my big red boots!<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53063215595/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53063215595_a3452d3850_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Just me, all alone sitting in a coffee shop devouring a sandwich. It was a tiring Friday and I needed a quick break, even if it was already late into the afternoon. But never mind, because I was wearing my <b>MSCHF Big Red Boots</b>.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, those oversized, cartoonish rubber boots that resembled Astroboy's footwear—I finally got my own pair. When the boots first made the rounds on social media early this year, I knew I wanted a pair. Unfortunately, they sold out in a jiffy. I wasn't going to give in to eBay sharks flipping pairs for up to close to a thousand dollars, so all I could do for months was hope that MSCHF would restock. And they eventually did! My wife wasted no time and got each of us a pair.</div><div><br /></div><div>I always imagined I'd be wearing them to the office. I mean, I've been wearing all sorts of footwear to work: <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2014/06/lookbook-06052014-blush.html" target="_blank">red wingtips</a></b>, <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2018/04/lookbook-going-for-more-color.html" target="_blank">pink loafers</a></b>, <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2015/04/lookbook-14apr2015-silver-against-sun.html" target="_blank">silver brogues</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/06/lookbook-of-knit-polos-and-whimsical.html" target="_blank">JW Anderson chain loafers</a></b>—you name it. So what difference would another pair of red footwear make? Well, it's probably pushing the envelope a little (*wink*) but I don't think it would be any more shocking than what I've worn in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I exercised restraint and debuted them on a Friday. I also tried to be as inconspicuous as possible by wearing dark, <b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2023/03/lookbook-trendy-in-teal.html" target="_blank">baggy clothing</a></b>, with pants wide enough to cover the upper part of the boots. I'm not sure, though, if I was successful.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53062829451/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53062829451_4ff338f52a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53062247952/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53062247952_acf3a31c1e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53063014394/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 04"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 04" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53063014394_314185b541_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Well, I eventually showed the whole thing and wore the boots over my pants. Now I felt like Astroboy. Despite my rather busy day, wearing MSCHF's Big Red Boots was so much fun for me. The icing on the cake was that my boots also became a source of joy for people at the office. Happy to have made everyone happy.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53063216010/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 05"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 05" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53063216010_3e81522237_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53063318368/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 06"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 06" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53063318368_4f8d5d32fe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53063318408/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 07"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 07" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53063318408_e3ce606e3e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>I wasn't informed the boots came with thrusters, though, so yay! Up, up, and away I go!</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53063215605/in/album-72177720309457527/" title="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 08"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - black and gray baggy outfit with Mschf Big Red Boots 08" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53063215605_c4d8bfa3e6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Happy weekend, y'all!</div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4840180276938624009.post-1651322169871096642023-07-20T12:30:00.001+08:002023-07-20T17:39:36.143+08:00FRAGRANCE | Oud Wood Intense EDP by Tom Ford: It's intense but it's not Oud Wood<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53056123292/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 01"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 01" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056123292_03c19eb1cb_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://halfwhiteboy.blogspot.com/2019/09/fragrance-tom-ford-oud-wood-edp.html" target="_blank">Tom Ford Oud Wood</a></b>
may be plagued by performance issues but I'm still a fan of how it smells.
It's a beautiful scent that's been copied—or reinterpreted at least—several
times over. So when the house introduced (although eventually discontinued)
<b>Oud Wood Intense</b>, I thought the original's lack of projection and
lasting power would be addressed. Well, not really, because
<i>Intense</i> turns out to be an entirely different scent. <span><a name='more'></a></span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
Instead of wood, the opening strikes me with a sweetish, animalic leather,
topped with a bitter green accord. It's a rather strong opening; a bit
in-your-face but nonetheless gorgeous. There is oud, yes, and it's
perceptible. It's similar to the one in Oud Wood but much less woody; the
leather just lords it over. Surprisingly, though, after only a few minutes,
this bringer of animalic tidings takes a step back, giving way to the
bitterness of the coniferous greens. The latter, too, has now introduced a
fresh character that perfectly contrasts the heaviness of the oud and
leather.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53056892424/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 02"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 02" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53056892424_7b37919bd7_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bibedoggie/53057189658/in/album-72177720309468664/" title="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 03"><img alt="halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense 03" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057189658_0eba22f25f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
The green accord is splendidly multifaceted, with several subtleties at play:
I get a mild sweetness, a pronounced bitterness, and a slightly camphoraceous
angle. As it develops further, the scent becomes a tad fresher but with the
leather being a constant humming presence underneath, as if biding its time
before it takes over. As the minutes go by, a mild sourness and woodiness from
the oud begin to assert themselves a little more, swirling around harmoniously
with the remaining sweetish, bitter, and camphoraceous green scent.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>
True enough, the leather was just biding its time, as it later starts flexing
its muscles again, slowly rising from under the bed of bitter conifers and
what-have-you. As this previously dominant green accord gradually wilts, the
scent becomes drier. There's now a dark smokiness coming through, rendering
every bit of moisture in its path dry. The fragrance's animalic properties
also soften over time, melding with everything else and infusing their
homogenized essence into the now dry and smoky leather that carries the scent
unto the end. Projection is on the strong side although it understandably relaxes as the hours go by. And speaking of hours, the scent does last for hours on end. </div><div><br /></div><div>All said, <b>Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense</b> is a fantastic fragrance. It's not the better performing Oud Wood that I was expecting but it surprised me just the same—and in the best way possible. Even though I get little to no wood at all, it stands confidently as its own scent: unabashedly masculine that's both formal and rugged. Dark and brooding, it's a little cold weather-leaning but I think that as long as it's not uber hot, it would still work. What I don't get is why Tom Ford discontinued this. </div>
halfwhiteboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10792016315770370153noreply@blogger.com0