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Showing posts from 2019

LOOKBOOK | Holiday blues

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I don't know how the color blue came to be associated with sadness because just look at this blue-themed Holiday decor . Isn't it so festive? I love how my outfit matches the setting, or rather, how the setting matches my outfit.

FRAGRANCE | My Tom Ford Private Blend Christmas Tree

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I've long thought of doing this after seeing someone on Instagram create a mini-tower of his Tom Ford Private Blend bottles some months ago. The uniformity of their shapes and their flat, square caps proved conducive to stacking them up. I thought, a "Christmas tree" shouldn't be that far-fetched of an idea then.

LOOKBOOK | Santa Cat is out of the bag once again

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The thing with owning seasonal stuff is that you almost never get the chance to recoup your "investment" because it's, well, seasonal. I mean, how many times can you wear your Christmas sweaters and all such other stuff? So what to do with a Santa Cat tee like this but to wear it, right? 'Tis the only season for this after all. And then jeans, red kicks, and a festive tinsel backdrop—perfect! Happy Holidays! ___________ T-shirt (H&M - 3 years now!); jeans (Uniqlo); shoes (Call It Spring).

FRAGRANCE | Joop! Homme EDT: Beyond all that pink

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I've always been intrigued with Joop! Homme  that I occasionally find myself reading up on it, only to be confused by conflicting reviews. Some praise it for being a classic and a monster performer while others berate it for its sickly sweetness. Admittedly it's the latter that's been holding me back and I don't think the hot pink presentation helps either. Yet somehow I ended up with a partial, purportedly vintage bottle. I couldn't verify the batch but the box is a little worn out already, so it must be old.

FRAGRANCE | Bowling Green EDT by Geoffrey Beene: A long-lasting, old-school citrus freshie

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For quite some time now I've been meaning to get a bottle of Grey Flannel , that 1970s Geoffrey Beene classic that's so (stereo)typically old-school masculine, but for some reason it's always bumped off by other fragrances. A colleague even beat me to owning one. And then out of nowhere I just ended up with a different Geoffrey Beene fragrance— Bowling Green .

FRAGRANCE | Whispers of Christmas with Fille en Aiguilles EDP by Serge Lutens

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Fille en Aiguilles is yet another Serge Lutens fragrance that I love, like it's almost inconceivable to hate on it. It's a scent a lot of people online are relating to Christmas, and I agree. There's a certain warmth to it. It's snugly and comforting, perfect for cold weather although personally I think that it also works in warmer temperatures, provided it's not too hot and humid.

LOOKBOOK | With folded arms

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So with this typhoon comes sweater weather. Well, sort of. While the weather itself isn't exactly that cold, indoors at the office can be a little freezing. It's the perfect time to unearth those chunky knits hidden somewhere in your closet. Seize the moment because ROI, people, ROI.

LOOKBOOK | Weekend wedding

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We were invited to a wedding recently and the thing is, we actually attended! I don't know but the last time I went to one was maybe five years ago. There was also this other all-black wedding I went to before that. This recent one was an outdoor wedding with a formal theme. I already pictured that most of the guys will be wearing black suits and I had no intentions of blending in. I thought that after wearing that powder blue blazer  of mine to work, it was time to take the entire set out for a spin. And so there I was in a powder blue suit , trying to "socialize."

FRAGRANCE | Maxim's pour Homme EDT: Why must all good things come to an end?

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This one just fell on my lap somehow. I wasn't seeking it nor have I ever heard of it. Yet when I saw someone put this up for sale in a Facebook group and read the words " oakmoss " and "discontinued," I was in, knowing how everyone is pining for this ingredient that IFRA has restricted to oblivion. Maxim's pour Homme was commissioned by the famous Parisian restaurant of the same name in the late 80s. It was created my renowned perfumer Dominique Ropion .

LOOKBOOK | Micro and maroon

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I'm not one to shy away from wearing colored pants . I've worn bright green, rust , mustard , and coral pants , to name a few. I know some are probably iffy with wearing colored trousers but if you want to dip your toe into it, maroon seems a pretty safe bet, especially if it's in a darker hue. It goes well with white, black, and navy, all of which I've probably used already.

FRAGRANCE | Risqué pour Homme Parfum by Roja Dove: Exquisite scent but lacks power

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The higher the price, the higher the expectations. I don't know if you also subscribe to this thought but with the prices Roja Dove commands for its fragrances, I'm pretty sure I can't be faulted for expecting more from this bottle of Risqué pour Homme Parfum than I would usually do with other houses. That its presentation is so extra is almost a given already but more than anything, it's really the juice that should justify the price.

FRAGRANCE | Javanese Patchouli EDT by Ermenegildo Zegna: Discontinued but is it worth pursuing?

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Patchouli is one of those notes for which I have developed a liking. I'm not sure if it was an acquired taste after getting acquainted with many fragrances over time or if I've really liked it from the start. Either way, when I saw someone offering a bottle of the now-discontinued Javanese Patchouli by Ermenegildo Zegna , I immediately jumped the gun.

FRAGRANCE | Neandertal Light EDP: A stone-cold, metallic beauty

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Neandertal is a niche perfume brand with only two offerings to date: Neandertal light and Neandertal dark . Both are EDPs that come in identical, craggy, stone-shaped ceramic bottles, the former in white and the latter in black. Either one would definitely look great in anyone's collection. I'd like to have both although I have to contend with just Neandertal light for now.

FRAGRANCE | Kimonanthe EDP by Diptyque: A sweet, fruity-floral delight

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I first came across Diptyque 's Kimonanthe at their shop in Rockwell, Makati a few months ago. The bottle was different from what I'm accustomed to seeing at Diptyque counters. It was a boutique exclusive, I was told by the SA, along with Benjoin Bohème , Ôponé , and a slew of other goodies that apparently are part of the house's La Collection 34 . Choosing which bottle to get was hard but we went home with Kimonanthe first.

LOOKBOOK | What a plaid blazer can do

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Looking deceptively spiffy, aren't we? I've always been doing this: I show up to work in a pullover and some pants . It's as plain and casual as it can get but you can argue that it's comfy and non-restrictive. Besides, it's still pretty much office-appropriate.

FRAGRANCE | ScentSmith Perfumery introduces 6 new scents

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New stuff from ScentSmith Perfumery Homegrown brand ScentSmith Perfumery just launched half a dozen new fragrances to add to their already extensive line of eaux de parfum, room scents, toiletries, and more. Of the 6 new EDPs, 2 are for the ladies, 1 for the guys, while 3 are labeled as unisex. Here are my first impressions.

LOOKBOOK | Striped, not stripped

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A striped kind of day. Whether thick and bold or thin and subtle, stripes always add a little something to an otherwise plain, if not boring, top. And while the fail-safe route in wearing it is with something plain, doubling up the stripes factor can also work in certain cases.

FRAGRANCE | Sex and the Sea EDP by Francesca Bianchi: Where a sea of sweetness (almost) drowns everything else

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I've tried Francesca Bianchi's Sex and the Sea at a sniff sesh with fellow fragheads and was instantly smitten. We soon got a bottle but it seems quite different from how I remembered it.

FRAGRANCE | Cuba Blue EDT by Cuba Paris: Yet another cheap thrill

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I got this as a freebie and I thought, well, might as well try it. Although I'm aware of the brand, which features a host of presumably tobacco-based cheapies, I haven't tried anything from Cuba Paris yet until Cuba Blue .

FRAGRANCE | Royal Mayfair EDP by Creed: Classy with an understated flair

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This one doesn't seem to be getting as much love as the likes of Aventus, Green Irish Tweed, etc. but Royal Mayfair proved to be quite the surprise for me (I blind-bought it). I couldn't care less about the stories Creed is peddling about their fragrances but I believe this is an underrated gem from the house.

FRAGRANCE | Vial trial: Gentle Fluidity Silver EDP by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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The concept was intriguing: creating two different scent profiles using the same set of notes. Sure enough Gentle Fluidity Gold and Gentle Fluidity Silver turned out to be two very distinct fragrances. And while we ended up getting the Gold edition shortly after the duo hit our shores several months ago, I was happy to be given a 5ml sample of its Silver sibling to try further.

FRAGRANCE | Vial trial: All about the base with the entire Affinessence Base Notes Collection

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Affinessence Paris has an interesting concept for its Collection Notes de Fond (Base Notes Collection), its only line so far. It focuses on base notes, or rather, essences that are traditionally used as base notes. Because it's "all about the base," you'd think that each fragrance will be downright linear as a result. In reality, however, there's a noticeable development in each of the six eaux de parfum the house has so far. Here's a rundown of each one.

LOOKBOOK | Powdering up the blues

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Whenever I feel like wearing jeans to work , I always think of how to dress it up so I can practically get away with it. The usual culprits are an office shirt, with tie preferably, or a suit jacket. Having a more "formal" top helps divert attention away from the jeans. I guess that's the trick. Because of the rather attention-seeking but easy-on-the-eye powder blue color of my blazer, the jeans basically disappear in the picture, especially since they're dark. That I'm not wearing a collared shirt is also forgivable as a result, more so when you finish your look with office-appropriate leather shoes. So do I get a pass or what? _____________ Blazer (Zara Man); pullover and jeans (Uniqlo); shoes (Massimo Dutti).

FRAGRANCE | Mercedes-Benz Addictive Oriental EDT by Alberto Morillas: A safe and pleasant nice-to-have

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I feel like car-branded fragrances don't get that much love despite some really good releases that are worthy of praise, like Bentley for Men Intense and a couple of others from Ferrari . Mercedes-Benz also has several noteworthy scents, including those from their 2015 Mercedes-Benz VIP Club collection , where they partnered with some celebrated perfumers who also lent their names to the uniquely curved bottles. I got hold of a bottle of Addictive Oriental by Alberto Morillas . I admit that I was enamored by the name probably more than anything. The heavy, purple bottle doesn't hurt either. Although I didn't care that much about them at the start, later in my fragrance journey I've come to recognize a few superstar perfumers, Morillas being one of them. He single-handedly restored my faith in Gucci with his gorgeously dry and very masculine Gucci Guilty Absolute .

FRAGRANCE | Cuirs EDP by Carner Barcelona: A leather-based fragrance that's easy on the nose

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Cuirs EDP is my first from Carner Barcelona . Yeah, you could say it's yet another leather-based fragrance but there are just so many ways on how to approach this note that I don't really mind having another one in my arsenal. It can be fruity-sweet like Arab Tradition by Nabeel , mixed with rose like in  French Leather by Memo Paris , given the green treatment like Irish Leather  (also by Memo Paris), or uncompromisingly dry like Gucci Guilty Absolute .

FRAGRANCE | Vial trial: Irish Leather EDP by Memo Paris

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Irish Leather EDP was one of the maiden releases under Memo Paris's Cuir Nomades line in 2013. I don't know which came first between this and Italian Leather , though, but both are green takes on leather for me.

LOOKBOOK | Rain or shine, these boots are made for walking

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Took these rarely-used boots out for a spin. I adore the black paint splatter over white boots design but they sure aren't easy to wear. I wore them before with a nearly all-black ensemble, and then with an all-white outfit , but I haven't really thought about what else is possible with such a quirky design.

FRAGRANCE | French Coffee EDP by Al-Rehab: It's so yummy!

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I have a few fragrances from Middle Eastern house Al-Rehab , all of which are lovable cheapies. From the unassuming Choco Musk , to the monster deceptively named Soft , they sure do not disappoint. Now it's time for French Coffee .

FRAGRANCE | Amouage Memoir Man EDP: Solid, smoky, woody elegance

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Amouage is perhaps known for its propensity for using incense in many of their releases, and Memoir Man is but one shining example. I was instantly drawn to the simple but elegant black bottle, which to me seems to suggest an alluringly dark fragrance.

FRAGRANCE | Mortal Skin EDP by Stephane Humbert Lucas: Could this be Voldemort's signature scent?

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The minute I saw it I fell in love with the bottle, so much so that I wanted it before even bothering with Googling what the scent is like, what the reviews are saying and all that. It's the Slytherin in me, so I guess you can't fault me for going head over heels over the bottle's exquisite, snake-inspired design. And yes, I blind-bought Mortal Skin .

DINING | ICYMI (Like I did): Siargao's famous pizza is now in Poblacion, Makati

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The Kermit Manila exterior. We discovered Kermit Manila by chance while driving around Poblacion in Makati, looking for a place to eat at past ten in the evening. Turns out it's the same Kermit from Siargao that's known for serving great pizza. Kermit wasn't around yet when I first—and last—visited the island in 2002 although I've heard of them at least. So seeing them in Poblacion was a welcome surprise, and I was more than eager to give the restaurant a try.

FRAGRANCE | Vial trial: Oud Silk Mood EDP by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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Another one from Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Oud Mood collection , Oud Silk Mood is the perfumer's take on the now-commonplace oud and rose combo . It's available in eau de parfum (EDP) and extrait de parfum concentrations. This review is for the EDP.

FRAGRANCE | All that jazz with Replica Jazz Club EDT by Maison Martin Margiela

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I like the idea behind Maison Martin Margiela's Replica fragrances, that they're meant to recreate scents and moments from certain locations and periods. Now whether they are able to successfully execute each idea, that's another story. I got a set of three 10ml travel-size sprayers just to try this house out. One of the fragrances included is Jazz Club . Now before we think of jazz clubs of the 1920s through perhaps the 40s, the label on the full bottle clearly says that this is inspired by a totally different time, 2013 to be exact. To be honest, I don't know the differences anyway.

FRAGRANCE | Tom Ford Oud Wood EDP: A beautiful scent marred by poor performance

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The name says it all, and that's practically what you get in Tom Ford's Oud Wood . The oud is already evident from the beginning although it's not the strong and pungent kind. It's tempered, "Westernized," if you may, and has a slightly sweet and sour flavor to it that I like. It's very much like the oud in  Tobacco Oud ,  another Tom Ford Private Label release. The opening also carries a faint trace of spices but it doesn't last long.

FRAGRANCE | Le Jardin de Monsieur Li EDT by Hermès: Pleasant but a little too much like the others in the line

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Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is another entry in Hermès's Un Jardin line . It stays faithful to that familiar DNA of its predecessors—from the sweetened green undertone down pat to the soft to moderate projection, only this one lasts a little longer (from morning to very late in the afternoon in my case). It doesn't offer much in terms of identity, unfortunately.

FRAGRANCE | Vial trial: An assortment of samples from Rogue Perfumery

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[Photo from rogueperfumery.com ] A kindhearted soul from our local frag group shared some of her Rogue Perfumery samples for me to try, and I was excited to say the least. Rogue Perfumery is an indie fragrance brand by Manuel Cross, a former chef. Even before smelling anything from the house I was already sold on his idea of creating old-school fragrances that he proudly declares as "non-IFRA-compliant." IFRA stands for International Fragrance Association, easily blamed by many a fraghead as the reason behind the ruin—and even death—of many iconic and beloved fragrances due to restrictions and prohibitions in the use of certain ingredients. But then, aren't the houses themselves to blame just as much? Anyway, I'm just glad that Mr Cross has decided to "go rogue." So how do his creations measure up? Let's check out Tabac Vert , Mousse Illuminee , and Chypre-Siam .

FRAGRANCE | Moschino Toy EDT is indeed no toy at all

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Seriously, who would think this isn't a toy? I admit that I bought this one because of the packaging. But I don't think anyone can blame me because look how cute he is! Who doesn't want a cuddly, fluffy, cutie patootie teddy bear? And to make it even better, I got it at a crazy low bargain. But lest we forget, this is, as indicated, not a Moschino toy. It is, however, called Moschino Toy and it's a legit eau de toilette.

LOOKBOOK | Linen comfort for warmer days

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Thinking It: Chapter 2 here with the balloons. Never mind that they're not all blood red but I look the part, don't I? Of course I do! I'm a clown after all. Anyway, here's something for the warmer days. After a couple of weeks of rain and gloom, the sun is back with a vengeance. And what better way to cope with the heat than with linen !

FRAGRANCE | Whiskey EDP by Commodity: A concept lost in translation

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When I saw the name Whiskey , I was of course anticipating a boozy scent, much like how whiskey is given prominence in fragrances like Areté by Gritti and Tom Ford Tobacco Oud . Alas, Whiskey EDP by Commodity is not!

FRAGRANCE | Davidoff Cool Water Deep EDT: A flanker that departs from the DNA of the original

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One of the countless flankers to the 1988 classic, Cool Water Deep is a little different in that it doesn't remind me at all of the original Cool Water . Unlike  Terre d'Hermès Eau Très Fraîche  or Guerlain L'Homme Ideal Cologne that still carry the DNA of their respective original creations, this one doesn't. It's still characteristically fresh but there's just a different vibe to it that I'm not sure if I could place it as an aquatic. Even the curved, flask-like bottle design is already quite the departure from the rectangular style of the original and of its many cousins that followed.

FRAGRANCE | Gucci pour Homme EDT (1976): A masculine chypre masterpiece

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What a beauty! The moment I saw this posted in one of our Facebook groups I just snapped it up without delay. I didn't even bother looking it up. I just knew it was good and that I had to get hold of it. The worn-out box alone is a telltale sign that this stuff is old, the labeling clearly from another era. The inside corrugated cushioning has also completely yellowed. And there's no barcode! Without a doubt, this is a vintage bottle of Gucci pour Homme .

LOOKBOOK | Pixelated colors

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Been blogging about nothing but fragrances of late. I just thought of breaking the trend with an outfit post, so here goes. I know there is practically nothing special about this outfit. It's just t-shirt and jeans for crying out loud! I just enjoy the colors on this one, and I think the peach-colored kicks fit perfectly into the whole look. I though it was just nice to enjoy some color after a week of heavy rains, that's all.

FRAGRANCE | Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate Eau de Cologne by Hermés:

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As much as I admire the ombre bottle design of the Hermés Un Jardin Line , I also enjoy the vibrant, solid colors of those from the luxury brand's Colognes Collection. They look so playfully cute together but nonetheless each one is a standout on its own, much like the strikingly red flacon of  Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate Eau de Cologne . That the coffret I got looks just as nice is but a bonus.

FRAGRANCE | Cupid MVI EDP: Not for the faint of heart

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For several months this was tucked away in one of my drawers. It was a blind buy and I already forgot how it smelled like, to be honest. All I know is that I was saving it for colder days because it was quite strong and heavy. And then I uncapped it and I was instantly reminded why. Cupid MVI opens really strong. And I mean beast mode-strong, so caution on the sprayer there. You may think of a cute, winged baby shooting arrows at people's hearts but no, it punches you in the face right upon meeting you. There is absolutely nothing romantic here. It's leathery, animalic, and with practically no glossing over. There's a woody undertone plus some hints of spiciness in the beginning, but all that are simply drowned out by the unapologetic, animalic leather.

FRAGRANCE | Resina by Oliver & Co.: A light and airy take on resins

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I made a blind buy on this based on my love of sweet, resinous fragrances. As is often the case, such scents are on the heavier side of things—thick and dense. For me they add a warm and comforting aspect to a scent. Such was my expectation when I saw the name Resina by Oliver & Co . But boy, was I in for a surprise!