MontanaB

I had zero expectations at widen counter. Sahara I was my favorite from everything they offer. I did however motivate myself to go to to store because of New York. Yes it is balanced, yes its nice, longevity is okay. But it is missing something fundamental for it to stand out above what is already out there.

When you go to Michelin restaurant you don't go there to fill your stomach till there is no room, you go there for luxury experience. Upon my impression, same goes for the Widian as a brand. You wear it to smell luxurious and one of a kind, not to be smelling of Paris Hilton boudoir. New York is that boudoir, not fitting into entire house aesthetic imho. Out of place and definitely out of reasonable price bracket for what you get.

Harrods best seller together with Afternoon Swim. Beautiful raspberries oud with velvety rose scented leather. My mom used to have horn comb that she kept in leather pouch. Being a kid I once spilled her bath oil on that pouch. It is that impregnated thick cowhide leather drench in rose oil but in form of Ombre Nomade.

Can't speak much about love for oud, I'm not the right person for debates on that ingredient. One thing for sure, it is very prominent and heady in here. So much so fragrance requires wearing it with caution. Miniature bottle of Ombre Nomade is enough to last you for a long time. I'm occasionally buying a sample just to dip my mind into times of me being silly kid holding my mothers comb.

The one scent that is drilling my consciousness. With current advised retail price it is literally can't (read don't want) afford and from the loving scent perspective it is definitely one that I simply can't forget. Affordability is of course funny topic, but in my eyes longevity has always been an issue with Double Vanille and not in tune with the fees even before last year new packaging adaptations.

One can dispute the beauty of the composition and timeless style of this boozy vanilla heaven. And I agree, art is not cheap. I did spend money on Minimes, I did spend money on Perry Ellis, they move me but not shake me to my inner core where love for this creation resides. Both miss soul and share similarities of exterior, vaguely so. The smooth boozy smoky creation called Spiritueuse Double Vanille that was made with love and incredible skill will be always locked in my mind. So do I treat it as piece of very expensive art or still try to wait till good deal price on it comes my way?

From what I hear a lot of ingredients will be spiking in price by one third on average this year. When it happens I don't want to be in line at Guerlain for the best vanilla out there paying the price of Roja. And trying the alternative did not evoke the same sensation.

Just ordered this beauty after chasing a bottle for a year without luck. TI've been waiting for it to be a bit cheaper here in UK but never had seen anything over 10% off. I'm the happy peep now. Got tipped off by friend for it being 50% off clearance at Dutch Skins. Entire range is.

Now to the important stuff. This is the best lavender frankincense you will come across. It is dry and herbaceous sweetened up by non-church incense. Saffron is making the heart of this juice fiery red and makes almost syrupy rose out of it. Do not miss that one, it is easy to overlook. Lasts or days. Projects like beast wearing a beast.

I am enjoying few of the offerings from this house. While classic range is good, the newest releases are stunning. Beverly Hills exclusive together with Crush on Me is another level game from this house. BH is well blended, starts off with fresh green notes, very happy and tad spicy opening. Mid has lovely sweet tobacco dry down that is combined with saltiness of ambergris. Unisex intoxicating combination. Tonka Bean is also prominent but not making it gourmand eat your hands off scent. 10 out of 10 for this