Samples *2 full sets and extra favourites worth mentioning: HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON AMOUR CONJURE SMOKE & MIRRORS PATCHOULI CACAO AUTUMNALIS TRICK OR TREAT GAEA BOOK OF SHADOWS LILACS ALONG THE WINDING DRIVE FALLING STARS ON WINTER SOLSTICE .LES MYSTERES A DARKNESS BURNING MOSS MAIDEN NEPHILIM Combined Thoughts: From the epitome(s) of walks in nature to delicious smoky comforting ventures and a couple other absolutely fantastic late seasonal surprises; these were sample sets to remember and I highly recommend the “Build Your Own Custom 5 Piece Alkemia Perfume Sample Set” to anyone (trust Alkemia they know what they are doing and do it oh so well). One scent at a time: HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON (Listed Notes: Honeycakes, Beeswax, Ripe Grains, Harvest Fruits, Nutmeg, Ginger and Cloves) What I was hoping for and what called to me: When I saw this year's late seasonal collection front and stage on Alkemia's main catalogue page, I knew I had to try this. Being late to the party as always I missed out on another autumn selection (OFFERING) that I had seen others comment on and became very interested about but since I only found ETSY and Alkemia Perfumes this year (May) all the bottles/samples were claimed. HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON seemed like the revival of OFFERING plus the honeycakes with nutmeg, ginger and clove sounded too good to pass up. In the vial: Being completely honest and I know it is more complex than what I can detect (so please forgive me I'm still learning) but first impression- this smells like delicious homemade HONEY GRAHAM CRACKERS Applied: Scrumptious honey graham crackers with faint hints of fruit, cereal and spice. Giving it time to dry I get the beeswax and unfortunately that note amps on my skin and overtakes the delectable honeycakes scent becoming like a sweet spicy candle. A shame that this delightful fall medley doesn't last long on me but this may be another I need to get a fixative oil for or just purchase a full-size dropper styled bottle to put in my room oil warmer as I need this scent combination in my life, it's like a welcome stroll at the local autumn festival. *PURCHASED FIXATIVE OIL The important three perfumes that I retried: Pumpkin Strumpet, *Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and Patchouli Cacao Final Impression: Out of the three Patchouli Cacao worked the best with the fixative followed by Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and my spicy trickster Pumpkin Strumpet. The perfumes DID last longer and the opening notes stayed true, they also threw all the exhibited notes into the night but something went a tad strange with Pumpkin Strumpet (BUT that may have had to do with having worn just one tiny drop left in the sample vial and the balance might have been thrown off?). Maybe pumpkin notes are not meant to be on me but overall the fixative is a must and I've already placed this item in my "repurchase basket" when I run out or just to have the cooling mint-vanilla scent. Highly recommended. Curious Discoveries (what perfumes performs well with another): HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON & PUMPKIN STRUMPET-try it, they were made for one another *CIDRE D' AUTOMNE & HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON- another match made in gourmand autumnal heaven *AU LAIT & HONEYCAKES FOR HARVEST MOON- a sweet buttery combination Words that come to mind: Autumn Festivities, scrumptious homemade comfort, spicy sweet candle AMOUR CONJURE (Listed Notes: Dark Amber, Copper Distilled Patchouli, Bulgarian Rose, Ceylon Cinnamon, and Vetivert What I'm hoping for: After reading about a historic Romanian perfume recipe someplace, I was determined to find a cinnamon rose perfume as I can't resist cinnamon, a slightly floral or anything history related. I'm hoping I can wear this out not just on special occasions but on those days when I want to feel a little more brazen. In the vial: My new friend PATCHOULI with a SPICED ROSE and a quick polish of METAL, it's divine and somehow reminds me of LETTRE D'AMOUR but more mature. Applied: Hello Femme Fatale! This is indeed a powerful mix that boosts your confidence and has a primal vintage quality all its own. The rose is more dominant with the patchouli on me but I do get the cinnamon. It may not be as spicy as I was expecting but it is certainly enough and well balanced. As it dries I get more of the patchouli with metal (reading that must be the copper distilled) and that seems to be the final note with faint whispers of rose as this perfume lasts on me all through a 12-hour shift. I will be purchasing this (among several others once the generous vials are empty) Words that come to mind: Vintage Femme Fatale, earthy spicy rose, memorable, Here I am SMOKE & MIRRORS (Listed Notes: Woodsmoke and Vanilla) What I was hoping for: Certain scents allow me to go to a happy memory and woodsmoke is one aroma that takes me to childhood camping trips, special cookouts and late night talks beside the fireside. It may not sound like much but I just want a real woodsmoke scent with rustling leaves and bright moonlight coming to mind as soon as I get a familiar wisp. In the vial: Absolute bliss! Better than I expected as this takes me to late summer to fall country cookouts with hot savoury food, music, dancing by the firelight and losing yourself in staring at the night skies. The WOODSMOKE is dead on. Simple but beautiful. Applied: Oh Alkemia take my paycheck now as this is sure to be another full bottle purchase (I have so many on my future lists but it is worth it). I get that glorious woodsmoke as the front welcoming note and that's all I need but I do faintly get a fleeting whisper of vanilla that adds a sweetness to this peaceful blend. I read that this perfume is meant to layer with others and I can't wait to see what perfumes perform well together with this wonder. Words that come to mind: smoky bliss, tranquil starry nights, years of wonder PATCHOULI CACAO (Listed Notes: Dark Cocoa, Bourbon Vanilla, and Blonde Patchouli) What I was hoping for: The dark cocoa and patchouli are calling to me and I'm hoping for a sweet but earthy treat In the vial: I know it is more complex but I'm honestly getting CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES and fresh-gardened EARTH, it's marvelous! Please send me a full sized bottle now. Applied: Don't leave me, please stay scent of my dreams! We were meant to be... Oh bother here is another perfume I will need to get a fixative for as the amazing chocolate fades off first after several minutes (and the peanut butter-like scent is not as strong but a lovely caramel takes the chocolate's place). The patchouli is still there like a consoling friend but I wish the bitter chocolate would have stayed alot longer. I'm finding out more and more certain notes either clash horribly with or disappear completely with my skin chemistry (disappearing: chocolate, pumpkin, honey, orange). Words that come to mind: sweet dark stranger, warm decadence, fall to winter hushed promises *PURCHASED FIXATIVE OIL The important three perfumes that I retried: Pumpkin Strumpet, Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and *Patchouli Cacao Final Impression: Out of the three Patchouli Cacao worked the best with the fixative followed by Honeycakes for Harvest Moon and my spicy trickster Pumpkin Strumpet. The perfumes DID last longer and the opening notes stayed true, they also threw all the exhibited notes into the night but something went a tad strange with Pumpkin Strumpet (BUT that may have had to do with having worn just one tiny drop left in the sample vial and the balance might have been thrown off?). Maybe pumpkin notes are not meant to be on me but overall the fixative is a must and I've already placed this item in my "repurchase basket" when I run out or just to have the cooling mint-vanilla scent. Highly recommended. AUTUMNALIS (Listed Notes: Dry amber, Fallen Leaves, Maple Wood, Saffron Crocus, Soapy Wood Musk, Vetiver, and Oakmoss) What I'm hoping for: After reading so many comments saying this perfume "was like walking in the woods in October" I had to try this. I'm hoping for a transporting woodsy venture that I don't want to take off. In the vial: *Unfortunately the soapy wood musk was a tab overwhelming and er... robust (soap musk/ anything considered or described "clean" is another note that clashes or smells very masculine on me and I have to scrub off quickly) and this perfume needs to age (be placed in a cool dark box so the promised notes can combine) I've been sneaking sniffs of it since I received it (and one or two drops have fallen on my hand) and I don't think AUTUMNALIS will get along with my skin (or my nose) but we shall see (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen on someone else. That's the unique beauty of perfume oils, they react with everyone differently- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). TRICK OR TREAT (Listed Notes: Licorice, Orange Peel, Brown Sugar, Candied Ginger, Bourbon Vanilla, Tonka, Blonde Patchouli, Cedar, Oakmoss and Sandalwood) What I'm hoping for and what called to me: Being the ideal time of the year to explore the candied memories of our youths and still hoping for an adult twist to the familiar, I was initially curious why this one was so popular plus after falling hard for the mysterious broody drawing power of star anise (licorice-like aroma) in my sinful pleasure known as CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS, this became another "crossed fingered" exploration into Alkemia's unique library of scents. In the vial: ORANGE SLICES JELLY CANDY with a hint of CEDAR, nice and mellow Applied: Warm and sweet at the same time, there is that sweeping bow of licorice and in relation to CAVEAU DES INNOCENTS it amps on my skin (at first), maybe not as irresistible or reliable as star anise (licorice is sort of like the other's shy brother around me). I'm willing to give this another chance and maybe wait a couple weeks and retry this perfume as the licorice and orange fade on me quickly but the vanilla and ginger is hardy as always and I really like it. Words that come to mind: candied reflections, autumn time treat, playful, a hint of mischievous GAEA (Listed Notes: Forest loam, Ferns, Decaying leaves, Lichens, Wet stones) What I'm hoping for: I think by now readers following my simple thoughts have realised I prefer the unique and the personally noteworthy (perhaps better explained as arcs away from what everyone considers traditional but still familiar) and Alkemia beautifully caters to those needs (seriously there is a perfume for everyone within their catalogue that transports you to another time, emotion or season) and I'm hoping to find another to add to my collection- the ultimate waltz in the early spring forest would be ideal. In the vial: "Out Like a Lion" late March to April rain showers, I get the melted snow and the vegetation peeking above and waiting for the first full day of bright spring sunshine. It's unbelievable. Applied: I have been looking everywhere for something like this, it's incredible. Rain showers smell like wet earth and stone to me, not soap or "clean"; it's clouded over rain puddles and decayed leaves. Believe me, there is no soap in this otherworldly perfume. I can't stop closing my eyes and smiling as I also get flashbacks of still explored melting snow tunnels and there is that "cold" smell you had of the compacted ice with earth pressed into the walls. Oh, Alkemia is there anything you can't perfectly capture in scent form? I need a bottle of this. Words that come to mind: "Out Like a Lion" rain showers, spring goddess, transporting and freeing *BOOK OF SHADOWS (Listed Notes: Parchment paper, Antique ink, Leather bindings (*cruelty-free), and Rare Incenses) *To be a full bottle purchase and will be a featured article in the near future (Fellow written/printed word fanciers (okay book lovers aka: we proud novel sniffers) rejoice and get a bottle now, you won't regret it or be able to put it down!)) LILACS ALONG THE WINDING DRIVE (Listed Notes: Lilacs, Spring Violets, Rainwater, River Stone and Rust) What I'm hoping for: There is nothing like the calming and nostalgic scent of lilacs and I have been searching for a perfume that captures my childhood memories of sitting on the porch with my beloved grandparents watching the rain. Alkemia you have my trust and complete hopes to have what I'm looking for. You have surprised and had me shed a tear before, please let this be it. In the vial: Curses it's VIOLETS and light soap, where is the lilac? Okay now I'm worried. Applied: It's pretty but not me or what I have been looking for. The violets are very dominant on my skin (strange I liked TEMPTATION that has violet macarons but this is too much for me) and overtakes any lilac (I really think it's my skin chemistry so just ignore my thoughts). I don't think this will work but I'm willing to let it hopefully settle down and try again maybe around spring next year (the longer they sit the better) (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen on someone else. That's the unique beauty of perfume oils, they react with everyone differently- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). FALLING STARS AT WINTER SOLSTICE (Balsam Pine, Dark myrrh, Somalian Frankincense, Snow, Woodsmoke) What I'm hoping for: I have quite the perfume oil collection now that spans from spring to fall and I need something "wintery". The pine with myrrh, frankincense and woodsmoke seem to be a safe exploration plus the gorgeous name caught my full attention. In the vial: WOODSMOKE and PINE, just like the name it's gorgeous. I can't help but think of sled riding and once happy holidays. Applied: Oh this is magical, the woodsmoke is my favourite but the pine with teasing myrrh and frankincense are all beautiful accompanying notes. I want a bottle of this, it's so comforting and in no way resembles a cheap candle it's more complex and so much deeper than you would think. Words that come to mind: windswept snowy hills, twinkling stars, joyous reunions LES MYSTERES (Listed Notes: Black Fig, Frankincense, Dark Amber, Labdanum, Musk and Russian Tea) What I'm hoping for: I'm leery about the fig listed (thanks to years of being bombarded by mall shops with fig and brown sugar and the headaches that always followed when someone sprayed it around me) but the frankincense, labdanum and tea beckon me to try this. In the vial: Extremely trendy expensive-smelling with sweet FIG and SOAP, this is certainly different from the down to earth scents I tend to collect. Applied: Believe it or not, I like this the tea and fig with the identified scent of soap (reading that must be the sensual musks) somehow work. It is definitely a feminine fragrance that smells very expensive, I wish the frankincense would appear more but I can faintly detect it. Letting it dry, this perfume lasts as hours later I finally received the full effect and it is so aptly named as I get the sharp dark tea note and the sweet fig blends into the background (happy to jot down not one headache with this mysterious mix). I like this perfume but I think I will decide if I need a full sized bottle after I use what is in the generous vial. It's really not me but some part of me would like it to be. Words that come to mind: popular demand, expensive medley, warm and pleasant A DARKNESS BURNING (Listed Notes: Spiced Incense, Cinnamon, Clove, Bourbon Vanilla, Guaiac Wood, Charred Oak, Ginger Musk) What I'm hoping for: This one was a curious exploration in the fall collection listing, every one of the notes calls to me and I'm hoping to find maybe a gingerbread incense perfume that can transition from autumn to winter. In the vial: I know it's more complex and I wish I knew more proper terms but this honestly smells like SMOKEY ROOT BEER Applied: I was hoping that first impression would have changed but this really amps on my skin (and it's just personal taste but I never developed a love for root beer), I know scent is subjective so it shouldn't surprise me that others said they liked this on me and didn't get smokey root beer at all. So take this short review as you will, this perfume is not for me (and who knows it may need more ageing) but someone else will surely love it. (**please remember everyone's skin chemistry is different and what my chemistry does with one note may not happen on someone else. That's the unique beauty of perfume oils, they react with everyone differently- please don't hesitate to try a sample of something if it interests you). MOSS MAIDEN (Listed Notes: Ferns, Calamus Bark, Lichen, Crushed Autumnal Greens, Cedar, Balsam Pine, Galbanum and Moss) What I'm hoping for: The short story behind the name caught my full attention (who doesn't love a good forest legend?) and the listed notes call to me. I'm hoping for something green but hauntingly alluring In the vial: LEMON it's unexpectedly more summer-like than you would think. Almost cheerful and very reminiscent of LEMON VERBENA or CYMBOPOGON (LEMONGRASS) Applied: Adding this to the summer cache as this is very bright and somehow shaded. I like it, the lemon scent (I'm not sure what is doing that) amps on my skin and I'm getting more of a woodland summer fairy dancing amongst the dandelions rather than a seductive moss maiden. Still it's quite unique and I will happily use what is in the vial. Words that come to mind: summer sprite, sun-dappled frolic, cheerful but guarded NEPHILIM (Listed Notes: Aged Iron Distilled Patchouli, Black Oud, and Mineralistic Accord of Gypsum Flower and Brimstone) *this was a surprise "Scent Preview Coming Soon" vial that I received along with one of my sample packs- thank you so much Alkemia! In the vial: MINT, EARTH, a quick polish of METAL AND STONE, it's splendidly moody and gothic. Applied: This is completely unique with shadowed and pitch black qualities. The mint moves the patchouli, oud and brimstone to an almost light murky aquatic level but then it changes to a stormy charged quality that is perfect for this time of year and overactive imaginations. I will be using this with impish glee and then purchasing a full bottle in the future, it's a classic black and white horror film in a vial. Words that come to mind: Gothic Rain, Lair of All Hallow's Eve, desolate escape alkemia.etsy.com Everything flung out of the window… I could write in rambling flowery prose why I picked this book up and why the real-life story of the mysteries of the Romanovs and Anna Anderson are so fascinating to me but frankly after finishing this novel the other morning I couldn’t stop shaking my head and saying “just wow” and decided right then to forego the dramatics and go straight to the truth. Yes I Was Anastasia is readable, transporting and at times entertaining (it has such a fabulous premise that history practically writes for itself and, to be honest I enjoyed more of Anna’s chapters rather than Anastasia’s) but in this case I think it simmers down for me looking at this book more as it falling directly into that disappointing scurrilous mire of modern expectations: overtaking a storyline (forcing an awkward cliché romance element that just goes off in the pages with no other mention), interchangeable characters, emotional setups for later chapters, the dialogue (I couldn’t help but cringe when I saw the word “cute” sprinkled throughout) and then sadly the collected and any remaining known history and morality are flung out of the window for the sake to “keep up” with the present in your face tactics. No doubt others will seek out I Was Anastasia just for the shock and ugly disgusting rumors reimagined in detailed passages (really it’s no one’s business if it happened or not and the dead should be respected in that aspect) but I think it would be cruel not to warn readers who may be sensitive to scenes of unexpected rape and animal abuse that you may want to find another title (and believe me there will be dozens as the tragic centennial of the execution of the Romanov family comes closer). True many may argue this book could have gone in much worse detail but I’m sorry it went far enough for me and this wasn’t the novel I was hoping to find (that respectfully balanced imagination with history to tell a believable story or didn’t have a hundred open-ended questions from several plot holes left) and it reminded me too much of other titles (The Unseeing, The Midnight Watch, City of Shadows etc) I have been highly anticipating that quickly went into the frustrating muck of modern ideas of what entertainment should be or what sells. With thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books who kindly sent me an Advanced Reader Copy. Title expected to be released: March 27, 2018 -EGP/October 2017 This next shopfront I’m about to introduce is one that you could say “started it all” with me as it was one of the first shops that drew me out of the shadows of “window shopping” when I stumbled across ETSY. It only took one glance (and it was two sets of jewelry in particular that stopped me and I could swear I heard graceful classical music playing) to quickly realize this styled shop catered to those who appreciate and covet the elegance of bygone eras as the owner has a special affinity for history, literature and a love for the theater and film. Her works of ornamental wearable art range “From Lady Macbeth to Lady Mary” and needless to say I couldn’t resist anymore once I saw a picture at the very bottom of the site of her displayed shelves of research with numerous various fashion history books and I highly recommend you have a look and stay awhile at Boheme Bijou because you won’t forget the experience, I know I won’t. So what were the jewelry listings from Boheme Bijou that initially sparked my ever vibrant imagination and had me swear I could hear “Valse Septembre" and "Hochzeitsreigen /The Wedding Dance Waltz” softly playing beside me (but then again that may have been my playlist on my phone but it any case) and had me create a special reminder marker in my browser that I revisited for days AND tempted me enough to finally join ETSY? Why TITANIC inspired pearl earrings and a classic lavaliere style necklace of course and here they are: My first purchase from Boheme Bijou was the TITANIC inspired pearl earrings that arrived within a few days and introduced me to the exceptional way ETSY shop owners treat their customers with personal thank you notes and I was even given a “thank you coupon” for my next order. The earrings themselves were beyond my expectations as they were unlike anything I have seen out in the modern set, they capture the flourishing architecture that was popular in the early 20th century and the pearls are the off shade of antique cream that compliments any occasion. I have worn them constantly since they have arrived. When I contacted the owner of this magnetic shop to see if she could make a single pair of earrings to match the dazzling necklace I just purchased from her FALL SALE, I had no idea how over the moon I would be. The attention to her customers before and the final reveal are a credit and are an example how customer service (she is such an absolute sweetheart) should be and these beautiful custom earrings and matching necklace perfectly embody originality and sophistication. They arrived only a few days after I ordered them and as soon as I saw them nestled together I knew I had to wear my LA BELLE ÉPOQUE (by ALKEMIA PERFUME) perfume when I showed off this collection as I felt these gorgeous glittering jewels echoing the past demanded my best and the riche powder floral scent that makes me feel in another place and time was a perfect additional accessory. If only it was entirely socially acceptable (in my world it is a must though), I would have also worn a picture hat with gloves to work all night as well but to spare my coworkers any awkward silent moments I just wore a classic lace blouse. Picture hat and gloves excluded this set was still an utter rave that night; the historical green color (so reminiscent of a personal beloved shade interestingly called “arsenic green” but was listed on the site as “fern”) with aged gold is just stunning to see (they glow in any light) and these new additions have quickly become favorites (I don’t want to take them off) and will be treasured for years to come. Thank you Constance your fine attention to the former ages of splendour and class are brilliantly displayed; please keep doing what you do because I will definitely be back to visit your exquisite catalogue again. Boheme Bijou Constance (Boheme Bijou) link ( [email protected] )
10/3/2017 06:28:09 am Thank you so much for this wonderful shop review. I am beyond thrilled and honored to be featured on your magnificent blog. As a designer I try to imagine the life that each creation will have once they leave my work table and ship to their destinations. Your beautiful descriptions here give me some insight into the kind of adventures these jewels will have. Thank you for giving them the life that I hoped they would have when I first created them. Your words inspire me and motivate me because sometimes as a creator of historically inspired jewelry, you wonder if what you created really invokes the feeling of the era. I've loved history my whole life, especially the Belle Epoque and Edwardian eras. If I could time travel, it would be back to this period. Thank you for sharing your captivating blog. I look forward to reading future articles. With much appreciation and gratitude, Constance Boheme Bijou |
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28th of January 2023) NOTES/COMBINATIONS and Stones CURRENTLY ON THE HUNT FOR: Naughty Licorice/Star Anise Cardamom Cardamom Cake with Roses Smoky Honey & Leather Leather and Florals Pomegranate Colder Tuberose scents Smoked Florals with Cinnamon and Honey Graham Cracker and Incense Double strand of Rose Quartz or Moonstones or Black Tourmaline Chainmaille Jewellery Houses of Fragrance and Interest on the Horizon (shops that contain such temptations): LurkerAndStrange Good Spirit Wolf Rapt In Maille ToadStoolSoaps DSH Perfume Baphomet&Co Harvest Moon Haven Granny Hootenanny's Shop
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