Destination Scents: a Group Blog

Once upon a time, I would take vacations whenever I could. I loved traveling, sometimes without even really knowing where I was going, like on a cross-country road trip with no set itinerary. My favorite old haunts in Las Vegas still call out to me. I once went to London by myself, just for the heck of it. At this point in my life, I'm not able to get away for vacations much anymore, but that doesn't stop me from daydreaming about it. All the perfume-related events I've missed and the people I would love to meet-- I definitely long for that jubilant feeling that accompanies waiting for a flight at the airport. When Olfactoria revealed her choice for the theme of this particular group blog, I relished the chance to dream out loud.

Las Vegas This is a place I've been to a dozen times, but not recently enough to see The Wynn and some of the new and enticing shopping spots that have popped up. A good scent pairing for the insanely hot weather of Las Vegas would be something cheerful with juicy citrus notes that would probably need touching up throughout the day. Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine would be perfect. When I'm in Vegas, I drink coffee like it's going out of style, and it's all about staying up as late as possible so I can keep playing $2 blackjack at The Sahara. Oh, and you know I'll be at The Rio waiting backstage for my intellectual dreamboat Penn Jillette (married? who, me? eh.).

Las Vegas's finest, illusionists Penn & Teller

NYC I love this city. It's one of those places where I feel utterly at home-- I instinctually fall into line with the fast pace. I blend in there, which affords me discreet people-watching opportunities. My choice of fragrance for NYC has to be Le Labo Oud 27. I associate the scent with NYC because I always picture the Le Labo boutique in my mind briefly when I wear it. It's cool, completely urban, and it's not something you'd expect to be wafting from a woman passing you in the subway.

one of my favorite shopping destinations in NYC

Dubai I have never been to Dubai but have been invited a couple of times. Until somebody pays my way out there, I won't be going any time soon. I've been interested in visiting for some time, and I'm pretty sure I'd love it. I've heard Dubai is the spot for over-the-top luxury, so of course I'd want to put that to the test. I would bring along two Amouage fragrances to wear: the first is Opus III- it's sweet-ish, very feminine, and so delicious. The other is Opus VI, which makes me think of crushed violets and the bright pop of rose damascena ever-so-judiciously blended in. The resinous, animalic base lasts forever. Both fragrances are sheer perfection.

one of the many cool structures in Dubai

San Francisco I've only been to San Francisco once, but it was magical and left a lasting impression on me. I find it hard to describe exactly how the city makes me feel-- maybe it's just one of those things that will always defy explanation for me. In honor of my dear friend and Berkeley-based creative genius Mandy Aftel, I would have to wear Aftelier Parfum Prive. It's rich, intoxicating, luxurious and makes me think of the water. It is one of my very favorite perfumes of all time.

San Francisco

London To me, London is like New York City, but not quite as schizophrenic, and more comfortable. London is grounded and surprisingly easy to navigate (as long as you're not driving) and also encourages the bliss associated with losing track of time. I'd wear the geographically appropriate  Ormonde Jayne Woman, the fragrance that ignited my obsession with perfume to new depths. I let this perfume teach me about the experience of vivid visual imagery in relation to scent. Before I first arrived in London, my expat friend there warned me that Londoners are not very accepting of American tourists, so I was surprised to find that the locals were exceedingly kind to me. Perhaps I'm just a non-touristy tourist. Regardless, I had a boundless reserve of love for a city that in turn loved me back.

London's Fashion and Textile Museum

So tell me, what perfumes would you match up to your favorite vacation destinations? Do you have a vacation planned for the near future?


Click through to my fabulous blogging partners for more destination scents!
Persolaise
Olfactoria's Travels
Fragrant Moments