Gifts from Paris

Imagine my excitement when my dear friend told me she had come back from Paris with perfume gifts for me. I was so excited to see what she picked out. I must say that she did well! She brought enchanting treats from Fragonard--a name so few Americans know. Coincidentally I have been wanting to blog about Fragonard for some time, and her gifts give me the perfect reason to do so.

I can't verify what I am about to say, since the perfume world is built upon closely guarded secrets, but rumors abound that Fragonard makes a lot of the perfumes we see in the department stores and that designer brands sell them as their own creations.  I am tempted to believe the rumors.  I have always found it interesting that some Fragonard perfumes smell eerily similar to some very well-known ones by Dior, Guerlain, etc., but I tend to like Fragonard's perfumes better.  Of course Fragonard's own line is not identical to any other perfumes--they certainly hold their own.

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So what delights did my friend bring back?  Let's start with the adorable little box set containing a lovely soap and mini EdT splash of Jasmin, one of Fragonard's latest releases. Jasmine is one of my absolute favorite florals to wear, especially during the warm summer months. Fragonard's interpretation is green, clean, light, and casual. Top notes of Jasmin smell of citrus and greenery followed by breezy white jasmine.  The feeling is cooling and refreshing.  And look at the adorable little bottle with gold metallic cap.  Reminds me of the summer I spent in Nice, along the French Riviera!

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My friend also brought back a bottle of Fragonard's namesake Fragonard in parfum concentration. It comes in a golden aluminum bottle to help protect the liquid from heat and sunlight.  It is so adorable and fits easily into my purse--tres chic!  The scent has got to be one of the best floral perfumes I have ever smelled--to my nose, a perfectly balanced blend of sweet honeysuckle and jasmine on a sensual base of clean musk and amber.  It is an extremely feminine white floral that exudes timeless elegance, both innocent and sexy at the exact same time.  It has easily become one of my favorites of all time.  My generous friend also included a matching soap scented with Fragonard, but it is not pictured because it went straight into my shower!  Thank you so much, pal, for the Paris treasures.  

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Turning to my own collection now.  I discovered Fragonard when I was in college in the gorgeous coastal town of Santa Barbara.  I smelled Fragonard's Grain de Soleil in a little shop.  Although I did not buy it that day, I never forgot it.  I finally purchased it some 15 years later.  Thank goodness for the internet!  Grain de Soleil is a delicious and smooth blend of amber, vanilla, and spices with a touch of powder.  It is heady, mature, confident.  Perfect for a special occasion or evenings out.  

Hope you will check out Fragonard!  There is no doubt you will find something there that will suit your taste.