The first of the M. Micallef vanilla based fragrances I spent time with was Vanilla Flower.
Even the sound of this one made me quiver. Vanilla Flower? Gardens and Sugar? Pansies and honey? Sounds like my worst nightmare. Maybe it’s self-fulfilling prophecy, but it turned out I was right. This one really overwhelmed me. I gave it up after a day, which I admit, is a pretty cowardly thing to do. I honestly didn’t have the heart for it. One day – that’s not enough time to give any scent its just due. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it… at least for a few days… right scentophiles? I have no excuse, and I humbly apologize for my lack of effort here, but I simply couldn’t summon the desire to see this sample through to the last drop. The Vanilla Flower and I weren’t meant to be. I can’t explain it any other way.
I knew any review I posted with so little effort (and thus, insight) wouldn’t be fit for print. Jeers and pejorative comments would rule the day. So what was I to do? I languished over the question a bit before the answer presented itself. I’d give someone else a shot, and, at the same time, allow the Vanilla Flower its fair shake. I knew there was only one person I could trust with this endeavor. She’s wonderful. She’s talented. She’s one of a kind – my good friend, Alix.
I passed the reigns over to her, and she finished off the sample for me. Here’s what she had to say:
My first whiff of this fragrance reminded me of classical music. My first impression was that I was lost between the notes of Chopin’s Nocturne. The fragrance notes initially take me to a magical place in the clouds but then the low notes bring me back down to an earthy and lush garden with mysterious corners. I could feel the fragrance enveloping me in an embrace of warmth and intimacy. It seems simple at first but it is very sophisticated. This fragrance should not be worn for light occasions or people who are timid. In a way it reminded me of my grandmother who, despite her small stature, had a commanding presence.
Overall, I felt very comfortable in this fragrance. It was strong at first then it tapered off nicely and became more subtle which was good because I was afraid I would get a raging headache from smelling it for hours on end. I would definitely wear this fragrance because I love the sweetness of it. For me, it was a wonderful pairing of something feminine: Floral but anchored in something so strong and comforting, the Vanilla.
We decided to play the “If this was a…” game with the Vanilla Flower just for fun, so I figured I’d close with that. Here are our answers:
If this was a celebrity it would be – Alix says Mae West. I say Paris Hilton (and that Mae West is the perfect answer. Ahhh! That should have been mine).
If this was a song it would be – Alix says “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. I say “On the Good Ship Lollipop” by Shirley Temple.
If this was a movie it would be – Alix says “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.” I say “Moulin Rouge.”
If this was a book it would be – Alix says “Gigi” by Colette. I say anything by Nicholas Sparks.
If this was a dessert it would be – Alix says Belgian dark chocolate cake. I say Cream puffs with vanilla filling, and maybe a scoop of blue bell vanilla bean ice cream on the side for good measure.
That’s all folks! I’d like to send out a great big thank you to Alix, without whom this would not have been possible. I hope somehow we pulled this episode off.
Hope to see you next time!
Filed under: Perfume, Reviews Tagged: Chopin, classical, commanding presence, Feminine, Gourmand/Foody, intimate, lush, M.Micallef, Mae West, Micallef, Moulin Rouge, mysterious, Nicole Kidman, Nocturne, sophisticated, sophistication, Sweet, Vanilla, Vanilla Floer, Warm
