Cartier for Mother's Day

It is amazing how time flies! With Mother’s Day around the corner, I wanted to remind you about some of the extraordinary fragrances from Cartier that will make Mom feel extra special this year. 

Whether her taste is classic or more modern, check out two breathtaking fragrances from the brand that she is sure to love.

The Traditional Mom

La Panthère EDP ($110 1.6oz, NeimanMarcus.com)

A floral fragrance with feline notes, illuminated with gardenia, a lively flower peppered with chypre and velvety nuances and comprised of an accord in three parts, chypre, floral and musk.

The “Cool” Mom

Baiser Fou ($95 1.6oz, Sephora.com)

Perfect for spring, this bright and irresistible scent exalts the magnetic force of the orchid with a touch of white chocolate, creating the balmy fragrance of a lipstick.

I personally like to wear both fragrances at different times of the year. I guess I would be considered a "Traditional Cool Mom" by some?! I'll take it.

Were you there? Ralph Lauren's 888 Madison Fragrance Salon Launch

Yes, Ralph Lauren celebrated the launch of The Collection Fragrances and 888 Madison Fragrance Salon just last week in NYC!

WHAT: On Tuesday, June 14, Ralph Lauren celebrated the introduction of The Ralph Lauren Collection Fragrances and the opening of the first-ever Ralph Lauren Fragrance Salon at the 888 Madison Avenue Ralph Lauren flagship store.

The Collection Fragrance Salon is a new, permanent destination, drawing on the signature richness and warmth of Ralph Lauren’s boutiques and home designs. Customers will be offered unique one-to-one consultations to engage and guide them on a scent journey through the ‘worlds’ of Ralph Lauren. An additional immersive experience is found on the new Collection Compass app, which provides details on inspiration, craftsmanship, products and accessories.

                             

Photos courtesy of BFA. 

The Ralph Lauren Collection Fragrances feature 10 Eaux De Parfums inspired by the spirit of the destinations that have most influenced Ralph Lauren. Crafted from noble ingredients of the highest quality, each fragrance is composed around a signature scent emblematic of one of Lauren’s luxurious settings, including A Portrait of New York, Riviera Dream, A Legacy of English Elegance, Song of America and Treasures of Safari.

WHO: Ralph Lauren Fragrances was joined by top fashion and beauty influencers and tastemakers including:

· Arielle Charnas, Something Navy

· Blair Eadie. Atlantic-Pacific

· Helena Glazer, Brooklyn Blonde

· Zanita Whittington, Zanita Studio

· Krystal Bick, This Time Tomorrow

· Jamie Beck, Ann Street Studio

· Andrea Maria, Dear Milano

· Ronja Furrer, Ralph Lauren Icons Campaign Model

· Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar

· Stellene Volandes, Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country

· Joyce Chang, Editor-in-Chief of SELF

WHERE: Ralph Lauren - 888 Madison Avenue (72nd Street Entrance), New York City.

Archetypes: Fragrances Based on Your Personality

Archetypes fragrances are all based on personality and with 12 different scents, they make the perfect holiday fragrance gift for your family and friends! So no matter who you’re shopping for – whether it’s the caregiver, the athlete, the creative – Archetypes can help you give the perfect gift specifically for them!

CREATIVE

The archetype: The imaginative artist/poet who adores the unusual and unexpected, and excels at making something out of nothing

The scent: Romantic and sensual. It opens with crisp notes of sugared mandarin wrapped in pink freesia and other soft florals. Then it gives way to an inspired, refreshing trio of sheer musk, vanilla and crystalized ginger.

ATHLETE

The archetype: Physical and high-energy — a lover of sports, competition and the great outdoors who’s defined by strength and endurance

The scent: An energetic bouquet that kicks off with a burst of bright citrus notes, white florals and the fresh, herbal quality of green tea. And the complex, citrus-musk dry down smells equally zesty and vibrant.

REBEL

The archetype: The fearless, rule-breaking maverick — a fighter who believes in freedom and justice, and is drawn to the fire and the edge

The scent: Sexy and provocative. An initial, tantalizing rush of citrus (fresh mandarin blossom mixed with blond and dark woodsy notes) turns into something more enticing, with a creamy blend of sweet fig, blackberry, deep florals and musk. 

CAREGIVER

The mother of all archetypes: Giving, loving and compassionate — a rescuer and nurturer

The scent: A soft, calming distillation of rare florals. A mix of fresh blossoms warmed with pink peppercorns instantly welcomes you in, then shifts into a sweet, delicate blend of florals, citrus and woodsy notes.

VISIONARY

The archetype: The intuitive dreamer and seeker — a lover of simplicity who’s drawn toward the future and brings it into the now

The scent: Light, stimulating and phenomenally clean. An initial bright pop of citrus dissolves into the green, slightly earthy freshness of lily of the valley. Then, the dry down’s lush, sophisticated blend of white florals comes to life.

PERFORMER

The archetype: A natural at self-expression; energetic, joyful and dramatic; loves to entertain, please, be adored and admired

The scent: Dramatic. In the first act, it’s a notice-me blend of pink nectarine and white iris sloshed with champagne. But at the dry down, the main actors — sweet blackberry notes and warm, creamy musk — step into the spotlight.

ROYAL

The archetype: Regal, take-charge, discriminating and empowered — defined by the ability to lead and luxuriate

The scent: Distinctive and vibrant. The top notes — fresh green accords wrapped around soft citrus and a royal garden bouquet — lead to a stronger, more decadent white floral: jasmine and ylang ylang resting on a bed of exotic musk.

TASTEMAKER

The archetype: Cutting-edge, influential and iconic; a leader and early adapter to trends who’s drawn to fashion, beauty and interior design

The scent: Chic and unexpected. It opens with deeply warming tones of spice and dry cedarwood; blooms with white florals (neroli and black lavender) at its heart; then dries down to an enchantingly clean, classic fragrance with a subtle herbaceous quality.

SPIRITUAL

The archetype: The peaceful, faithful seeker , drawn to prayer, meditation and the unseen world

The scent: Flowing, light and airy, it opens with a transparent blend of water lily, irisand sheer jasmine.  Then clean, powdery white floral notes drift in for a lush, soothing effect.

EXPLORER

The archetype: Adventurous, travel-loving, curious and free-spirited; loves the outdoors and the exotic

The scent: Sheer woods, fresh floral greens, dry woods and freshly-cut grass — like taking a stroll around a tropical paradise or mist-shrouded mountain.

ADVOCATE

The archetype: A hero and change agent — a champion of causes  to save our world 

The scent: Bright, earthy and energetic. The all-natural fragrance starts with vibrant citrusy notes (orange blossom and bergamot), and segues into an intoxicating, ylang ylang-tinged white floral.

INTELLECTUAL

The archetype: The eternal student — scholarly, smart, analytical and precise

The scent: Classic and understated. It reads like a fruity floral when you first apply it, with the fresh, almost floral quality of blood orange amplified by lush geranium and black current. But as it dries down, it tells a deeper, more sophisticated story, with vanilla, musk, amber and a whiff of white flowers.

AVAILABLE for $64 for each eau de parfum (1.7 oz/50 ml) at archetypes.com. 

New Scent from Katy Perry: Limited Edition Killer Queen's Spring Reign

Yes, I am a Katy Kat! Big fan and enjoy her unique approach to life. My daughter saw Katy in concert and her raw energy seems to be contagious as my daughter could not sleep a wink that night!

Katy Perry – Killer Queen’s Spring Reign. 

As a light spring rain falls, magic fills the air with the promise of blooming flowers to come. Everyone knows that there’s no spring without rain, and no reign without a Killer Queen.

This limited edition scent opens with notes of pink freesia, violet petals and cassis. Heart notes of natural davana, gardenia and May flower rose balance out the woody base of cashemeran and cedarwood oil.

Price: 30ML /$39.00; 100ML/$59.00

Where to buy: katyperryfragrances.com, mass retailers

Oscar de la Renta: Launches Exclusive Collection of Six Fragrances

You may not remember this, but as I was looking for the Oscar de la Renta Limited Edition nail polishes in his namesake boutique a couple of years ago, I caught a glimpse of one of the most elegant men I had ever seen. Turns out it was the designer himself and my knees started to buckle. His line is luxurious and elegant and these new Fragrances are, too. 

" To wear perfume is a luxury; it's about spoiling yourself with fantasy."

The Essential Luxuries collection was inspired by the designer's mastery of fashion and his enriched, joy-filled life. The six fragrances were created to attract anyone drawn into his personal world- a gracious, outgoing, bin vivant with impeccable taste and the polish of a true gentleman. Each fragrance echoes the close connections to Oscar's vibrant life and loves...

The collection includes Santo Domingo which is where Mr. de la Renta is from and has a smooth, smoky tabac fragrance that was inspired by the tropical setting of his birthplace. From the fresh, citrusy top notes to the rich warmth of tobacco and spices, this fragrance is meant to be shared.

Granada is a romantic citrus floral accord with a feminine air. It was inspired by the memories of Spain. Early in his life, Oscar de la Renta became captivated with Spain in such a way that it would influence his work forever. 

Oriental Lace is a dark, daring oriental laced with gourmand nuances that are quite opulent. This fragrance unfolds to reveal a warm, inviting blend of the unique hoya carnosa flower with hints of honey and bitter almond. Patchouli and dark cacao impart a mysterious treat to this oriental fragrance.

Mi Corazon is an unmistakable white floral bouquet that was created for his beloved daughter Eliza. They had a mutual adoration for the distinctive scent of ylang- ylang and both the flower and Eliza are known for their undeniable charm, style and strength. Tuberose, hand picked ylang- ylang mingle with peach for a tropical twist.

Sargasso ( pictured/sampled)  is a crisp, green invigorating scent that has fresh citrus notes that are combined with patchouli to give the fragrance a lasting, extraordinary finish. It smells a bit like the sea to me and I felt romantic wearing it.

Coralina is a timeless, classic floral bouquet that is ultra feminine and completely soft, serene and unforgettable. Mr. de la Renta was inspired by the opalescent ginger colored stone known as the Coralina stone and it has been a unifying theme throughout his collection, accessories and now a fragrance to echo it's splendor.

Available for $ 150 each, you can find this new collection at Saks Fifth Avenue New York, saksfifthavenue.com, select Neiman Marcus stores, NeimanMarcus.com, Oscar de la Renta boutiques and on oscardelarenta.com.

Which fragrance speaks to you?