Monday, December 21, 2009

The Christmas Spirit



Today is the Winter Solstice, also known as "Midwinter."
Today marks the shortest day, and the longest night of
the year,and the sun's daily maximum position in the
sky is at it's lowest.

Winter Solstice celebrations can be found across many
ancient cultures...

The ancient Egyptians decorated their homes with palm
fronds on the shortest day of the year and celebrated
for twelve days. Hence the popular song, "On the 12Th
Day of Christmas"... Similar traditions can be found
among the Hebrews and in Asia.

It was the Scandinavians that gave us Yule logs and
Christmas trees from their ancient celebrations.
There, Evergreens were seen as a promise of the return
of Spring. In Celtic culture holly and mistletoe were
significant,as they symbolized fertility. In ancient
Rome the celebration was called Saturnalia, and from
the Pagan Romans we get the decorating of trees with
lights and ornaments. The history of Santa Claus
traces back to the pre-Christian times of Northern
Europe.

(PER WIKIPEDIA) In 46 BCE,Julius Caesar established
December 25 in his Julian calendar as the date of the
Winter Solstice of Europe. Since then, the difference
between the calendar year (365.2500 days) and the
tropical year (365.2422 days) moved the day associated
with the actual astronomical solstice forward
approximately three days every four centuries, Christmas
or Christ's Mass is one of the most popular Christian
celebrations as well as one of the most globally
recognized midwinter celebrations. Christmas is the
celebration of the birth of the Christian Deity God
Incarnate or Messiah, Jesus Christ. The birth is
observed on December 25Th, which was the Roman winter
solstice upon establishment of the Julian Calendar.

However, it is interesting to note that Christ was by most
accounts not actually born on December 25Th. In the Fourth
Century Christianity was adopted as the official religion
by the Roman Emperor Constantine, the first Christian
Emperor. Constantine was eager to pacify his people, many
who were still steeped in their old Pagan ways and
celebrations. So rather than upset them by taking away
their Solstice party, Constantine declared Christmas an
"immovable feast" to be celebrated on December 25Th. Over
time, the Church would co-opt many Pagan festivals and
customs, reassigning them Christian meaning. For example,
the Christmas Tree, was proclaimed, because of its
triangular shape, to symbolize the Holy Trinity. The Winter
Solstice Festival, the celebration of the birth of the Sun,
was changed to celebrate the birth of the Son.

As is the case with most traditions, CHRISTMAS was
not an overnight sensation... In fact, the Protestant regime
of Oliver Cromwell in England actually banned Christmas
celebrations, and Christmas as we know it today did not
begin to really take shape until the 19Th Century.

SOTD: PAN
KEY NOTES: This Sexy Unisex Perfume Oil is made with key
notes of Fir Balsam Absolute, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Vetiver,
Mushroom Cepes absolute, Violet Leaf Absolute, and Wild
Orange


WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT PAN:

Kezbekistan says, "Pagan sex-inna-bottle. If you've seen the movie 'Mists of Avalon', where the Stag King is running
through the forest, and finds his Goddess/Bride in the
bower and claims her? Well, that's what this fragrance
smells like. Pagan sex-inna-bottle."
(http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Opus-Oils/Divine-Pan-5708.html)

Justine Crane, Rebel Perfumer says, "Well, it smells dead sexy, baby! It smells... like a man, yeeaaahhh. It's firey, smokey,
earthy ~ has a pencil-shavings timbre to it that reminds me
of my 7Th grade science teacher, Mr. Stevens. Ever try
studying the core of the sun while you're drooling over
something a thousand times hotter? Leave it up to your
man to provide the animal funk. Pan ~ lust in a bottle."
(http://ohtrueapothecary.blogspot.com/search?q=Opus+Oils)

TASTY TID-BIT: The Pine family includes the Pines, the
Larches, the Spruces, the Hemlocks,the Firs, Cypresses,
Sequoias, Cedars, Arbor-Vitae, and Junipers. They are all
commonly referred to as Evergreens because, with the
exception of the Larch and the Bald Cypress, their leaves
do not fall all at once as do those of most trees. Within
the United States, there are thirty-nine species of Pines.
Our European ancestors used to decorate their homes with
the branches of the Evergreens in winter as a refuge for
the spirits of the woods from the bitter weather.

Monday, October 12, 2009

VIP Gift Baskets -2009 Fox Reality Channel Really Awards

Paris Hilton at The 2009 Fox Reality Channel Really Awards in LA





Was thrilled to get a call from Natural 9 Entertainment,
asking us to do the honors of designing the Dressing Room Gift
Baskets for Paris Hilton, Vivica A. Fox, & Cindy Margolis,
For the 2009 Fox Reality Really Awards! How exciting!!

Today, as we put the special finishing touches on these
drewl-worthy fragrant treasure troves, I must say that
I am extremely pleased with the results, and I hope they
will be too...

At this point (I could still change my mind),
For Paris I've decided to go with Mostly ABSINTHIA
products as my dominant theme...



With a Special Edition VAMP Coffin Flask..



And for VIVICA, I'm doing a combo of Island and Isis...





For Cindy Margolis... I'm feeling KITTEN..
and STARLET...





...Just back from dropping off the baskets - what an
adventure! The venue was the Henry Fonda Theatre
(again - same place where Vampire Con was!), And as
Murphy's Law would have it (it never rains in SO CAL, so-)
it was raining... So here we are trying to get the baskets
from the car to the dressing rooms without getting them wet!
No easy task, yet somehow we managed, with the help of a
friendly security guard and not one, but two over sized
umbrellas...

TASTY TID-BIT: (Per Wikipedia)
"Reality," the concept, is contrasted with a wide variety of other concepts, largely depending upon the intellectual discipline. Some believe that it can help to understand what we mean by "reality" to note that what we say is not real because we see it through different perspectives, therefore there is no basis for reality. But usually, if there are no original and related proofs, it isn't reality. Others believe that reality is consistent for all people, and it would be the perceptions and interpretations of this common reality that are different. An example of this is the belief that rain is the work of gods rather than a natural occurrence that has a scientific explanation. The perception and interpretation of rain is that it involves the supernatural, but this belief does not change the fact that rain is caused by water moving from a gaseous state into a liquid state. The reality is consistent, and it is the interpretation that is different, not the cause of the event..."

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Never Ending Summer



It's October, but here in LA LA Land it feels like July...
Welcome to the Never Ending Summer of 2009!
I think everyone in this town agrees that there is
such a thing as Global Warming.... Today's high is
93 degrees - That's just not right!

So the big question I've been getting from all my clients is:
What is the perfect scent to wear for Summer in October?

This is a trick question because the usual inclination
at this time of year is to reach for the Chypres (Siren, Pan),
or the Orientals(Mantra,Toro), but somehow, these scents
all feel too heavy for the current state of weather and
mind. While at the same time, my usual go to summer scent
suggestions, (Kitten,Island,Tropique,Eros), don't exactly
assuage the mood either...

Luckily, I have the perfect scent to answer this dilemma!

SOTD: LADY DEATH

Her spicy floral Lily/Datura Note, satisfies in the
the floral realm,and the Isobutavan Note(creamy candy
Vanilla), satisfies a craving for comfort that comes
with the longer nights of Autumn/Fall, without imposing
the usual earthy heaviness of some Vanillas. Lastly,
the touch of Oakmoss(subtle and barely discernible)
gives a nod to the Chypre category, without being
overpowering or heavy. The overall effect is an
intoxicating, ethereal scent with a diffusive bloom,
and a long linger...



TASTY TID-BIT:
From http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php

How Heat Affects the Body Human

"Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate
and depth of blood circulation, by losing water
through the skin and sweat glands, and-as the last
extremity is reached by panting, when blood is heated
above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood,
blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow,
and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through
the upper layers of skin are put into operation.
The body's blood is circulated closer to the skin's
surface, and excess heat drains off into the cooler
atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through
the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about
90 percent of the body's heat dissipating function."

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Dirty Sexy Wilde Dandy Launch Party /Jitterbug Perfume Parlour 1 year Anniversary













From our press release: Hollywood, CA – September 1st, 2009
Opus Oils, a Perfume Atelier located in the heart of glamorous
Hollywood, CA announced today the Official Release
of their all new “Dirty Sexy Wilde” Collection.
The Launch will mark the 1 year anniversary of OO’s
“Jitterbug Perfume Parlour” (retail boutique & HQ),
and the Debut of their Coffin shaped "Perfume Flasks"
with decorative frames and pictures.
It will all take place at Opus Oils’ Jitterbug Perfume
Parlour, 4959 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027
on September 5Th, 2009.

I am happy to say that "Dirty Sexy Wilde" was a fragrant hit!
I took it as a compliment that multiple people told me it was
"Like nothing they had ever smelled before", and "Vintage,
but with a modern twist..."

The temperature was in the high 90's all night, but despite
the lingering heatwave, a "Dandy Good Time" was had by all!
Actually, there was something beautifully languid and
Southern-Victorian to it... Between the heat,the fine
company, the perfumes and the punch it was quite surreal!
With the fancy dress Dandy-inspired costumes, and all the
Velvet Fainting Couches it was easy to imagine that we were
in another time...













A very special thanks to all our friends who came by
to help us celebrate, and were such good sports to dress
in their "Dandy Best",despite the high temperature!
Extra Special thanks to our DJ's Harvey Wallbanger,
Professor LaCroix,Eva Bunny and our stylish
San Francisco chums who made the trek all the way
from the bay area (extra top hats & spats in tow),
Riddle & Feng for the groovy photos (above) &
the lovely wildflower sculpture from their garden,
and the La Dance Macabre girls who helped me keep
my hat(and my head)on all night long! We are so
lucky to have such wonderful friends who grace
our establishment with their fabulousness!

I like to think that Oscar would have been pleased...


For a good time call on:
~Dirty Sexy Wilde Punch~
Rose Petals
Raspberry Syrup
Rose Syrup
Pink Lemonade
Seven Up or Ginger ale
Vodka

We must have been thirsty - we got to the bottom of 4 huge punch bowls!


SOTN: Dirty Sexy Wilde (Of Course)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT DIRTY SEXY WILDE:

Kezbekistan
says,"I was warned this fragrance was
very earthy, but since I love earthy scents (vetiver is a
huge favourite)I thought, "what the hey!"And... "What the
Hey!" indeed! Not too earthy at all, actually I think the
person who warned me confused 'earthy' with 'musky, sweaty
and sated'.It has a beautiful, just barely there smokiness
about it. Not an incense smokiness; more a small fire deep
in the forest, to rest by after a night of carnal delights.
The citrus balances the deeper tones nicely. Honestly,
it's like laying on a bed of crushed grasses and flowers,
deep in a deciduous forest. With your lover in your arms.
And that little fire flickering beside you as you rest in
the afterglow. I wear it very lightly, and notice people
sniff and turn to see if they can track down the source of
the fragrance. Perfect sillage! And a little lasts a
loooong time. I've had nothing but positive comments
about Dirty Sexy Wilde. It's unusual, different and far
from common. I absolutely agree with Mirabelle Jee in
that it may be more for men... men who want to get laid!
And for the woman who wants to be not just noticed, but remembered."
(http://www.fragrantica.com/news/Dirty-Sexy-Wilde-perfume-by-Opus-Oils-new-coffin-edition-985.html)


**PRESS**
http://www.fragrantica.com/news/Dirty-Sexy-Wilde-perfume-by-Opus-Oils-new-coffin-edition-985.html

http://perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.com/2009/09/wilde-in-streets-opus-oils-dirty-sexy.html

TASTY TID-BIT:
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" was Wilde’s only full-length novel.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

"Afraid of the Dark" Collection Launch at Vampire-Con 2009





Our "Afraid of the Dark" Collection Launch at Vampire Con
was a blast!

At 5:00 AM the day of the event, I was still putting the
finishing touches on the Collection... By 8:00 AM I was
totally delerious from a combination of lack of sleep
and aroma inhalation overdose... Needless to say,
the Vampire Coffee was a life saver!

The event took palce at the Henry Ford Theatre,
a Striking Art Deco ghost on Hollywood Blvd rich
with history... The lighting was atmospheric
(should have brought the candelabra,) just the way we
like it,and we had the perfect view of the stage for
the Panel Discussions & Deliciously Vampy
entertainment provided by our dear Friend
Count Smokula & the ever lovely Scarlet Rose.
Scarlet's "Gypsy Rose Dance" to Smokey's timeless
serenading was my favorite moment of the day!

"Location,Location,Location"... So LOVED our next
door neighbors!!! On one side we had La Dance Macabre,
The delicious duo with the grooviest stuff ever (one
of everything please)! ...And on the other side was
Count Smokula, giving us plenty of time to enjoy
his most enchanting company... (Stay tuned for updates
about the Custom Scent we will be creating for this very
special Hollywood Icon!)

SOTD: Hands down our most popular scent of the day was
"Ode de Vampyre". Both Girls and Guys were grabbing
it up with equal enthusiasm - love it when a scent goes
both ways!
KEY NOTE:Blood Cedarwood, Saffron,Dark Rose,Orris Root,
Sandalwood, Black Agar, Vetiver, Honey & Temple Incense...


**PRESS**

http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/fashion/2009/08/spray-after-darkvampireinspired-perfume.html#more

http://www.hollywoodlife.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=RSS\Beauty\20090818\Trend-Alert-Vampire-Inspired-BeautyProducts.xml&cat=style&subcat=beauty&pcur=1&ipp=10&pageid=1#Trend_Alert:_Vampire_Inspired_Beauty_Products

http://www.nstperfume.com/2009/08/18/opus-oils-afraid-of-the-dark-new-fragrances/

http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/2009/08/opus_oils_afraid_of_the_dark_c.html



TASTY TID-BIT: The first full work of fiction about a vampire
in English was John Polidori’s influential "The Vampyre",
which was published incorrectly under Lord Byron’s name.
Polidori (1795-1821) was Byron’s doctor and based his
vampire on Byron.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

The 4th of July smells like...









Night Blooming Jasmine & Orange Blossoms....
Honeysuckle, Bar-B-Q, Margaritas,Chips...
Sulfur...

We had a special treat tonight at the Parlour -
several neighborhood firework shows that were
visible from my favorite seat on the Black Velvet
chaise lounge! It doesn't get any better than that....

SOTD: JITTERBUG PERFUME
KEY NOTES: Our Boutiques Signature Scent is a
luscious blend of Jasmine,Jasmine, & more Jasmine!
Reminiscent of a vintage French Perfume, this is a
classic scent perfect for any occasion...



WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JITTERBUG PERFUME:

Helg from Perfume Shrine says,
"Jitterbug Perfume, a rejoice for jasmine lovers,
includes notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, lemon essence,
orange blossom, beach found ambergris, blond tobacco
and sandalwood...Lush, full-bodied, with the sweet
interlay of what reminds me of exotic ylang ylang
and a round sweetish finish of the gingerbread
goodness of sandalwood, it is predomintantly about
the king of flowers: jasmine in its heady glory."

Rebela
says,"Do you like magnetic, strong
and sensual white florals? Then I guess you also
would like Jitterbugg, it´s a magnificent, beautiful
and happy fragrance. The jasmine and orange blossom
is stunning. The basenotes makes it warmer, softer
and very sensual. In one way a very youthful fragrance,
but another part feels very retro. This is a fragrance
to put on when you feel like dancing all night long,
and feel free, happy and don´t have to worry about
the days to come."
(http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Opus-Oils/Jitterbug-5695.html)

Mirabell Jee says,"An unusual floral scent.
In the whole it reminds me the one garden flower,
none of mentioned in the fragrance notes, and I can't
remember what exactly. It's so well done, that the
citruses don't lead as they usual do. If you like
floral scents, you are tired of usual light floral
scents and need a sign scent this one is for you."
(http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Opus-Oils/Jitterbug-5695.html)


**PRESS**

http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com/2008/09/jitterbug-perfume-oil-from-opus-oils.html

http://perfumesmellinthings.blogspot.com/2008/09/opus-oils-jitterbug-perfume.html 4 different

http://www.nstperfume.com/2008/08/18/banana-republic-classic-limited-edition-opus-oils-jitterbug-new-perfumes/




TASTY TID-BIT: The History of Fireworks
Per the "FIREWORKS UNIVERSITY" http://www.fireworks.com/safety/fireworks-history.asp

Fireworks originated in China some 2,000 years ago.
The most prevalent legend has it that fireworks were
discovered or invented by accident by a Chinese cook
working in a field kitchen who happened to mix charcoal,
sulphur and saltpeter (all commonly found in the kitchen
in those days). The mixture burned and when compressed
in an enclosure (a bamboo tube), the mixture exploded...

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Summer Solstice - Scents of Summer




"His face was turned without regret toward the endless
possibilities of Summer." - F.Scott Fitzgerald

Summer Solstice takes place today June 21,2009 at 5:46
(1:46)AM,Universal Time. Today is the longest day of
the year,and this year it corresponds with Father's Day.
This seems very fitting,as the sun is a male symbol
of constancy and growth.

Today as I was walking,I paid special attention to the
familiar scents of summer that are abundant and bountiful
in beautiful sunny Southern California. The first scent
to hit my nose is a lush blast of Jasmine - heavy,sticky,
sweet and mercilessly indolic,I pet a fence of little
white blossoms and they release their heavenly scent for
me to enjoy & savor. The next scent to hit me is
the airy lemony sweetness of Magnolia Blossoms, floating
above my head from several over flowing trees. There is
a gardener nearby, mowing a lawn and the green sweetness
of fresh cut grass is unmistakable. Next comes the sticky
sweet slightly spicy Yellow Datura, I stick my face in it's
delightful cups and inhale a whiff of pure Summer heaven...

When I get to the coffee shop on Kenmore I smell the warm
inviting scent of fresh dark Mid-Eastern coffee mixed with
the sweet smokiness of the charcoals heating in the back
for the hookah pipes. I walk past the usual crew sitting
outside puffing away like Caterpillars (in Alice's'
Wonderland),and inhale the sweet aroma of Apricot tobacco .
Next,is the bakery and the unmistakable sweetness of baking
sugary delights. Finally,as I open the door at the Jitterbug,
I am greeted by a delicious mysterious aroma that has become
so familiar to me that it is almost in-describable, but hints
of Incense and Musk, and Floral sweetness...

SOTD: Tropique (from our Island Girl Collection)
KEY NOTES: Cocoa, Coconut, Vanilla, Coffee Bean,Yuzo

TASTY TID-BIT:
Pagans called the Midsummer Moon the "Honey Moon",
for the mead made from fermented honey that was served
at midsummer celebrations. Ancient Pagans celebrated
Midsummer with bonfires,when couples would leap through
the flames. It was believed that a persons crops would grow
as high as they were able to jump. Midsummer was thought
to be a time of magic, when evil spirits would appear,people
would wear garlands of flowers and herbs to ward them off.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

He wants a "Lady Killer" Scent...

Tiger sniffs at my wrist and wrinkles his nose, "Too earthy", he says..."and too leathery -I don't want to smell like leather,or s**t!"(Must be the Civet note).... It's too old... I'd rather smell like 'Old Spice' or better yet Drakkar Noir.

This is not what I want to hear! Especially when I was going for "Earthy, Leathery, Vintage, & Animalic"...

So for a point of reference,it's off to google I go, to look up the notes for DN . Come to find, they are very close to the notes in my working blend!
To please the Tiger - it's his image on the bottle,and he wants "A Lady Killer Scent" he can get behind, it seems all I have to do is a bit of rearranging. Hmmm....

Days later, after a bit of tweaking,and a healthy infusion of green notes(galbanum +),the working blend passes Tiger's rigorous sniff test, and I am headed to a gathering with some friends and a tester bottle in tow. My mission for the evening is to do a bit of market research...

After a healthy feasting on a most delicious spread, the guests were all gathered in the kitchen,as our host spontaneously broke out into song(A Capella,and pulled it off,no less!), when my little bottle started to get passed around... Well, even in my wildest dreams, I was not expecting the reaction it caused - I won't get any more specific than the squeals of delight and actual licking of persons
(AXE cologne eat your heart out!), but it was certainly something verging on the XXX rated... And by all accounts it lived up to the name "Dirty Sexy Wilde"...

SOTD: Dirty Sexy Wilde
KEY NOTES: Galbanum,Red Mandarin,Carnation,Violet,Rose,Night Jasmine,Blond Tobacco,Oakmoss,Coumarin,Musk,Civet,Ambergris


TASTY TID-BIT: (Per Wikipedia)
Sex pheromones
In animals, sex pheromones indicate the availability of the female for breeding. Male animals may also emit pheromones that convey information about their species and genotype. Many insect species release sex pheromones to attract a mate, and many lepidopterans (moths and butterflies) can detect a potential mate from as far away as 10 kilometers (6.25 mi). Traps containing pheromones are used by farmers to detect and monitor insect population in orchards. At the microscopic level, a gamete pheromone may provide a trail leading the opposite sex's gametes towards it to accomplish fertilization. Pheromones are also used in the detection of oestrus in sows. Boar pheromones are sprayed into the sty, and those sows which exhibit sexual arousal are known to be currently available for breeding. Sea urchins release pheromones into the surrounding water, sending a chemical message that triggers other urchins in the colony to eject their sex cells simultaneously.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Birth of "Dirty Sexy Wilde"

"And so he would study Perfumes,and the secrets of their manufacture,distilling heavily scented oils,and burning odorous gums from the East. He saw that there was no mood of the mind that had not it's counterpart in the Sensuous life,and set himself to discover their true relations,wondering what there was in Frankincense that made one mystical,and in ambergris that stirred one's passions,and in violets that woke the memory of dead romances,and in musk
that troubled the brain,and in champak that stained the imagination;and seeking often to elaborate a real psychology of perfumes,and to estimate the several influences of sweet smelling roots,and scented pollen-laden flowers,or aromatic balms,and dark and fragrant woods,of spikenard that sickens,of hovina that makes men mad,and of aloes that are said
to be able to expel melancholy from the soul."
~ The Picture of Dorian Grey
Oscar Wilde

For our new class "Animalic Instincts", I will create a historically influenced scent inspired by Mr. Oscar Wilde. Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) Wilde was an eccentric Dandy (Per Wikipedia "A dandy[1] (also known as a beau, gallant or flamboyant person[2]) is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies. Historically, especially in late 18Th- and early 19Th-century Britain, a dandy, who was self-made, often strove to imitate an aristocratic style of life despite coming from a middle-class background." )

So what would Mr Wilde have smelled like? ... My mind wanders through 19Th century cafes & Parlours in search of clues... I stumble upon the spirit of Mr Wilde,lingering at his favorite Cafe,sporting a Malmaison Carnation (Oscar Wilde is famous for having had a fetish for the bloom, which he liked to dye each day anew in green.) Clue #1 - Carnation.

Clue #2 -I will take from the words of Mr. Wilde himself (above): Frankincense, Ambergris, musk & Champak.

Clue #3 - (Fortunately),I have a book from 1892 with formulas for "Handkerchief Perfumes", the list of popular notes used at the time included : Orris, Rose, Bergamot, Cassie,Violet, Jasmin,Neroli, Tonka,Patchouli,Vetiver,Santal,Vanilla,and tinctures of Musk,Civet ,and Ambergris.

The Animalic aspect of this scent is obviously going to play a key part in this scent's makeup as the purpose for making this particular product is as a historic compliment to showcase in my new "Animalic Instincts" class. Originally I had planned to incorporate the "Dandiliscious" civet note, but the hunt for "Free Range Civet" paste was disappointing,to say the least. The closest I got was a certain Ethiopian farmer who said "We obtain civet paste from cats in captivity. On our own farm, Cages are modern and animals are not abused or slaughtered in any way. "... Unfortunately, this goes against my animal loving grain,and our idea of "no animal testing". Until we can find a civet source that pleases us, we will have the true civet version of the scent on hand at the Jitterbug Perfume Parlour as an historic example only. The same will be true for the musk note. Ambergris will be the one true animalic used in the commercial release, as I do have a good source for "beach found" Ambergris.

On a side note,this has set me to wondering... Why are there no free range civet farms?


TASTY TID-BIT: (From article by Franny Syufy) http://cats.about.com/cs/basichealth/a/civetcat_2.htm
"The civet is a mostly nocturnal animal, from the Viverridae family, found in Africa,and the East Indies. It is approximately 17-28 inches in length, excluding its long tail, and weighs about 3 to 10 pounds. Although classified within the Carnivera order, the palm civet of Southern Asia (named because it can be found in palms), is a fruit-eating mammal. Although the Viverridae family is distantly related to the Felidae family of which the common domestic cat is a member, the civet "cat" is not a cat. Indeed, it is more related to the mongoose than to any cat.

The civet is a cunning-looking little animal, with a catlike body, long legs, a long tail, and a masked face resembling a raccoon or weasel. In some areas of the world, it has become an endangered species, hunted for its fur or as a food source. The civet's taste for fruit has been its downfall in at least one area of southeast Asia; as early as the 18th century, the durian fruit was also called "civet fruit," because it was used as bait for catching civets.

The civet not only is fond of fruit, but has had a love-hate relationship with growers of a particular coffee bean in Viet Nam. Civets love this bean, and search out the tastiest examples with their long, foxlike nose. The hardiest beans survive the digestive process of the civet, and are prized in caphe cut chon, or fox-dung coffee (Vietnamese call the civet "fox.")

Unfortunately for the civets, their habitat has been razed for new coffee orchards, and their decline has furthered because of the Vietnamese appetite for barbequed civet meat. A restraunteur admitted that he was not troubled by the scarcity of Caphe cut chon, saying that he'd rather "eat the fox." Actually, the new scarcity of fox-dung coffee beans has been a boon for entrepreneurs who market fake caphe cut chon as the real thing. However, that doesn't help the fate of the civet cats who are killed for food.

Last, the civet has been the source of a highly-valued musk, used as a stablizing agent in perfumes. Although civets were at one time killed for their musk, they more recently have been "recycled" for this purpose. Also called "civet," excretions are scraped from the civet's perianeal glands, a painful process. Both male and female cats produce these strong-smelling excretions. At least one civet cat farmer in Ethiopia raises civets for their musk, although this practice is dying out as perfumers move toward using synthetic fixatives.

Maligned, abused, and beleageured, the civet cat has an unknown future on many fronts. But it is not a cat."

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

DELICIOUS DECADENCE ON A RAINY DAY IN LALA LAND


Nothing could be more delicious or more decadent than lounging around on the Velvet Fainting Couches in our Jitterbug Perfume Parlour, sipping a glass of fine champagne laced with Tuberose Absolute, listening to Edithe Piaf sing "Adieu Mon Coeur", & watching the rain fall down on Hollywood Blvd... Perhaps, if we were in Paris, and chocolate and/or feathers were involved...



SOTD: TRAMP
KEY NOTES: Vanilla, Blond Tobacco, Sweet Lemon

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT TRAMP:

Rebella says, "Among the burlesque-line, Tramp is my favourite. It is rich, vibrant and sexy, but in a soft spoken and almost shy way. Tramp is a gorgeous kind of golden blend with hints of something lemony and the tobacco is laid back and creamy. The patchouli and sandalwood add a richness to the base, but very soft and lingering. Overall this perfume is very soft and lingering, seductive, kind of old school... Really nice, long lasting... A must try for creamy vanilla lovers."
Fragrantica.com

Livia Says, "Today, I decided to wear ‘Tramp’ – when I read that the notes included Sweet Lemon Blossom, I thought it’d have a bit of a floral-citrus hit to it, but on my skin,the Warm Vanilla, Sugar and Blonde Tobacco are the stand-out notes. Beautiful!! I never thought I’d enjoy the smell of tobacco in a perfume! But the blend with the vanilla sugar note has really surprised me!! I think I know what I’m going to ask my parents to get me for Christmas!"
PerfumeCritic.com


Interesting TID-BIT #1: Young Sally Rand literally ran away to join a carnival as a teenager. Over the years she worked as a nightclub cigarette girl, life model, cafe dancer and stage actress (working under the name Billie Beck). Notorious Sally was considered the greatest fan dancer ever, she caused a national scandal by performing her first "obscene" dance at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair... When she was initially
unsuccessful in gaining a role at the Fair, she industriously staged a Lady Godiva inspired stunt at the gates, arriving entirely nude, atop a white horse! The scandal boosted the World Fair’s popularity and Sally was invited to be a featured performer in the ‘Streets of Paris’ exhibition, where she performed her feather fan dance in a mock Parisian street scene.


INTERESTING TID-BIT#2: The Victorian Coupe glass is rumored to be styled from Marie Antoinette's breast...