Perfume Obsessed

I never thought of myself as too much of a perfume person, yet somehow I've amassed a small collection. Truth be told, I love the ritual of fragrance. How, no matter how much I may feel like a total mess on a daily basis, adding a scent never fails to make me feel at least somewhat put together. While I love the idea of a 'signature scent', my mood shifts so dramatically from day to day that I love having a small arsenal at my disposal to suit how I'm feeling. While I used to gravitate towards more traditional designer fragrances (you might spy Marc Jacobs' 'Daisy' back there, purely for looks at this point), more recently I've changed course, collecting mostly small-batch scents that you might not find every day. Today I'm sharing my favorites...

Mystic Pearl from Raw Spirit... This might just be my scent for the summer. Mystic Pearl smells bright and ocean-y, a hint of the sea with jasmine and white flowers that manages to smell earthy and fresh at the same time without crossing into musky territory.

Moonshine from Sisters of the Black Moon... I picked up Moonshine a couple of years ago while in Texas for SXSW, so I always associate this scent with one of my favorite US cities and one of my favorite events that  was involved in with Free People. It was incredibly rainy, and this was one of my first experiences running events with Free People, and as much as I was having fun, I was also stressed out and feeling a little lonely. I had popped over to Feathers to work on a feature before a photo session with Nikki Lane, and I picked up this sexy, moody scent along with a pair of earrings. I like to wear them both to remember that crazy, whirlwind time of life.

Dark Wave & Violet/Leather from OLO Fragrance... Dark wave was my first introduction to the world of small batch fragrance and it's still one of my favorites. It's dark, as expected, and smokey, reminiscent of rainy days in a green place. Violet/Leather smells exactly how it sounds, sophisticated with a masculine twist. I also love Lightning Paw, which reminds me of the ocean.

Gilded Fox & Moonlight Gypsy from Pinrose Fragrance... I have a feeling Gilded Fox will be my go-to come December. It's slightly sweet, with vanilla and rum, but not overly so. It's sexy, something i'd wear with dark velvet. Moonlight Gypsy is a bit brighter, with notes of cardamom and orange blossom. Summery and perfect for a hot day. (I also really want to try Campfire Rebel, which sounds amazing).

Oud Sahara from Gourmand... OK, so definitely neither 'small batch' in any sense of the word, but Oud Sahara smells so damn good. After missing it during the holidays, I finally found it in the King of Prussia UO a couple of months back. All the scents in this line smell great though, next on my list is Lait de Coco.

Tiger's Eye... Tiger's Eye was a gift from Chris over the holidays, so it always conjures good memories. The scent is is the masculine side, something I actually prefer, and I wear it on days I'm feeling particularly put together or in need of a little encouragement.

Shopping For:

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Out of everything in my closet, there are two pieces that get worn the most: my brown sandals and denim cut-offs. While these pieces- at least the shorts- don't make frequent appearances on this blog, these are the pieces that inevitably get worn to death each summer. Not so much coping mechanisms, as simply a celebration of weather that allows me to wake up and throw on the same thing everyday - at least when I'm not at work.

Today, I'm starting a new feature that highlights the essentials of my closet, the things you may not see too often- or maybe you do- but make up the foundation of my wardrobe. Hopefully you can find it helpful when seeking out these items for yourself!

1. I recently thrifted a gauzy white button-up and instantly fell in love. It's light and airy and feels even cooler than a t-shirt in hot weather. Paired with my staple cut-offs or jeans, it has the power to transform a schlubby outfit into something that looks like I actually tried. Look for a slightly over-sized piece that ties easily at your hips, I've seen many a linen oxford shirt in the men's section of the thrift store!

2. I'm addicted to linen blend tee's and tanks, they're so much breezier than traditional cotton blends and just breathe easier. Plus, they have the added benefit of- again- looking like you care, when you really don't. These aren't as easily thrifted, but check the sale racks at J.Crew and Madewell for marked-down styles. If you take care of them (i.e. don't throw them in the dryer), they'll last forever and only get softer,

3. If there's one thing that gets me through the summer with my sanity intact, it's these cross-back bras from American Apparel. To me, there is nothing worse than wearing a bunch of padding and foam against your body on a 90 degree day...or even any day. I know low-profile bras aren't for everyone (especially if you're more... endowed than I), but I personally love them. The three of these that I own are still going strong after a year and a half of wear. Highly, highly recommend.

4. I often find myself at the library on particularly hot days, browsing books and magazines while taking full advantage of the air conditioning. A big straw tote is sturdy and roomy enough to fit plenty of books, along with any veggies or fruits I buy at the stand outside. Check your local thrift store, or etsy and ebay for vintage options.

5. Sunglasses that don't get tangled in my hair.Sunglasses are such a personal preference, but I love a round, oversized pair that goes with everything.

6. When it's especially warm out, I don't have too much patience for jewelry. I usually turn to earrings, but also love a stack of bright bracelets.

7. Brown sandals. These do not leave my feet. I have others, but the sandals I scored at Marshall's awhile back are simply the best and I force them to go with everything. I love a crazy shoe for the office or occasional fancy date, but in the summer, I need to be able to move easily. 

8. I have been living in this particular pair of wine-colored shorts from American Eagle since I bought them. They're the perfect length for me, not too short, not too long. They don't ride up, and it's easy enough to dress them up or down. I also bought them in white, and now want them in every other color. 

So you have summer essentials?