Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours

I remember buying a bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance in 1999, shortly after it came out. I was still captivated by all things Lauren (hey, I was young and even Jersey Girls dream of the Hamptons), and since I loved both the original Lauren (pre-mutilation) and the beautiful Safari and have gone through several bottles of both during the previous decade, I felt like I was supposed to love Romance just as much. The problem was that Romance belonged to the new generation of faceless, characterless perfumes that were meant for a new customer, one who wants to smell "clean", whatever that means, and would be horrified were someone to actually notice her scent. As you might have guessed, I wasn't that woman even ten years ago. I could never distinguish any of the specific floral notes and the whole synthetic mess thing didn't work with my skin chemistry any more than it suited my personality. I ended up selling the bottle almost full and never looked back.

Late last year, to commemorate a decade of making people smell like laundry detergent, L'Oréal, who owns the license for Ralph Lauren's name, launched Romance Always Yours. It's a variation on the same theme, an updated sequel, which actually is supposed to add something to the original, instead of the usual flanker MO of using an established name to sell an inferior product. Smelling a magazine insert got me interested to sniff the real thing at Sephora, and I liked it well enough, so when it appeared on one of the discounters' site for the ridiculous price of $22 and some change, I decided to get a bottle.

Romance Always Yours feels to me like someone tried (and mostly succeeded) to fix whatever went wrong with the original concept of Romance. I think it gives the washed-out floral a little character. It's still pink, still not my idea of a grand romance, but it's cute, likeable and wearable, while actually having a point of view.

The official note list makes very little sense. Have a look:

Romance notes:
Sun goddess Rose, Marigold, Yellow Freesia, Ginger, Chamomile Oil, White Violet, Lotus Flower, Musk, Day Lily, Patchouli, Oakmoss

Romance Always Yours notes:
Sun Goddess Rose, Freesia, Ginger, Lotus Flower, White Violet, Musk, Day Lily, Patchouli, Oakmoss

If there's any real oakmoss (in either perfume) it's in such miniscule amount, neither I nor an IFRA bureaucrat can detect it. I can't tell what really changed, added or tweaked, but the end result is that Romance Always Yours smells nice. It's not challenging or inspiring and I just can't see it as very romantic in a soul stirring way. It's a Doris Day scent and not a sultry screen siren, but there's a place for that even in my dramatic wardrobe.

Marina from Perfume Smellin' Things suggests some appropriate occasions to wear Romance Always Yours. Like her, I don't see a meet-the-parents event in my future, so I wear it when weeding my tomatoes.

Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours

I remember buying a bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance in 1999, shortly after it came out. I was still captivated by all things Lauren (hey, I was young and even Jersey Girls dream of the Hamptons), and since I loved both the original Lauren (pre-mutilation) and the beautiful Safari and have gone through several bottles of both during the previous decade, I felt like I was supposed to love Romance just as much. The problem was that Romance belonged to the new generation of faceless, characterless perfumes that were meant for a new customer, one who wants to smell "clean", whatever that means, and would be horrified were someone to actually notice her scent. As you might have guessed, I wasn't that woman even ten years ago. I could never distinguish any of the specific floral notes and the whole synthetic mess thing didn't work with my skin chemistry any more than it suited my personality. I ended up selling the bottle almost full and never looked back.

Late last year, to commemorate a decade of making people smell like laundry detergent, L'Oréal, who owns the license for Ralph Lauren's name, launched Romance Always Yours. It's a variation on the same theme, an updated sequel, which actually is supposed to add something to the original, instead of the usual flanker MO of using an established name to sell an inferior product. Smelling a magazine insert got me interested to sniff the real thing at Sephora, and I liked it well enough, so when it appeared on one of the discounters' site for the ridiculous price of $22 and some change, I decided to get a bottle.

Romance Always Yours feels to me like someone tried (and mostly succeeded) to fix whatever went wrong with the original concept of Romance. I think it gives the washed-out floral a little character. It's still pink, still not my idea of a grand romance, but it's cute, likeable and wearable, while actually having a point of view.

The official note list makes very little sense. Have a look:

Romance notes:
Sun goddess Rose, Marigold, Yellow Freesia, Ginger, Chamomile Oil, White Violet, Lotus Flower, Musk, Day Lily, Patchouli, Oakmoss

Romance Always Yours notes:
Sun Goddess Rose, Freesia, Ginger, Lotus Flower, White Violet, Musk, Day Lily, Patchouli, Oakmoss

If there's any real oakmoss (in either perfume) it's in such miniscule amount, neither I nor an IFRA bureaucrat can detect it. I can't tell what really changed, added or tweaked, but the end result is that Romance Always Yours smells nice. It's not challenging or inspiring and I just can't see it as very romantic in a soul stirring way. It's a Doris Day scent and not a sultry screen siren, but there's a place for that even in my dramatic wardrobe.

Marina from Perfume Smellin' Things suggests some appropriate occasions to wear Romance Always Yours. Like her, I don't see a meet-the-parents event in my future, so I wear it when weeding my tomatoes.

Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours

I remember buying a bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance in 1999, shortly after it came out. I was still captivated by all things Lauren (hey, I was young and even Jersey Girls dream of the Hamptons), and since I loved both the original Lauren (pre-mutilation) and the beautiful Safari and have gone through several bottles of both during the previous decade, I felt like I was supposed to love Romance just as much. The problem was that Romance belonged to the new generation of faceless, characterless perfumes that were meant for a new customer, one who wants to smell "clean", whatever that means, and would be horrified were someone to actually notice her scent. As you might have guessed, I wasn't that woman even ten years ago. I could never distinguish any of the specific floral notes and the whole synthetic mess thing didn't work with my skin chemistry any more than it suited my personality. I ended up selling the bottle almost full and never looked back.

Late last year, to commemorate a decade of making people smell like laundry detergent, L'Oréal, who owns the license for Ralph Lauren's name, launched Romance Always Yours. It's a variation on the same theme, an updated sequel, which actually is supposed to add something to the original, instead of the usual flanker MO of using an established name to sell an inferior product. Smelling a magazine insert got me interested to sniff the real thing at Sephora, and I liked it well enough, so when it appeared on one of the discounters' site for the ridiculous price of $22 and some change, I decided to get a bottle.

Romance Always Yours feels to me like someone tried (and mostly succeeded) to fix whatever went wrong with the original concept of Romance. I think it gives the washed-out floral a little character. It's still pink, still not my idea of a grand romance, but it's cute, likeable and wearable, while actually having a point of view.

The official note list makes very little sense. Have a look:

Romance notes:
Sun goddess Rose, Marigold, Yellow Freesia, Ginger, Chamomile Oil, White Violet, Lotus Flower, Musk, Day Lily, Patchouli, Oakmoss

Romance Always Yours notes:
Sun Goddess Rose, Freesia, Ginger, Lotus Flower, White Violet, Musk, Day Lily, Patchouli, Oakmoss

If there's any real oakmoss (in either perfume) it's in such miniscule amount, neither I nor an IFRA bureaucrat can detect it. I can't tell what really changed, added or tweaked, but the end result is that Romance Always Yours smells nice. It's not challenging or inspiring and I just can't see it as very romantic in a soul stirring way. It's a Doris Day scent and not a sultry screen siren, but there's a place for that even in my dramatic wardrobe.

Marina from Perfume Smellin' Things suggests some appropriate occasions to wear Romance Always Yours. Like her, I don't see a meet-the-parents event in my future, so I wear it when weeding my tomatoes.

StrangeBeautiful Nail Polish- The Yellow Challenge

Previously on The Non-Blonde:
I fell in love with StrangeBeautiful nail colors and superb quality. My one complaint was about the concept- you cannot choose your colors and buy them seperately, and I wasn't sure all the colors in the series were wearable. To prove me wrong, StrangeBeautiful creator, Jane Schub., sent me the strangest color in Series 2, the mustard yellow.

I took the challenge, and must admit she was right. Once I got over the unfortunate associations of yellow nails, I could see this color is actually pretty. It's just a bit brighter than a good mustard and actually reminds me several bags and accessories we've been seeing the last couple of seasonsthis season. It's noticeable but not too loud, and worked nicely with the DVF prints I've been wearing the last few days.

The indoors photos were taken with and without flash, and I shamelessly used the cats to show the colors. Buffy and Lizzy were (mostly) cooperative.

All photos (and freakishly large hands) are mine.

StrangeBeautiful Nail Polish- The Yellow Challenge

Previously on The Non-Blonde:
I fell in love with StrangeBeautiful nail colors and superb quality. My one complaint was about the concept- you cannot choose your colors and buy them seperately, and I wasn't sure all the colors in the series were wearable. To prove me wrong, StrangeBeautiful creator, Jane Schub., sent me the strangest color in Series 2, the mustard yellow.

I took the challenge, and must admit she was right. Once I got over the unfortunate associations of yellow nails, I could see this color is actually pretty. It's just a bit brighter than a good mustard and actually reminds me several bags and accessories we've been seeing the last couple of seasonsthis season. It's noticeable but not too loud, and worked nicely with the DVF prints I've been wearing the last few days.

The indoors photos were taken with and without flash, and I shamelessly used the cats to show the colors. Buffy and Lizzy were (mostly) cooperative.

All photos (and freakishly large hands) are mine.

StrangeBeautiful Nail Polish- The Yellow Challenge

Previously on The Non-Blonde:
I fell in love with StrangeBeautiful nail colors and superb quality. My one complaint was about the concept- you cannot choose your colors and buy them seperately, and I wasn't sure all the colors in the series were wearable. To prove me wrong, StrangeBeautiful creator, Jane Schub., sent me the strangest color in Series 2, the mustard yellow.

I took the challenge, and must admit she was right. Once I got over the unfortunate associations of yellow nails, I could see this color is actually pretty. It's just a bit brighter than a good mustard and actually reminds me several bags and accessories we've been seeing the last couple of seasonsthis season. It's noticeable but not too loud, and worked nicely with the DVF prints I've been wearing the last few days.

The indoors photos were taken with and without flash, and I shamelessly used the cats to show the colors. Buffy and Lizzy were (mostly) cooperative.

All photos (and freakishly large hands) are mine.

News from JAR: Shadow Discontinued, Al Palazzo to Launch Soon

My Bergdorf visit today was bittersweet. The JAR alcove has been calling my name, but when sitting down for a sniffing, only six scents were presented. Shadow is no more, according to the (wonderful) JAR rep because one of the raw materials is no longer available and couldn't be replaced. JAR doesn't reformulate, substitutes or compromises. Since Shadow could no longer be made the way it was conceived, it was sent to Great Fragrance Counter in the sky, to sit with Hermes Doblis, Shiseido Nombre Noir, Guerlain Djedi and Tauer Orris.

I don't know which ingredient was responsible to Shadow's demise, as JAR notes are kept secret. The SA said twice that it was an availability issue and not a consequence of regulation, so your guess is as good as mine. It's sad. I was very fond of this earthy, damp leprechaun of a scent.

The good news is the new JAR that is expected to be launched right before the Holidays. The name is subject to change, according to the SA, but most likely will be Al Palazzo and it takes the line in a new, interesting direction.

It was sweet. Really sweet. But not in a conventional amber or vanilla way. It moves from raw to burnt sugar, has a wet feeling but never crosses the line towards the cliché or the cloying. There's a burst of a bright green, herbal note (mint? tarragon?) and very little (if any) of the typical JAR darkness. I think I got something a bit spicy, but the It's probably more accessible than anything else in the line (other than maybe Golconda). There's only a small spray tester available at the moment, and JARs are meant to be dabbed, so this is only a partial impression. I'll need to go back (again and again), but I suspect this is a serious new love. It's quite gorgeous.

Image: Iris brooch by JAR from blog.jeaninepayer.com (a very interesting artist by her own right)

News from JAR: Shadow Discontinued, Al Palazzo to Launch Soon

My Bergdorf visit today was bittersweet. The JAR alcove has been calling my name, but when sitting down for a sniffing, only six scents were presented. Shadow is no more, according to the (wonderful) JAR rep because one of the raw materials is no longer available and couldn't be replaced. JAR doesn't reformulate, substitutes or compromises. Since Shadow could no longer be made the way it was conceived, it was sent to Great Fragrance Counter in the sky, to sit with Hermes Doblis, Shiseido Nombre Noir, Guerlain Djedi and Tauer Orris.

I don't know which ingredient was responsible to Shadow's demise, as JAR notes are kept secret. The SA said twice that it was an availability issue and not a consequence of regulation, so your guess is as good as mine. It's sad. I was very fond of this earthy, damp leprechaun of a scent.

The good news is the new JAR that is expected to be launched right before the Holidays. The name is subject to change, according to the SA, but most likely will be Al Palazzo and it takes the line in a new, interesting direction.

It was sweet. Really sweet. But not in a conventional amber or vanilla way. It moves from raw to burnt sugar, has a wet feeling but never crosses the line towards the cliché or the cloying. There's a burst of a bright green, herbal note (mint? tarragon?) and very little (if any) of the typical JAR darkness. I think I got something a bit spicy, but the It's probably more accessible than anything else in the line (other than maybe Golconda). There's only a small spray tester available at the moment, and JARs are meant to be dabbed, so this is only a partial impression. I'll need to go back (again and again), but I suspect this is a serious new love. It's quite gorgeous.

Image: Iris brooch by JAR from blog.jeaninepayer.com (a very interesting artist by her own right)

News from JAR: Shadow Discontinued, Al Palazzo to Launch Soon

My Bergdorf visit today was bittersweet. The JAR alcove has been calling my name, but when sitting down for a sniffing, only six scents were presented. Shadow is no more, according to the (wonderful) JAR rep because one of the raw materials is no longer available and couldn't be replaced. JAR doesn't reformulate, substitutes or compromises. Since Shadow could no longer be made the way it was conceived, it was sent to Great Fragrance Counter in the sky, to sit with Hermes Doblis, Shiseido Nombre Noir, Guerlain Djedi and Tauer Orris.

I don't know which ingredient was responsible to Shadow's demise, as JAR notes are kept secret. The SA said twice that it was an availability issue and not a consequence of regulation, so your guess is as good as mine. It's sad. I was very fond of this earthy, damp leprechaun of a scent.

The good news is the new JAR that is expected to be launched right before the Holidays. The name is subject to change, according to the SA, but most likely will be Al Palazzo and it takes the line in a new, interesting direction.

It was sweet. Really sweet. But not in a conventional amber or vanilla way. It moves from raw to burnt sugar, has a wet feeling but never crosses the line towards the cliché or the cloying. There's a burst of a bright green, herbal note (mint? tarragon?) and very little (if any) of the typical JAR darkness. I think I got something a bit spicy, but the It's probably more accessible than anything else in the line (other than maybe Golconda). There's only a small spray tester available at the moment, and JARs are meant to be dabbed, so this is only a partial impression. I'll need to go back (again and again), but I suspect this is a serious new love. It's quite gorgeous.

Image: Iris brooch by JAR from blog.jeaninepayer.com (a very interesting artist by her own right)

A note to the good people at Chantecaille

Dear Chantecaille People,

Having a spiffy new website is great. It gives us a sneak peak of new products, web exclusive- it's all good stuff. But don't you think that selling top-of-the line makeup requires color swatches that don't look like it's 1999? Seriously, Lancome, Clinique, Nars and others have figured out ages ago that people who shop online really like to see what they're buying. Your products are usually better than theirs, so why can't your website be? Otherwise we have to face the sour-pussed SA at Saks, and that makes us cranky.


P.S. The Bengali Tiger Compacts are to die for.

Love,
Gaia, The Non-Blonde


Images: Chantecaille.com

A note to the good people at Chantecaille

Dear Chantecaille People,

Having a spiffy new website is great. It gives us a sneak peak of new products, web exclusive- it's all good stuff. But don't you think that selling top-of-the line makeup requires color swatches that don't look like it's 1999? Seriously, Lancome, Clinique, Nars and others have figured out ages ago that people who shop online really like to see what they're buying. Your products are usually better than theirs, so why can't your website be? Otherwise we have to face the sour-pussed SA at Saks, and that makes us cranky.


P.S. The Bengali Tiger Compacts are to die for.

Love,
Gaia, The Non-Blonde


Images: Chantecaille.com

A note to the good people at Chantecaille

Dear Chantecaille People,

Having a spiffy new website is great. It gives us a sneak peak of new products, web exclusive- it's all good stuff. But don't you think that selling top-of-the line makeup requires color swatches that don't look like it's 1999? Seriously, Lancome, Clinique, Nars and others have figured out ages ago that people who shop online really like to see what they're buying. Your products are usually better than theirs, so why can't your website be? Otherwise we have to face the sour-pussed SA at Saks, and that makes us cranky.


P.S. The Bengali Tiger Compacts are to die for.

Love,
Gaia, The Non-Blonde


Images: Chantecaille.com

Two Jewelry Sales

If you need a good pick-me-up this weekend, there are two jewelry sales taking place right now, offering some pretties at a good price.

Anna Sofia makes jewelry of Japanese paper. Sounds a bit crazy, but it works. She makes the beads by hand, glazes them and constructs earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I've bought several necklaces over the last couple of years and they always get me compliments- they really are quite unique. I think the earrings are the best items Anna Sofia offers, which is ironic because I don't wear any (my ears aren't pierced)...
To get a 20% discount, use the code Summer09 at checkout.



Another favorite store, the French retailer Olivolga is having a huge summer sale. It looks like everything is %30-40% off, and those of us outside the EU also get the VAT taken off at checkout (and free shipping over 90€). I've bought from them several times and was always very happy with the customer service. Shipping time to North America is about 10 days.
The necklace above (48.30 € ) is by Skalli.

Two Jewelry Sales

If you need a good pick-me-up this weekend, there are two jewelry sales taking place right now, offering some pretties at a good price.

Anna Sofia makes jewelry of Japanese paper. Sounds a bit crazy, but it works. She makes the beads by hand, glazes them and constructs earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I've bought several necklaces over the last couple of years and they always get me compliments- they really are quite unique. I think the earrings are the best items Anna Sofia offers, which is ironic because I don't wear any (my ears aren't pierced)...
To get a 20% discount, use the code Summer09 at checkout.



Another favorite store, the French retailer Olivolga is having a huge summer sale. It looks like everything is %30-40% off, and those of us outside the EU also get the VAT taken off at checkout (and free shipping over 90€). I've bought from them several times and was always very happy with the customer service. Shipping time to North America is about 10 days.
The necklace above (48.30 € ) is by Skalli.

Two Jewelry Sales

If you need a good pick-me-up this weekend, there are two jewelry sales taking place right now, offering some pretties at a good price.

Anna Sofia makes jewelry of Japanese paper. Sounds a bit crazy, but it works. She makes the beads by hand, glazes them and constructs earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I've bought several necklaces over the last couple of years and they always get me compliments- they really are quite unique. I think the earrings are the best items Anna Sofia offers, which is ironic because I don't wear any (my ears aren't pierced)...
To get a 20% discount, use the code Summer09 at checkout.



Another favorite store, the French retailer Olivolga is having a huge summer sale. It looks like everything is %30-40% off, and those of us outside the EU also get the VAT taken off at checkout (and free shipping over 90€). I've bought from them several times and was always very happy with the customer service. Shipping time to North America is about 10 days.
The necklace above (48.30 € ) is by Skalli.

Farrah Fawcett 1947-2009

"God gave women intuition and femininity. Used properly, the combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I`ve ever met."

Farrah Fawcett

Photos: filmbug.com, tvguide, allposters.com

Farrah Fawcett 1947-2009

"God gave women intuition and femininity. Used properly, the combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I`ve ever met."

Farrah Fawcett

Photos: filmbug.com, tvguide, allposters.com

Farrah Fawcett 1947-2009

"God gave women intuition and femininity. Used properly, the combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I`ve ever met."

Farrah Fawcett

Photos: filmbug.com, tvguide, allposters.com