Favorite Smells
A few weeks back I talked about some smells that annoy me, and today I’ll talk about my favorite smells, as in, other than perfume. Well, to be honest, at this very moment, my very favorite smell in the world is the new Blue Agava & Cacao by Jo Malone. It’s supposed to be officially launched next week but my local Saks already had a tester. The notes, from what I remember, are agave, cardamom, sea salt, chocolate. This is the most un-Jo-Malone-like of all Jo Malones since it’s a rather gourmand and rich scent. It’s basically a sweet, slightly powdered-sugary cardamom with a cashmere-like effect, and, in spite of being gourmand in character, it’s quite sophisticated and complex. I’m on pins and needles waiting for the bottles to become available - it’ll be a definite purchase, and I cannot wait to wear it this winter.
Back to my favorite smells. Perhaps I’ll start with an odd one. I love the smell of cellars. Always have. When I was little, we used to live in a typical Soviet style brick apartment building that had a cellar where each resident had their own secure spot. We usually kept all our canned food in there, and every time I was asked to go down there to bring a jar of jam or pickles, I’d be thrilled beyond belief. I have vivid memories of walking down the stairs, kneeling down and getting my nose real close to the steps to inhale the smell. Oh, I could eat it! The combination of slight mold, dirt, old wood, and cement was amazing.
I also love the smell of new books and school/office supplies. Once again, it goes back to my childhood obsession with everything that had to do with preparation for school. Usually, somewhere mid-July I’d start stocking up on new school supplies (even though school didn’t start till September 1). I’d take them all out every day gazing at them with utter devotion and absorbing that crisp scent.
Besides these two, I also love the smell of the pavement after summer thunderstorm, butter melting in the frying pan, rotting leaves, wet wood, tomato leaves, fresh potatoes, unlit cigarettes, leather car interior, daffodils, bricks, pipe tobacco, and many more.
What are some of your favorite smells?
Image source: www.corbis.com
25 comments September 26th, 2006