Covet: Charlotte Olympia Perfume Clutches for Spring 2013

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I don’t wear bright colors, I don’t carry clutch purses, and I don’t have $1,300 to spend. However, if I did, I’d be eyeing Charlotte Olympia’s Spring 2013 handbag collection. It includes three “transparent enamel” (lucite? perspex?) clutches shaped like old-fashioned perfume bottles. One of them is pink and has a closure just like a bulb atomizer.

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Another design evokes the classic Chanel no. 5 bottle, making just enough alterations to avoid copyright infringement!

Fun, no?

Charlotte Olympia products can be viewed (and purchased, if you’re able!) at the Neiman Marcus website.

Good News: Donna Tartt’s Next Novel Has Been Announced and Is Available for Pre-Order

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I just learned that Donna Tartt’s third novel will be released later this year. It’s titled The Goldfinch and, according to Amazon, it has a release date of October 22, 2013.

I’ve been meaning for a while to write a post about Donna Tartt. Maybe I will, soon. For now, I’ll just say that her first novel, The Secret History, has been one of my favorite contemporary novels since the year of its publication. I recently created a Tumblr picture-blog in its honor, which you can see here. (Because I never have enough online projects going on at once, apparently.) Do visit! …

Continue reading “Good News: Donna Tartt’s Next Novel Has Been Announced and Is Available for Pre-Order” →

Valentine’s Day Event: Rose Celebration at Aedes de Venustas, NYC

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As you may know if you’ve ever read my perfume reviews and shopping reports on Now Smell This, I love rose fragrances and I love shopping at Aedes de Venustas in New York. Naturally, I’m looking forward to stopping by Aedes sometime between February 12th and 14th, to “experience an enchanting display of rare roses”—the shop is always decorated with the most beautiful floral arrangements, so this should be extra-special!—and to “get a taste of Genova’s old-world confectionary Pietro Romanengo’s rose drops.”

Aedes is also offering “complimentary floral gift wrap (a $19.50 value) with any purchase starting at $120,” so if you’re a New Yorker and you’re planning on giving someone perfume for Valentine’s Day, this is something good to know!

Aedes de Venustas is located at 9 Christopher Street in Manhattan; visit the Aedes website here.

Product Review: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF40+

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As you may know, I’ve been trying various facial moisturizers with built-in sun protection this winter, ever since my longtime favorite 100% Pure Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration was reformulated. Some caused irritation; some were just a bit too greasy. However, I feel like I’ve hit the skincare jackpot with Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF40+.

Continue reading “Product Review: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF40+” →