My next favourite thing...

...after shoes and bags, has to be perfume. 

Makeup yes I can am starting to get more excited about and as time marches on, I obviously love finding that genius new product that works total wonders on my (ageing) face, but fragrance, I have adored since a young age. 

I think it's the memories that it evokes, the way that it can make you feel totally different with a small spritz.  I say small.. I am, alas, that person who is never knowingly underspritzed. 

This isn't really a problem this days when my poison of choice is always a lighter, citrus or green floral fragrance. 

But speaking of poison, when I used to drown myself in the Dior original, boy did you know about it.  With hindsight, there's a reason Poison is called Poison isn't it?  Heady to the point of headache inducing.  I then progressed onto the no less migraine embracing Giorgio Red.  Strong doesn't cover it.  From there, it was another heavy, cloying number (which I do have to say I still love but no longer torture people by wearing) - Wrappings by Clinique. 

I'm sure there were lots of others in the intervening years but when Jo Malone opened on Brook Street in London, opposite my old offices on South Molton Street, I knew I had arrived home. 

And so began, fifteen years ago, my love affair with the citrus.  And we're still together.   

Over the years, I have built up a collection of perfumes - all very much in line with the citrus theme and if not, I can be persuaded by a figgy number or a fresh floral.  And occasionally, a slightly masculine scented spritz.  I thought I would bring you perfumes that I still wear today, some are mainstream, others are slightly more unusual. 

Oh and to point out, I am NO expert on these, so the terminology is all very much consumer focused.  I have to say, I do occasionally read fragrance reviews written by an expert and sometimes, have no idea what they're talking about.  There smell of x, y and z which is fab but I have no idea really what x, y and z smell like - especially when mixed together.   So this is a total layman's perspective.

Starting with my first ever (just pipped the Jo Malone to the post) deliciously lemony scent.   For me, this is the ultimate in citrus.  It's also unisex.

Eau D'Hadrien by Annick Goutal £69 from Feel Unique £69

Lime, Basil and Mandarin by Jo Malone £88  Which needs no introduction.



A fabulously light citrus unisex fragrance for every day, is the Spanish brand Agua de Colonia.  This, I completely love and always, always have this around.  

A great travel and starter kit is the pack (I got mine instore from Liberty's) but I usually buy online from Amazon as you can get the 40ml which looks like a gin miniature and is perfect for your handbag. 

Agua de Colonia Travel Set £26.95




And the 40 ml miniature £5.




And this is the one one I also buy on repeat - the 80ml, again I always order from Amazon £15.47.





Staying with day time scents - florals are definitely a must have.  Actually I say day time, but I wear these in the evening as well. 

My two favourite florals are both from Jo Malone which I know is slightly predictable, but I love them.  And go back to them time and time again.  

French Lime Blossom £88 from Jo Malone £88






And the French Lime Blossom - also from Jo Malone £88







More floral at Tom Ford - this is a treat, that is for sure. 

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP 50ml £155





But if that's a bit over your budget, then for every day or for any time, this is the most amazing fragrance that to me, is very remiscent of the Neroli Portofino.

Priddy Essentials Neroli and Verbena No.42 Anywhere Spray £32 for 50ml.



Now for what I would call errr - herbier fragrances (as you can see, all the technical speak... not).  Ones that are still very fresh but to me, have more of a masculine edge - slightly earthier dare I say?  Woody?  Is that the appropriate terminology?  As you can see - I am a total no hoper when it comes to describing fragrances - a "nose" I am not!  But I have worn all of these, still have some of them in my drawer and will definitely be purchasing again. 

Liz Earle No 1 Botanical Essence Spray £54




Unisex now and a French favourite.

Roger et Gallet Jean Marie Farina Cologne Spray £39.50






Staying with French, I love the herbiness and spa feel of this classic. I defy you not to smell this and think - France.

Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum 50ml £44.50



And now for fig.  I have tried pretty much all of the Fig fragrances out there but this is definitely my favourite and the one that I have bought on repeat.  I find so many of the fig fragrances on the sweet side but this definitely, to me, is more on the green and earthy side (I mean earthy in a good way... if it can be a good way... do you know what I mean?!  Woody - I think that's what I mean.  Definitely woody).

L'Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier 100ml was £83 now £59.99 This is now on sale as it has been repackaged and so I know that they're selling off the old packaging at a reduced price.  Result in my book.




Finishing with the two (apart from the Agua de Colognia which I always have in my bag), the two I am wearing at the minute. 

Starting with the most sensual fragrance I own that is the perfect combination of floral, herby and warm whilst still being fresh and summery.  They describe it as "floriental" which I think is the perfect description.

Connock London Kukui Eau de Parfum 50ml £49








And my newest purchase which is so impossible to describe.  Masculine, yet feminine - it's not herby, it's not floral, it's not really citrus - I think they would probably call it a green fragrance.  It's a cologne, but it's incredibly long lasting. 

Atelier Cologne Trefle Pur £100 for 100ml




So I hope that has been helpful (I fear it may have been chocolate teapot useful!).  I am sure that I have forgotten some, it's definitely not an exhaustive list at all...  Would love to hear your favourites or if you use any of the above. 

Outfit from yesterday - full day in London for meetings, wafting around in my new Atelier Cologne fragrance.



Sleeveless tee - Me+Em
Skirt - Autograph at M&S
Susanna boots - Chloe
Onyx jacket - hush
Bag - Hill & Friends

In the meantime, I am sitting here, looking at the weather when I should be packing and trying not to panic at the amount of rain that is being predicted for this weekend for our festival.  WHAT ON EARTH DO WE PACK?!  We have wellies - I want to weep at the thought of having to pack a waterproof as in the history of waterproofs, there is not ONE that is festival stylish.   There are ones that are ok for wearing to endure a rugby match and ones that don't look like you've raided Millets for a dog walk but stylish?  Nope, nope and nope again.  

I'm going with a felt hat, biker, wellies and a brolly.  And lots and lots and lots of clothes.  Even more for the children.  With a spare bag left in the car, just in case.  With zero intention of actually standing out in the rain.  If anyone's been to Port Eliot, they'll know it's not a festival in the outdoor sense of the word - it's more of a huge garden party.  Which does sound on the very outdoorsey side now I mention it... Ok so maybe I will pack my waterproof, of course I will.  This is not how I had intended being "fashun" this weekend but I guess I will be dry.... 

Any wet festival advice, gratefully appreciated....!!