After one night in a spa in Styria, to get into a vacation mood, we drove on to Italy and stayed in the lovely city of Udine for one night.
In Udine I parked my family in an ice café and went exploring the local fragrance scene.
Sephora was my first port of call, but this particular branch is not exactly like the one on Times Square. There was a rather small collection of mainstream scents, and none of the releases I am looking forward to, like Shalimar Parfum Initial or Chanel 19 Poudre. The one interesting exception was the Van Cleef&Arpels Collection, I had never smelled these. I tried Bois d'Iris and Vanille Orchidée, both nice, but ultimately nothing to write home about, so I'll stop doing just that. 😉
Next I went into a small store called Aqua&Sapone, a drugstore, in the back there was a considerable fragrance collection, but of the discounter variety. There would have been some great bargains, like the Hermes Jardins or Dior perfumes, but there was nothing I was interested in.
I was looking forward to go into a real (read high end and niche) profumeria next, but rain was threatening and for the safety of the boys we had to make a mad dash for the car before the storm struck, which it did minutes after we were safely ensconced in our car and on the way to the hotel.
I am looking forward to Milan for more effective perfumed explorations.
Now here in our hotel I enjoy wearing one and the same perfume for two days straight, Maison Martin Margiela Untitled L’Eau.
We are still getting up at 5.30 am since Niki thinks that is a fun thing to do, but at least there is great food three times a day to look forward too and a nap after lunch! 😉
I’ll be back with an update next week from Milan!
Meanwhile enjoy the DSH series!
Olfactoria's Travels 
Awww… Thank you so much for the lovely posts- esp coming from a fave country of mine! It’s like taking us with you (what a treat)! I found Van Cleef&Arpels Gardenia Petals a very truthful representation of my sister’s favourite flower (gardenia) and convinced her to ignore the price and buy it! Look forward to your next post from your next destination! “In bocca al lupo!”
I debated with myself whether I should try
Gardenia Petals on my skin, but decided against it. It is a must try now, next time!
I’m glad you are “coming with me” to Italy! 🙂
So much fun to be following your trip online. Love it. Looking forward to Milan and certainly will enjoy the DSH series in the meantime. As for the first night in a spa, what a very civilised and sensible way to start a holiday!
Hi Tara!
It is a lovely idea in theory to start a vacation in a spa, but with those two little chaos mongers, relaxation stays within the realm of fantasy. 😉
Ah, a nap after lunch, that is very civilized! I like siestas….
I tried the new Shalimar, I thought it was ghastly…the new Chanel has my interest, though!
I had a great siesta today, the best part of the day! 😀
You didn’t like Initial? Oh, too bad, I have heard such good things. I’m even more curious now…
That’s a shame that weather kept you from doing all the “real” perfume shopping you wanted to do. Safe travels and happy shopping in Milan!
No matter, I had fun anyway. And once in Milan, nothing will stop me! 😉
Love reading your updates.
How far is Untitled L’Eau from the original Untitled? I like the latter (and even have a decant) so I’m curious about this new one.
I like it better! 😉 But I have to say I don’t know the original all too well, it is great, but the new one is somehow friendlier. Review is upcoming soon!
What a fun day, even if it did get rained out towards the end! 🙂
The rain storm was fun too, the boys enjoyed it, Niki laughed so hard, it was lovely! 🙂
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! With the exception of that storm, I see the beautiful blue skies have not failed you – the beach photo is relaxing me just looking at it!
The weather really couldn’t be better, blue skies every day. I am running after my smaller son all day, which hampers my relaxation a bit, but it is fun anyway. 😉