New 11/2/2024 Haul: Two Additions to My Fragrant Life

Welcome to my latest haul post, where I share my "spiritual" journey in discovering some incredible fragrances. I'll review each one in the order of purchase and share my personal impressions.

First on the list is English Laundry Signature, which I stumbled upon at Ross while on a quest for some much-needed pants. After losing some weight, I've been enjoying the perks of dropping sizes. As I browsed, my attention was caught not by the menswear section, but by an elegantly designed box among the fragrance rack. I picked it up from the shelf, noting it was the only parfum among the toilettes available. Clutching it in my hand, I wondered if anyone in my area was familiar with English Laundry. I quickly checked my phone for reviews—first in our group (no luck there) and then on Fragrantica, where I found a link to Amazon listing it for $81. Finally, I turned to Parfumo, where I found enough positive feedback to reassure me about my purchase. I ended up paying just $12 with tax! The scent is delightful—classic, with excellent sillage and longevity, and I received several compliments later that evening. I felt fortunate to have discovered this gem.

**English Laundry Signature (100 ml)**

- Retail Price: $80.75 (Amazon)

- My Price at Ross: $12 (with tax)

- Launched: 2013

- Fragrance Profile: Sweet-woody, spicy, fresh, and powdery—ideal for autumn and spring, suitable for office wear and casual outings. I particularly enjoyed it on a night out.

**Notes:**

- Top: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Lavender, Lemon

- Heart: Coriander, Nutmeg

- Base: Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Vetiver

For scent and durability, I rate it a 7—no need for reapplication. The sillage earns an 8 due to the positive feedback I received. The bottle design is stunning and regal, earning a 9.

Next, I visited my go-to fragrance expert at the mall. While I eagerly await the arrival of Michael Malul London's Amber+ Smoke, he introduced me to another fragrance from MML that’s perfect for colder weather. It offers a vibrant blend of floral and fruity notes that evoke a holiday spirit—like savoring a delicious plate of meat and stuffing, complemented by bright and tart cranberry sauce. The 511 Black Tie fragrance strikes a perfect balance between formal and casual wear. I wore it while working at my bar on Sunday and received numerous compliments, even though my first choice hadn't arrived yet. I left his store feeling satisfied with my new find.

**Michael Malul London Ktoret (Ka-TO-ret) 511 Black Tie (100 ml)**

- Retail Price: $110 (Nordstrom)

- My Price: $85 (with tax)

- Launched: 2020

- Fragrance Profile: A blend of spicy, fresh, and fougère notes, versatile for any season and occasion—daily wear, business, leisure, and nights out. I consider this to be another modern masculine fragrance crafted by MML.

**Notes:**

- Top: Bergamot, Guatemalan Cardamom, Pink Pepper

- Middle: Wild Sage, French Lavender, Elemi

- Base: Vetiver, Indonesian Patchouli, Cedarwood

Interestingly, Elemi is a tree known for its resin and essential oil, often used for medicinal purposes as well as flavoring in foods and cosmetics. Its aroma features hints of lemon and pepper with a touch of balsamic/incense.

I rate the scent and durability of this fragrance an 8, while the sillage and packaging receive a 9.

Both of these fragrances lifted my spirits after a disappointing Halloween evening that involved a lengthy hospital visit for my dad due to a painful ear infection. Wearing these scents made me feel good, attractive, confident, and joyful. They truly helped me overcome the funk I was in, allowing me to bask in my own fragrant aura while receiving compliments from others. It’s worth noting that neither fragrance has been reviewed before, so I’m thrilled to be the first to share my thoughts. Presenting English Laundry’s Signature and Michael Malul London’s Ktoret 511 Black Tie for your consideration. As always a reminder— your sillage may vary; fragrance discretion is advised.

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New 11/2/2024 Haul: Two Additions to My Fragrant Life