Good morning frag fam. Today is a local holiday here in Chicago, and while many are enjoying a well-deserved day off, I am still at work and grateful for the opportunity. In times like these I am reminded that simply having the ability to work, provide, and move with purpose is a blessing not to be taken for granted, especially when so many are still searching for opportunity. Gratitude sets the tone for the day, and I’m stepping into it with a positive mindset and appreciation for the small things that carry us forward. My scent of the day is Widian New York from the Sapphire Collection. This is a beautifully understated and refined fragrance that truly rewards the wearer more than the room. Like others I have experienced from this line, it stays close to the skin, creating an intimate scent bubble rather than announcing itself loudly. The craftsmanship in the blending is immediately noticeable. The fragrance moves in gentle waves throughout the day, shifting from fresh nuances into soft spice, then revealing floral touches with occasional hints of sweetness that appear and fade like passing moments. It feels intentional, elegant, and personal. Performance on my skin is impressive despite its quiet nature, lasting a solid eight to nine hours while maintaining a soft but noticeable sillage for anyone who steps into your personal space. This is the kind of fragrance that doesn’t demand attention but earns appreciation. It feels like a private olfactory journey, one you experience for yourself while allowing others to discover it only when they come close. For me, this fragrance comfortably sits at an 8.5. Have a great day, stay safe, stay grateful, and smell amazing doing it.

This one is also a longtime member of my collection without being used. It’s a gourmand and luxurious fragrance that is an alternative to BDK Velvet Tonka (I have never tried it.) It opens with a beautiful and subtle sweet vanilla, almond, and orange blossom aroma. As it dries down, the amber and tonka bean, along with the rose and cinnamon nuances start to shine balancing out the blend and rounding it to a very alluring, seductive and delicious scent. Don’t be fooled by the subtle opening, this fragrance develops to a powerhouse that projects and last. If you are into gourmand fragrances, this is a must have.