So, given my keen enjoyment of this book, you may be surprised to learn that it has taken me at least six months to finish it. Everything bloomed there, orchids grew wild, it was an amazing place for a gardener, because literally that island just bloomed. As a solid perfume devotee, I am not comfortable applying a used or even a "new" vintage solid (or cream perfume) to my skin. Of course perfumes undergo changes as time passes, but we can still assess what we have in front of us. Probably cost a pretty penny especially as my ma was a hillbaby from the Ozarks, no more beautiful place on earth, though, in the fall.

Then, I realize that there are beauties waiting unappreciated and unworn right in my own collection. I fell for the powdery sweet initial scent but I kept getting this unpleasant waft that reminded me of something I couldn't quite place. Its floral heart was tight and seamlessly blended, giving the shape rather than the distinct fragrance of jasmine, ylang ylang, carnations, and other flowers I can’t suss out.I don't know L'Heure Bleu or Baghari, the other two fragrances it has been compared to, so for me Chanel No5 is the only reference. This vintage L'Aimant has some of that "vintage eastern floral" smell, simply due to its age, but it adjusts itself quickly to our modern air and emits a bright beginning of fruity aldehydes - that classic combination of peach, bergamot and bright but gentle aldehyde, with just a small hint of soapiness. It may all be roses and vanilla on top but that chemical opening and something musty if not downright musky going on down below lurk ominously. Imagine falling down the rabbit hole and emerging in the 1890s into an opulent room resplendent with art nouveau furnishings, peacock feathers, and a decant of laudanum on the bedstead.

The flowers soften up the citruses and aldehydes and turn into a much warmer musk toward the dry down stage. To enable personalised advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. As classic and inoffensive as the proverbial "little black dress" - this beautiful fragrance was perfect for all ages, all occasions, and guaranteed to be gratefully received with a smile.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsy’s global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US.

L'Aimant starts with a waft of aldehydes, but in the same breath changes gears and becomes a sweet, powdery, rosy floral. I fought hard and, for some time, managed to get good results with the bath oil and the hair mist (instead of spritzing the perfume). I have even read if memory serves that Coty L'Aimant is actually a closer match to the formula of an older perfume that No 5 was inspired by. I love them both, L'Aimant for daytime and more casual settings, No 5 for evenings and special occasions.

So, although she was furious with Francois Coty, (a one time pal), Coco Chanel ended up laughing, all the way to the bank, literally! If I can be honest with you- L aimant reminds me more Guerlain - in this scent I feel bergamot and tonka like Tonka Imepriale.

However, I decided to give it a try one day and although it is indeed a rather old fashioned fragrance, there is something very romantic and nostalgic about it. I do think most people would get an "old lady" or dated impression from this but if you appreciate vintage scents you'll probably enjoy this.The differences are indeed minimal and one has to be actively looking for them, well on my skin anyway they are very close. And also rather a fan of L’Aimant too, even daring to compare it with another iconic perfume in this charming list of “Smellalikees”. One thing I can say for sure is that I don't find it suits younger people, but more adults, age 50+.