Regrets.....I have a few....
My trip to Salzburg was a glimpse on what differentiates a trully touristic, cosmopolitan resort from merely a central town. Besides the abundance of luxury boutiques with the most exquisite items (Tod's bags and shoes in the loveliest suede, covetable Panerai watches of limited editions, gorgeous La Perla undies and le dernier cri in anything having to do with fashion) there were the most wonderful, rare and costly brands in the simplest Apotheke (that's Apothecary or Cosmetic and Perfume department store to you and me). The same Apotheke in provencial Germany or even the duty-free in Frankfurt -which is no small place in itself as you have probably learned if you read my last few entries- had only a fifth of the treasures I found in the one in Salzburg.
The visit was not on purpose. I had overtired my feet and popped in to buy some Band-aids to put on my toes. Little did I know I would be met with a cornucopia of fragrant shelves filled with the whole Etro line, Miller Harris, lots of Creed, Annick Goutal perfumes and skincare (what lovely things she has; the Rose Splendide line is wonderful) , Carthusia, even Amouage with big testers that the customer was free to handle and spray to her heart's content.
Dia was the one I tested from the feminine range of the super expensive Amouage line on me and it was a very feminine perfume that reminded me of the bouquet of Chanel #5 with its mysterious smell and the sandalwood base. Dia lingered lovingly on my clothes all day and all night. If it weren't so frikkingly expensive it would be worth buying.
It was there that I also smelled an Etro I cannot for the life of me identify. Nor can anyone else, apparently. The name was something along the lines of Mille Viole, but don't hold me responsible for any early Altzheimer symptoms ( I never get that when I am not shopping, why is this happening? Maybe I should cut down on the stores and brands I browse...). It was in their regular bottle with the gold cap, a very tasteful presentation. Although I have liked certain Etro fragrances I never forked the money to buy a full bottle, simply because they come in 100ml bottles and that seems too much for me and too costly for something I might tire easily of. This one though proved to be so wonderful that I am kicking myself for not grabbing it then and there. Smelling like smoky violets with a mysterious floral air and some earthy/woody depth, it was unique. I think it could be worn by a man very elegantly as well. And if it proves to be the Via Verri limited edition some have suggested (which boasts a rosy accord), it is almost impossible to get anymore anywhere, even the flagship store in Rome. (Edit to add: Basenotes has helped me finally identify it as Via Verri and it has been reported to be available in Berlin)
Live and learn, I say.....
Next post is about something fragrant I have never seen outside Salzburg. ;-)
Pic of Salzburg via VirtualTourist.
two commentsGasp! Miller Harris! Did you test any of them? They are ever so divine…
Snarkattack () - 10 11 06
Hi there sweetie! Thanks for dropping by.
Yes, I have tested many of them actually, both there and here. They are very nicely done and with good ingredients it seems. I really like Fleur de Matin (in the neighbourhood of Cristalle), Fleur Oriental (a bit like Shalimar), Feuilles de tabac (smoky woody). They all have something nice about them, even if they don’t all last as well.
I am now anxiously awaiting to try L’air de rien, which I have heard described in many amusing terms. 
BTW, please send me the new link for your blog, seems I have lost it 
perfumeshrine - 10 11 06
No trackbacks http://rpc.blogrolling.com/pinger/