Scentimental

Hi there my lovely blossoms! I hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend and remember where you were when Ireland made world history. I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those things that everyone remembers where they were, like on 9/11 and when the news broke that Princess Diana had died. So I’m glad this is a more positive memory that we will all have and share for years to come, one to tell the grandchildren for sure! All these memorable occasions got me thinking, if you’re anything like me, and I know this is an actual thing then certain smells and scents can trigger and bring back memories. Songs can have the same effect, which I suppose is why picking that song for the first dance on your wedding day can be so important. Every time you hear it for the rest of your lives, its going to make you think of your first dance together as a married couple, that special day and evening’s celebrations with those closest to you. Now, young as I may be, I remember a time when there was no debate about what song would be chosen, it was simply whatever song you first danced together to at the local disco. Things have moved on since then, more’s the pity. And yes, I’m from rural Ireland so we still call it the disco and the last song is always the Irish national anthem where no matter how drunk everyone may be, we all do our best to stand straight and stand tall with pride until it’s finished. Am I the only one who made a mental note of what our “first dance song” would be with every boyfriend I had when I was a teenager should we get married…..? I do hope not, otherwise it’s just another one to add to the ever-growing list of things that make me a little bit stranger – and wedding obsessed – than everyone else. Fingers crossed ay? Please help a girl out and comment below if you did this too, it will make me feel much better and dare I say it, more normal, whatever that is!

Image Source: Tessa Barton Photography

Anyway, back to smells and scents. Just like everyone has a song that immediately reminds you of that person, we all have signature scents too. For me, I have worn Thierry Mugler Alien for years and years, it’s my signature perfume, and for birthdays and Christmas’s all my friends and family know just what to get me. My mum’s perfume is Anais Anais (floral overload!) and I’m pretty sure every teenage girl has possessed a bottle of Giorgio Armani Beverly Hills at some point. So if a song can evoke memories of your wedding day, why not a smell? So here’s an idea, why not, just for your wedding day, pick out a new perfume and aftershave for yourself and your fiance. Drench yourself in it for your big day, and then every anniversary wear that same perfume to bring back those memories of your special day. I’ve even heard of a hot new trend where brides are getting back into their gowns on their anniversaries in an attempt to evoke and recapture those wedding day memories. Although you can’t always guarantee you’ll be the same dress size, you can, providing it’s not a limited edition, hard-to-get perfume, smell the same. Less pressure and far more achievable, win win!

If you can’t afford a Vera Wang or Elie Saab dress, then why not treat yourself to one of their perfumes instead, at least when people ask you what you wore for your big day you can honestly say, I wore Vera Wang, or Elie Saab etc. Or splash out and get a Chanel perfume, make it a real luxurious treat that you can re-live every anniversary, I’m sure your hubby will thank you for it too. And don’t forget to include him as well, maybe steer away from the Old Spice though or any of those other eye-watering manly aftershaves that your Grandad most likely told you real men wore, you know, back in the day…. Make sure when you’re making your purchase, to get the Eau de Parfum version, which is a higher quality and much longer lasting scent. Spray your perfume on your wrists, your neck, behind your ears and a quick spritz in the air to walk under to make sure you’re hair gets a shower of scented luxury, just spray anywhere you want to be kissed and touched affectionately.

If I were to narrow it down, I would go for a floral perfume, which is pretty self explanatory and carry scents from a huge array of blossoms including the obvious choice, roses. There are some great timeless scents out there, which are easily found such as Jo Malone’s fragrances. Another one of my favourites are oriental perfumes, which are usually quite heavy and exotic, examples of which are Thierry Mugler, Dior, YSL Opium and Tom Ford. They often have a lot of warmth, sweetness and spice and ooze sultry sophistication. Lighter, brighter and cleaner scents can be found in fragrances by Elizabeth Arden, Calvin Klein and Stella McCartney, and more fruity fragrances by Vera Wang and Nina Ricci. I’ve often heard it said that if you can’t smell the perfume you are wearing, then that means it suits you.

Lots of scentimental love and happy shopping, Gabriella x