Tom's Best of 2007

Or, The Pansies. It's perhaps a good thing this day after Christmas that I can do a recap of the scents of 2007, since I seem to have my yearly cold and I don't think I could fairly review a new scent. It's to be hoped that by the time you read this I will be less hacky and sniffly and ready to greet 2008 by being pleased by or annoyed with the latest new releases.. Having written than, here are (in no particular order) my 10 best of 2007: Bond No 9 Silver Factory: What's not to like? Chilly yet dirty incensey goodness. You won't need a Pucci shirt to wear it, but it might put you in the mood for it. Easily the best Bond yet. CB I Hate Perfume I Am a Dandelion: This line is wonderful, sometimes skirting the line of actually making one question exactly what perfume actually is. I Am a Dandelion is both true to its title and also manages to be both gorgeously surreal and yet one of his most wearable. Frederick Malle French Lover: This ultimate take on the Gentleman's Cologne is a winner; elegance with a sly wink. Miller Harris Fleur de Sel: The flip side of French Lover; Fleur de Sel is delightfully spare and green. Was my summer scent for 2007 and will be again I am sure. Serge Lutens Louve: A scent that got a big fat "Meh" from most everyone out there, perhaps because it's Serge and our expectations are automatically high. I find it a delightfully meditative and comforting scent; the musky almonds are as comforting as being tucked in. Tauer Perfumes Reverie au Jardin: Andy Tauer has been quitely been putting out genius scents for a few years now, and RauJ is the latest reflection of that genius. Lavender like you've never smelled it before in scent, but that will make you rethink what you want in a lavender scent. Brilliant! Creed Virgin Island Water: Yes, I know I didn't review this one, but I did and do adore it. It's a tropical vacation in a bottle and one of the few coconut scents that don't send me right 'round the bend, perhaps because it's a masterful blend. It's a perfect antidote to those winter blues. Guerlain Spiriteuse Double Vanille: Boozy, doughy vanilla goodness. More comforting that your Mama's hugs. What's not to love? Oh, the "limited edition" part of the equation... Gendarme Sky: One that came and went with little to no fanfare and that's too bad. It does the clean/fresh/"nice" thing light-years better than some (cough)CKin2u(cough) others that had a bazillion dollar marketing campaigns. If you are in the market for clean and fresh done right, this one is right up your clothesline. Parfumerie Generale Cadjmere: PG is another house that for me has not made a mis-step. Even the ones that I cannot wear myself I have to tip the hat to. Cadjmere (why have I not reviewed this?) is green and woody and "plush" is the way that LuckyScent describes it and that is a very apt description indeed. Honorary Mentions: Tom Ford Moss Breches: Tip of the chapeau for being so dedicatedly weird. Points off for, well, being Tom Ford. Commes des Garcons Luxe Champaca and Luxe Patchouli: Tip if the chapeau for being brilliant. Points off for being priced higher than Bolivian marching powder. Prettiest Bottle: Fendi Palazzo. Wish the juice was as nice Dippiest Name: Don't Get Me Wrong Baby, I Don't Swallow. What does that even mean? Hardest Sell: The SA at the Beverly Center who practically got me in a head lock and tried to force me to buy Diesel Fuel For Life. Three I am not trying no matter how much I am asked to: Bijan Nude Brittney Spears Midnight Blue Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen Hamptons Style And so goes the 2007 edition of the Pansies. Feel free to list yours, I am sure that i will be clocking my head and going "Duh!" at the ones that I have left out. Here's to hope that 2008 will bring some nice scents out way!