Sensory Delights

signature scents and hospitality from the heart

Mes Amis! Happy Friiiiiiiday. I just touched down in LA and I’m thawing out, sunny-side up, while I wait for Lauren to shimmy down here. These last few weeks have been quite eventful in Katie-land, and this trip is in celebration of some exciting new beginnings. (More on that later 😎)

**a portrait of my spirit when I’m in LA 🪩

Besides being a warm and sunshiny respite for this snowbird, some of our closest pals have recently relocated here so we’re jazzed to frolic around town together. A cozy evening at our favorite neighborhood restaurant All Time! is on the books and we’re hoping to swing by this lovely event hosted by Más Vino Please.

Other than that, I am most looking forward to some quality girlfriend time and a jazzy little Sunday afternoon at our hotel. I’ve been missing my California fam a lot lately so I can’t wait for the hugs, heart-to-hearts, and ease of being around those who just get you. x

Inspired by the Gaelic word Cara meaning “friend”, LA’s Cara Hotel believes simple gestures of kindness and sincere care create lasting memories and that true hospitality comes from the heart ❥

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On Our Radar

Fragrance is such a trip. You can quite literally sniff out someone’s vibe in a single, sensory wisp. Oh, the allure! The intrigue! It’s so fun, so evocative, so emotive.

I find that scent gives me permission to experiment with my identity and try on a new or aspiring version of myself. It feels like an ever-evolving journey in personal expression. When I’m choosing what to wear for the day, I’ll think to myself: what is my desired feeling state? What mood am I trying to convey? What’s my tone? Add my signature lip and it’s a real power play.

Hot Tip: I layer a lot of my fragrances these days to create my own personalized scent. It’s a nice way to blend different notes into something kind of magical and unique.

So this week we’ll be taking you on a sensory journey. Part of this exploration is 100% self-serving as I’ve been trying to move beyond my coveted Santal 33 and am still striking out.

Thanks to all of your responses, I think we’ve unlocked some real gems and I’m excited to share ✨

Top Hits:

1. Byredo | Mojave Ghost

   This is Lauren’s #1. It’s an eau de parfum featuring a woody, aromatic scent inspired by the Mojave desert. I’d like to bathe in this. It’s a bit of an investment at $200 for 1.7oz but well worth it (in our opinion). If you’re looking for more of a trial spritz than a full commitment, they do have a beautiful discovery set for $50.

   Notes

   Top: Ambrette, Nesberry

   Heart: Magnolia, Sandalwood, Violet

   Base: Cedarwood, Musks, Vetiver

   

   
   2. D.S. & Durga | (1) Rose Atlantic, (2) El Cosmico, (3) I Don’t Know What

   There is some major adoration for the hubs and wife team behind DS&D. All that they love in music, art, nature, and design is told aromatically. Their scents are made in-house in NYC. Prices range from $190 for 1.7oz up to $280 for 3.4oz.

   Big Sur After Rain smells like driving down a misty Highway 1 with your windows down after a fresh pour.

3. Maison Louis Marie | No.04, No.09, and Antidris Cassis

I’ve been carrying their perfume oils on me at all times for the most beautiful on-the-fly refresh. Their fragrances are super clean and sustainable. They are based in LA and were created as an homage to Marie’s long line of botanical family history, dating back to 1792. Eau de Parfumes start at $93 and Perfume Oils at $65. They are gorgeous!

Fan Favorites:

• West Third Brand, Band of Outlaws (Santal 33 Fighter!)

• Henry Rose, Windows Down

• Everything by Vyrao

• Xinu Collection Kit

• Maya Njie, Nordic Cedar

• Olo, Dark Wave

Other favs? Let us know in the comments section!

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Discovery

Like always, we love ending our notes with inspiration, so here are some of the people, places, messages, and musings that are inspiring us lately ✨

1. I stayed at The Publishing House (pictured above) in Chicago’s West Loop this past week and it was sooooooo dreamy.

2. Want to get my hands on this FEEL GOOD knitted jumper.

3. Dad Grass. Am I the only person late to this CBD party?

4. I have heard great things about the Glow Maker by Maelove. Has anyone tried?

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Thanks for being here! If you have friends who would love this, please send it on- we’re excited to expand this community. xoxo - Your Confidants, Fenny & Katie