After wearing Creed Bois du Portugal yesterday, I got up early today and went to the other end (price wise) on the spectrum. My dad never wore Old Spice, he’s always enjoyed certain designer fragrances, usually ones my mom bought him. My granddad, however, between splashes of stuff from bottles shaped like briar pipes or reeking of old leather, wore Old Spice regularly. The bottle I have is well over 10 years old. This fragrance’s popularity has cycled every decade since it hit the market. The mix of spices and vanilla is a classic, comforting scent (is that just memories coming to the surface?) and five hours after applying, I still get a good whiff when I move around. If nothing else, Old Spice is proof that this hobby isn’t just about creative niche frags or popular designer scents. Even if your funds are limited, you can still smell good.

Curious if others are experiencing this as well, but when I first got into the hobby it wasn't uncommon for me to find Niche brands like Mancera, designers like Versace and Dolce and Gabbana and even YSL at the local rack store quite often. Some of my early posts on this site were of the bottles I picked up there. In the last few months it's been almost all the same Middle Eastern clones and the odd gem like Michael Mulal. Since my local rack store is a TJ Maxx, wondering if others are noticing a similar as well? Is it time of year and it'll pick up once holiday stock gets put out to discounters? I'm still pretty new to the hobby so I'd be curious what others who have more experience might have to say on this topic. Like is it just cyclical or is there been a noticeable decline in selection and quality of late where you are as well? I've been noticing similar declines in just overall selection and quality of goods. Gone. Are the days where you could buy $50 Tom Ford candles there that's for sure.

“Perfume reflects the time it’s created in.” — Serge Lutens, Creative Director Every scent is a snapshot of perspective. Context matters more than people admit. Nothing exists in a vacuum. One day at a time guys, Enjoy the #Journey

Good morning Fragrance Family. Starting this week off with a positive mindset and a prayerful spirit, remembering that the race is not given to the strongest but to those who endure. No matter what lies ahead of us this week, consistency, faith, and perseverance will carry us through. My scent of the day is Amber Kroud by Designer Shaik Arabia, a new house to me that I recently discovered at the House of Dubai. This fragrance is truly a symphony of exotic woods and rich aromas. It opens with fruity notes of black currant and mango blended with invigorating spices that immediately grab your attention. The heart reveals a beautiful fruity rose and jasmine combination, while the base settles into something deeply sensual with oud oil, vetiver, tonka bean, leather, amber, musk, frankincense, benzoin, and vanilla. At the center of it all is that exotic amber stone accord radiating a mysterious warmth that ties everything together. This is my first wear and full impression of the fragrance. It blew me away on skin in the store and I knew I had to have it. The presentation is outstanding, and I may share the pictures I took later. Projection is excellent, reaching about five feet without being overpowering. The sillage is very good as well, you will definitely be noticed. One hour in, this is sitting at an 8.5 for me. Have a blessed day, stay encouraged, and smell great doing it.

“A clear identity simplifies decisions.” — Frédéric Malle, Founder (paraphrased) When you know what you stand for, choices get easier. Clarity removes noise. Confusion wastes energy. Keep moving forward, Enjoy the #Journey