Fall fragrance recommendations 2013

All the fragrance bloggers have already posted their Fall fragrance lists but I have been putting mine off because it has still been in the 80s and 90s around here.  I just can't seem to get in the mood, but think I better post anyway before it is time for the Winter fragrances.  To me Fall fragrances must be heavier than what we've been wearing for Summer, something that is reminiscent of autumn leaves and the first few fires in the fireplace. At the same time, they should not be as rich or spicy as the Winter fragrances.  Like the Spring, they are transitional scents.  There are so many possibilities but here are some of my faves:

Atelier Cologne Ambre Nue is a warm oriental that is still not quite opulent enough for Winter.  It has my preferred base notes of Tonka bean and patchouli, and opens with a touch of mandarin and cinnamon.  There is enough floral here (orchid) to balance everything out.  Even though it doesn't have cedar or other wood notes, to me it still has that dry edge.  Think wool pencil skirts with suede pumps or a plaid cape from Coach - it would round out any Fall wardrobe.

You can go smell this at Neiman Marcus, select Sephoras, or order a sample from Lucky Scent

Corso Como 10 is sexy as hell. With its smokey notes I'd consider it a unisex fragrance .  As per my Autumn fragrance requirements, it has plenty of that woodsy quality:  sandalwood, oud wood resin, and incense.  Have I mentioned it is sexy?  But then I think unisex fragrances are always sexy.  A bit of dusky rose and spicy geranium soften the wood element so that it is not entirely masculine.  It brings to mind big bouquets of blood red mums on the table, and sitting by the fire sipping wine with your date, the sexual tension buzzing between you.

You can go smell this at Barney's or order a sample at Surrender To Chance

Gucci Rush is ideal for the colder climates where Autumn descends early.  Some people might even consider it Wintery, but personally I can't wait until then to wear it.  Rush is a white floral that I can tolerate (usually not a fan of white florals) because the patchouli is upfront and center.  Vanilla is one of the notes that deepen the mix and puts it in the oriental category.  One of its benefits is that it is readily available at department stores so you do not have to order it online.  It reminds me of burning red pillar candles in a boudoir, a woman getting ready in her corset and hose, a gardenia tucked behind her ear.

You can find this at Sephora or other department stores

Coal by Andrea Maack is probably the most unique of the bunch.  It is completely about freshly sharpened pencils and heading back to school.  But there is also a freshness and brightness that belies its smokey, leathery quality.  I don't know why fresh comes to mind because certainly there are no fresh note in the composition, but I really don't think it is as heavy as most incense fragrances.  It was inspired by the smell of an artist's studio and the dusty scribblings of charcoal on paper.

You can order a sample of this at Lucky Scent

The lightest of the bunch, terrific for my fellow Californians, is The Afternoon of a Faun by Etat Libre d'Orange.  It is absolutely lovely with its spicey but sweet notes that are tempered with citrus.  I also really enjoy its herbal notes of immortelle and oris root.  There is a distinguishable amount of rose (another fave of mine), and the merest whisper of leather to make it the truly unisex fragrance that it is.  The name of course reminds me of Narnia, and while this conjures up the world of fantasy, it is strictly an adult fantasy.

You can order a sample of this at Lucky Scent or Surrender To Chance

all products reviewed were either bought or sampled by me. And product pictures were stolen from the link's website. I am not financially compensated for any of my reviews