I emptied a bottle of Hermes Eau d'Orange Verte scent recently, and set out to replace it with something that lasts more than a couple of hours after application. My search involved about a dozen trial sizes from the ladies at The Perfumed Court, and in due time I settled on Creed's Original Vetiver. OV is bergamot, ginger and mandarin with middle notes of vetiver, iris and sandalwood that dries down to musk and ambergris. The better half approved.
When I went to buy a bottle, I found it online at the usual places. Bergdorf Goodman. Nieman Marcus. Discounted at Amazon and a dozen other outlets for less than $120 for four ounces (120ml). And then I noticed it at Costco. Costco! The warehouse store chain. Which admits that it "is not an 'authorized' dealer of the merchandise."
I wonder whether Olivier Creed thinks having his products in Costco helps or hurts his brand but that's not really the point. I didn't plan to smell myself coming and going so we're back to square one.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
It's In Costco?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
16 comments:
Since I was in high school, I have worn Ralph Lauren's green bottle and have always liked it. But recently I have been looking for something different. I checked your archives over the weekend and found the Acqua di Parma post and Creed, and armed with this info set out to Sak's on Sunday. I tried various Creed scents but at $190 a bottle settled for the $68 bottle of Acqua di Parma. The Acqua di Parma salesman told me he shouldn't say this but he wears and prefers Creed. Says it's worth every penny. Next time I guess. But for today, it's Acqua di Parma.
You've talked about shaving before. How long do you wait after shaving before donning a shirt so that the cologne does not ruin the shirt?
Will, try Editions de parfums Frederic Malle. I just got Vétiver Extraordinaire, quite warm. I bought mine from Paris but I think Barneys has it as well.
I like Vetiver Guerlain, guess Greed has similar smell.
quentin, when I'm wearing perfume I'll spray once into the center of my chest. That area is covered with a tee shirt.
Creed at Costco?! Odd. I really have to wonder what the world is coming to when I hear things like that.
Glad to hear, Will, that you're a Creed man. OV is a really nice scent. My favourite is Royal English Leather, but I also wear Bois du Portugal, Green Irish Tweed, and Tabarome. My gf prefers Bois du Portugal on me. Millisime Imperial is a good summer fragrance. I'm actually starting to move away from Tabarome, as I am finding it too spicy.
I'm also starting to get into Clive Christian 1872, a natural scent like Creed, but I wear it rarely.
I too have Bois du Portugal, Green Irish Tweed, and both the original and the new Tabarome. I'm looking for something lighter for summer.
When I was at Santa Maria Novella, (a perfumerie that's been around since the 17th century for those that don't know it) the salewoman was adamant that the secret to a long scent was to apply it to places that are warmed by the blood. As such,she recommended the wrists and the front of the neck. To hold the original, out of the bottle scent she recommendeed the hair at the back of the neck.
Scott, that's what I do with cologne. I found that with Creed and other perfumes it's too much, at least for me.
Original Vetiver by Creed - Millesime Spray
What is Millesime Spray?
So is the catch that they only sell it in gallon bottles? ;-)
I'm actually partial to Penhaligon's Racquets, which carries the Royal Warrant. It's got an herb and citrus base with a floral center. It's really become one of my all-time favorites, even beyond the tried and true Aramis.
I wore Royal English Leather by Creed tonight at a cocktail gathering hosted by local real estate developers, and I received three (3) compliments on it (from older ladies, of course). My shoes were also positively remarked upon; I was wearing a pair of EG Malverns in antique chestnut. As I get older, I am realising that the things people (women?) notice the most about a man are (1) shoes and (2) smell.
Will-
What concentration do you use? Cologne, EDT or Eau De Parfum?
Thank you
Parfum.
Will -
I just received my bottle of Original Vetiver by Creed. I like it vey much and more importantly it has received rave reviews from the the wife. I will be looking into the Green Irish Tweed for variety. Thanks for the recommendation and for letting me know about the House of Creed.
Upon opening my browser I was delighted to see a photo of my Creed OV. This is a scent that I find perfect for Spring. It smells like a fragrance from a fresh, cool, sun-dappled glade. But I am among those for whom improved value is not only a virtue, but also a regrettable necessity. And I would question whether the greater availability of a scent like OV would cause it to become ubiquitous. Most shoppers require that their scent be associated with a particular designer, celebrity or store, and would have little interest in any Creed, since it will still cost at least $100 for 4oz from any source. My favorite Creeds are OV, GIT and Bois du Portugal.
GIT might be thought of as more common since it’s Creed’s most popular scent and Davidoff makes a very similar imitation named Cool Water. But I still find it the perfect scent for truly hot weather. Bois du Portugal has classic woods, and lasts forever.
While I would not attempt to deny the pleasure of shopping in a lavish emporium that would charge the full retail price, I find purchasing it on-line at a discount better suits my needs. My preferred source being Scentiments, if they have the desired product. Excellent prices AND service.
Unfortunately, knockoff scents are everywhere. And that makes me wonder about the source of Costco’s inventory. Of course, I realize the same question could be asked of any on-line discount source. But my experience suggests this seems less likely among those that appear better established. And I’ve been pleased with what I’ve received from most.
For those who are in search of greater exclusivity, (Though without discounting.) and visit Manhattan, a lovely perfume shop is Aedes de Venustas. You’ll find Creed, L’ Artisan, MPG, Lubin and much more. They also have a splendid website, and will be pleased to send six samples of various scents at a nominal cost for those wishing to shop via mail order.
However, don’t allow them to sic MPG’s Route du Vetiver on you. Not only would you find few who shared your scent, you’d find even fewer who would be willing to share your company.
Post a Comment