America's Top Model Favors Masculine Scents

Detroit native Naima Mora is heading back to her hometown to host the WALK Fashion Show on Dec. 8. Naima is best known for winning Cycle 4 of "America's Next Top Model," and she has expanded her horizons with the publication of her first book. 

Model Behavior is based on her experiences in the fashion industry, and is meant to inspire young people. The book is available for iPad on iTunes, as well as on eBook. A follow up book, Model Citizen, is also in the works, and will feature a compilation of fan-submitted stories of personal victories. 

Anyone can submit a story at http://naimamoraonline.com, where fans can follow Naima's personal going-ons. Naima's band, Galaxy of Tar, is also anticipating the release of their new album in January 2013.   

What is your favorite scent "in a bottle"?

My favorite fragrance is the Bvlgari Aqva Marine Pour Homme. I know its a men's cologne, but it is really my favorite scent. I don't like to restrict myself to only women's fragrances.

What does it evoke for you? 

I love this scent and I wear it all the time. It has a beautiful fruit and floral filled balance. It is a light scent and it makes me feel beautiful. It reminds me of my family's home in Mexico. My boyfriend bought me my first bottle of it when we visited there together a few years ago. I wore it all the time during the trip, and every time I wear it now it brings back wonderful memories of my family and our beautiful home in Mexico. It takes me back to our garden and makes me feel all warm inside. It relaxes me.

What is your favorite smell that can't be captured "in a bottle"? 

I love the smell of mahogany. I have a mahogany table at home and it smells sooooo good. Sometimes I just put my face close to it to smell it. I think scent is so important in our daily lives. A specific fragrance can bring about such calming effects on the spirit.  

Take a Paige from In A Bottle's Favorites

No perfume blog can subsist on one note alone, and at In A Bottle, we are greatly enhanced by the work of our talented intern, Paige Brockway. Here, the fabulous high schooler shares some insight into her taste in fragrance: 

What is your favorite scent "in a bottle"? 

Victoria's Secret's Beauty Rush Juiced Berry body double mist. My mom bought an 8.4 oz bottle of it for me a few years ago, along with some of the other Beauty Rush fragrances. I've been rotating through them ever since. 

What does it evoke for you? 

The fragrance feels very springy. Its fruity smell hangs on and develops throughout the day. Somehow, the perfume is both warm and fresh at the same time. 

What is your favorite smell that can't be captured "in a bottle," and why? 

Definitely bonfires. Every summer my family goes camping together, so breathing in campfire smoke always reminds me of countless memories. I love waking up the next day in a sweatshirt that the smell has clung onto. 

Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Creepy or Chic?

Nicki Minaj's first perfume, Pink Friday, has been stirring up a lot of hype since its release on September 22nd. Named after her 2010 album, the perfume is a product of the rapper-turned-pop singer's collaboration with the Elizabeth Arden company. A quirky commercial features a gigantic, King Kong-like version of Nicki parading around NYC. 

"Pink Friday is a celebration of my life at this moment; it is a reflection of me as a creator, and an expression of me as a woman," said Nicki. "Pink Friday shows off my personality and style; it's exciting to express my voice through another dimension."

The perfume itself is intended to emphasize a flowery base with a musky twist. The top notes contain hints of starfuit, mandarin, and boysenberry, while the heart is a floral combination of lotus flower and jasmine. Finally, the base notes reflect vanilla, musk, and pear. 

Many fans have fallen in love with the flowery scent, while others are criticizing its similarities with Justin Beiber's latest creation, Someday. 

Whether you love or hate the perfume inside, the bottle is certainly worth taking a look at; it is a miniature of Nicki herself...complete with her trademark pink wig. In order to spray the perfume on, Nicki's head has to be popped off, and this design by Lance McGregor of Paul Meyers and Friends may seem a bit off-putting to some customers. This one is definitely an oddball, but it's up to the individual to decide if the bottle is creepy or chic.

Pink Friday eau de parfum can be purchased from Macy's in a 1.7 oz ($49) or 3.4 oz ($59) bottle, and if you don't want to go the whole mile, you can always check out the Pink Friday hair mist, which comes in a 5 oz ($22), more average looking bottle.   

Spooky and Sweet Scents for Halloween

Halloween is all about finding the perfect outfit, snagging some free candy, and creeping your neighbors out. Whether you prefer scary or sweet, here are some unique perfumes to get help you get into the spirit!

Tootsie Roll by Demeter

Since 1896, Tootsie Rolls have been a classic American candy. No Halloween would be complete without them! Thanks to Demeter, the fudgy treat's biggest fans can finally smell like this beloved confection. The perfume stays loyal to its name by giving off waves of fudge, chocolate, caramel, and vanilla.

Tootsie Roll is available from Demeter Fragrance Library in quantities of .5 oz ($6), 1 oz ($20), or 4 oz ($39.50). It is also available as a body lotion, shower gel, massage oil, and more.

If you fall in love with this sugary scent, Demeter has a few more candy flavored options, including: Junior Mints, Tropical Dots, and Lollipops.

DKNY Delicious Candy Apples Sweet Caramel

Everyone loves a good candy apple, and their sugary scent is a sure sign of fall. DKNY's Delicious Candy Apples Sweet Caramel is sure to make your mouth water; even the bottle is appetizing. The perfume inside isn't just limited to apples and caramel — notes like pear, marshmallow, jasmine, and vanilla are snuck inside to give this fragrance that "extra something." This one is sure to taunt your sweet tooth (and maybe implant a craving for a certain seasonal snack)!

Delicious Candy Apples Sweet Caramel can be ordered online through Perfume Emporium as a 1.7 oz bottle ($51.99 unboxed, or $53.99 boxed). 

Poison by Dior

Love it or hate it, this intoxicating (and aptly named) perfume by Christian Dior has been around for a long time. It commands attention, dousing its victims in an unsettling, seductive, almost gothic aroma. 

Poison is a rich, bold blend of spices, fruits, amber, musk, and honey. In small doses, this perfume can be warm and luxurious, but too much of this powerhouse can be lethal to the wearer and the people in the surrounding area ... let its name serve as a warning. 

Poison eau de toilette can be purchased online from Dior in three different sizes: 1 oz ($53), 1.7 oz ($69), and 3.4 oz ($90).  

Earthworm by Demeter

Nothing is creepier or crawlier than a bucket full of worms, and now you can smell like them too! This perfume toys with your senses and gives off a rich, earthy scent. It envelopes the wearer in an environment of wet, humid soil, and rotting leaves. This fragrance is way on the unusual side, but definitely worth checking out. 

Earthworm can be purchased from Demeter Fragrance Library in quantities of .5 oz ($6), 1 oz ($20), or 4 oz ($39.50). Like Tootsie Roll, Earthworm is also available as a body lotion, shower gel, massage oil, and other quirky options. 

Demeter also offers some other fun, Halloween-ish scents, including Dirt and Funeral Home, that are sure to make your skin crawl.   

BLOOD Concept

Of all the perfumes out there, BLOOD Concept, created by Giovanni Castelli and Antonio Zuddas, is probably one of the wackiest. Believe it or not, this perfume is designed to smell like human blood. It is a specifically "no flower" concept, meant to celebrate the essence of life itself.

BLOOD Concept comes in four different versions: O, A, B, and AB. Each type contains a heavy metallic note, but from that point on, varies to reflect a different time of human development. Type O, which is meant to invoke the raw realities of caveman life, smells of leather, animal, cedar, thyme, and raspberry. On the other hand, Type A contains notes like green garden, tomato leaves, and basil, to imitate life on a farm. Type B, the most versatile of the four, is a woody, spicy concoction tied together by hints of apple, black cherry, and patchouli. Finally, Type AB, intended to represent the harsh environment of the city, contains notes of aldehydes, aluminum, slate, and wet concrete. 

BLOOD Concept can be purchased online from Avery US in a unique 40 mL eye dropper bottle ($185). It can also be purchased as a 60 mL drip spray ($160), or as a "compatibility test kit", which contains a 10 mL bottle of all four types ($130). 

Is Brad Pitt Good Pitchman for Chanel No. 5?

Okay, so what about the new gossip-worthy Chanel No. 5 ads featuring Brad Pitt? It's possible Angelina wears the iconic fragrance and inspired all the poetics, but we're thinking the $7 million contract played the major role.

#Noteworthywomen Sought for Fragrance Launch

New online beauty hub Coterie.com is looking for #Noteworthywomen to mark the launch of its new perfume. 

Coterie has partnered with Demeter Fragrance Library to create Noteworthy Eau de Toilette — a fruity, floral blend of frosted Italian bergamot, white jasmine, blue iris, creamy white rose, cashmere musk and white patchouli. 

Noteworthy will be available through Coterie Oct. 2-31, and in honor of breast cancer awareness month 30 percent of proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

To garner additional awareness, Coterie has launched a #Noteworthywomen social campaign with Animoto.com, where friends, guests and members can create inspirational “notes” and videos around the noteworthy women in their lives.

To participate:

• Write a post about a noteworthy woman or women you admire (need not be breast cancer related).
• Invite your followers to join the conversation by going to www.coterie.com, www.facebook.com/coterieinc or Twitter with the hash tag #noteworthywomen.
• Submit a link to your post to collaborate@coterie.com.
• Coterie will choose from your stories and share on their blog, Facebook and Twitter.
• For every post submitted, Coterie will donate $1 to the National Breast Cancer in addition to Noteworthy fragrance proceeds.
• One lucky winner will be randomly selected to win a $100 Coterie gift card, Noteworthy Eau de Toilette, and a one-year subscription of Animoto pro — a digital storytelling video website, a $249 value.
• Coterie is accepting posts through midnight Tuesday, Oct. 9.
• Please include mention of the #Noteworthywomen campaign and/or Noteworthy limited-edition Eau de toilette. 

Coterie’s online campaign will feature editorial and video stories of women who have been touched by breast cancer, which affects approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S.


Coterie is a new, online destination where busy, socially savvy modern women can research, purchase and share their beauty finds, as well as collect their favorites in a virtual vanity. 

If you can't make it to Coterie's headquarters in San Francisco, visit the company on Twitter and Facebook. 

Noteworthy is $45 for 1.7 ounces.

Punk Priestess Prefers Powdery Pale

Niagara is known internationally as the "High Priestess of Punk." Once a member of the band Destroy All Monsters, she is now busy with an array of projects, ranging from her own apparel lines with Pink Pump and Japan's Hysteric Glamour, to her recent art exhibit, WAR PAINT, which just closed at Detroit's Re:View Contemporary Gallery. A more extensive bio as well as a gallery of her artwork can be found on her website. Here, she answers our classic "In A Bottle" questions with an iconoclastic twist.

What is your favorite fragrance "in a bottle"? 

I'm not really a perfume fanatic ... mostly because I don't make time to find that particular fragrance that matches my persona, soul, mood or whatever people do match it to.  

Although one really must have some kind of bouquet to be civilized. And there's where I already have to veer from your first question. Because there's no "bottle," I prefer fragrance to be in powder from. It's lighter (scented) and whiter (good on white skin). When I do wear perfume, I wear DIVA by UNGARO. Does the name sound narcissistic? It has narcissus in it.

What does it evoke for you?

I like that it could be a man's fragrance, more male than unisex. Farthest from sweet, it's a blend of forest notes — woodsy, mossy, deep and, they say, luxurious. A luxurious forest.

It's rich-y and slightly witchy. It's consciously commanding but not abrasive. It might give strength.

It seems to stand apart. I like it for those reasons.

What is your favorite scent that can't be captured "in a bottle" and why?

I thrive on the smell of gasoline at service stations. 

And once a year our Night-blooming Honeysuckle is intense. It's magic and unbottle-able. In fact the scent of night-blooming flowers is a world away from day-scented flowers. Datura is blooming now ... very mysterious and oozing licentiousness. 

Stiletto Girl Shares Taste for Candy

Tawny Thieu is a retail dynamo with Pink Pump and P2 women's clothing and accessory stores throughout metro Detroit. Her latest boutique, P2 Exchange in Royal Oak, celebrates a cool mix of shoes, jewelry, handbags and ... candy. With the mission statement "all things sweet," it's no wonder Thieu likes her scents with a little bit of sugar.

What is your favorite scent "in a bottle"?

Right now I'm loving CANDY by Prada.

What does it evoke for you?

Soft, sweet, sensual notes! It's not overly sweet or overpowering. The best fragrances should be subtle.

What is your favorite smell that can't be captured "in a bottle," and why?

Brewing vanilla camomile tea. The aroma fills the room and instantly relaxes me. I prefer drinking tea in the evening; it totally soothes a stressful day.

We love the private label apparel by international icon Niagara available exclusively at Pink Pump.  Stay tuned for Niagara's "In A Bottle" picks tomorrow.

Nicole Richie Goes Back to her Roots...with New Perfume

For Nicole Richie, life is getting a lot less simple! The reality star turned fashion icon is busy with release of her new fragrance, Nicole, which is being added to her already extensive résumé. Along with her successful accessories line, House of Harlow 1960, Nicole debuted as a mentor on NBC's Fashion Star this past year. 

The perfume was inspired by Richie's memories of her mother's unique layers of fragrances. "I knew exactly what I wanted to do because my mom would combine different oils and lotions, and the blend of scents became very special to me," she said. "Nicole blends the smells of my childhood memories with the aromas of the present."

Richie worked closely with esteemed perfumer Steve DeMercado to perfect Nicole, which grew into a classic, yet modern, blend of a variety of notes such as vanilla, cashmere woods, blackberry, golden amber, and Moroccan rose. The bottle itself was beautifully crafted by luxury design expert Dale Brandon Kan. 


Richie calls Nicole "a spiritual balance of femininity and bohemian." On Aug. 29, she appeared at Macy's in Glendale, Calif., to unveil the new perfume. She will also be making a similar appearance at The Grove's Nordstrom in Los Angeles on Sept. 20. 

Nicole eau de parfum is being sold at Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillards, and other department and specialty stores nationwide in two sizes: 1.7 oz ($55) and 3.4 oz ($69). Richie has also released an accompanying body lotion and shower gel. 

Back to School Fragrance Hunt : Part II (For Guys)

Girls aren't the only ones who like to smell good for school! Guys need fragrances too, whether it's for spritzing on after gym class, making yourself smell presentable every morning, or giving that special girl a scent to remember. Across the board, guys' cologne seems to be more expensive than girls' perfume, but it is nonetheless a necessity. Here are a few that you can't go wrong with. 

AE Real

American Eagle always has a great selection of fragrances for both genders, so it's usually my first stop when it comes to buying perfume or cologne as a gift for another teen. 

Real is spicy, warm, and confident. It contains many different notes, ranging from cool citrus and cardamom to amber and rosewood. This is definitely not the type of cologne that goes unnoticed, and its bold scent is very good at drawing attention to the wearer. 

Real is available from American Eagle in a 1.7 oz bottle ($39.95). A more affordable alternative is the AE Real Body Spray ($9.95). 

Jake by Hollister

Hollister is infamous for the way that their fragrances are pumped through their stores to the point of becoming overpowering. It's impossible to ignore the scent as you walk through the mall, and shoppers often complain of headaches and sensory overload. Believe it or not, their fragrances are actually really nice when experienced in a lighter dose. 


Jake has a citrusy top that fades flawlessly into a woodsy base. It is sweet, sour, and strong all at once. Although most guys rave that it is perfect for the beach, this cologne is equally effective in the classroom and perfect for everyday wear (and the ladies love it, too!). 

Jake is available from Hollister in quantities of 1 oz ($30) or 1.7 oz ($38).

Back to School Fragrance Hunt : Part I (For Girls)

Fall is rapidly approaching and, ready or not, that means school is on its way. In the spirit of the season, it's time to refresh our closets, restock on three-ring binders, and, of course, make ourselves smell nice. No matter if you're headed back to high school, college, or even if you just want to smell a little younger, here are some great fragrances for girls (on a budget).

Promise Me by Aéropostale 


This perfume is one of my personal favorites. It smells expensive, but it isn't, and it's noticeable yet light enough to wear to school. 

Promise Me is conjured up from a sweet blend of apple juice, white tea, gardenia, and vanilla. I've always thought that this perfume makes me smell more grown-up than a lot of my other fragrances do, and I was also pleased to discover how long-lasting it is. Definitely a fresh, safe buy to give as a gift or keep all to yourself.

Promise Me is available from Aéropostale in quantities of .5 oz ($12.50) and 1.7 oz ($19.50).

Pretty & Pure by PINK

Victoria's Secret's little sister store, PINK, also has some great, affordable perfumes to offer. Out of their selection, Pretty & Pure is definitely at the top of my list. 

Pretty & Pure lives up to its name as a clean, fruity, floral fragrance. Its notes are composed strictly of jasmine and pink lemonade, and the result is breezy and tangy. This mouthwatering perfume is perfect for all seasons and occasions. 

Victoria's Secret PINK Pretty & Pure eau de toilette is available in a pretty 2.5 oz bottle ($20) on the Victoria's Secret website, but is rumored to be found for an even cheaper price in the store.

AE Bohemian

I received a rollerball of this perfume as a gift about a year ago and instantly fell in love. American Eagle always has a lot of fragrances to offer, but this is definitely one of their best. The actual bottle is a lot pricier than what you would find from Aéro or PINK, but the rollerball is much more reasonably priced. 

Bohemian is a concoction of many different notes: citrus fruit, wildflowers, garden herbs, jasmine, and musk. It is a very crisp fragrance, somehow earthy and bold at the same time. Definitely compliment-worthy and addicting.

Bohemian is available from American Eagle as a .25 oz rollerball ($14.95) or 1.7 oz bottle ($39.95). 

Perfumers Around the Globe Get into the Olympic Spirit

The 2012 Summer Olympics are rapidly approaching, and the whole world has its eyes on London. This has rekindled an interest in British-based brands, such as Burberry, which has released new renditions of its classic Brit fragrances for both men and women. Not to be outdone, big names like Dolce & Gabbana and Armani have also announced the launch of their own Olympic-inspired fragrances. 

Burberry Brit Summer for Women

This perfume is refreshed version of the original Burberry Brit for Women, which was released in 2003. The fragrance is meant to capture the aroma of a British Summer, and was released this year just in time for the Olympics. 


Its top notes include lime, pear, and green tea, while the heart of the perfume opens to the scent of almonds and peony. The base is composed of musk, mahogany, and amber. 


Burberry Beauty has also launched Burberry Brit Summer for Men. Both can be purchased from Burberry's website and at leading department stores ($62-$67). 


The One Sport by Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana also jumped on the Olympic bandwagon when this fragrance was released as the third installment of their "The One" collection. 


The One Sport was first released in London this past February, before making its debut in Italy, and then finally in the U.S. This schedule allowed the fragrance to go global before the start of the Olympic Games. 


Inspired by sportsmen and outdoorsmen, the fragrance is made up of notes such as water, cardamom, sequoia, and patchouli. It lasts throughout the entire day, persevering through workouts and activity. The One Sport is available through Sephora ($44-$73). 


Armani Code Sport Athlete


Armani couldn't resist the temptations of the Olympic season either, and released this limited edition fragrance earlier in the year. 


Following the lead of its predecessor, Armani Code Sport, this perfume is dedicated to athletes and inspired by hours spent on the field and long days at the gym. 


The light, refreshing fragrance combines three types of mints, Mediterranean citruses, pink pepper, and ginger into an masculine concoction. It's a fitting summer scent for athletes around the globe!


Armani Code Sport Athlete is available at Macy's ($59). 

Madonna and Lady Gaga Compete for Best Scent

This year marks the release of fragrances from two of pop culture's most outstanding icons: Madonna and Lady Gaga. Their competing perfumes are sure to add even more fuel to the already fiery feud that has been unfolding between the two singers. In A Bottle can't wait to see how the perfumes stack up on the market, and although we may have favoritism for Madonna, we must admit Lady Gaga has some noteworthy tricks up her sleeve. 

Truth or Dare by Madonna

Gaga was surely wearing her poker face when this perfume was released in April. Madonna worked closely with perfumer Stephen Nilsen to create this sweet blend of tuberose and gardenia, with additional notes of jasmine, white lily, amber, musk, and vanilla. 


The world famous Material Girl was greatly inspired by the memory of her mother's perfume, and wanted to add a touch of contrast to the clean, flowery scent. 

Truth or Dare has revealed itself to be long-lasting and unique, just like its creator. 


Truth or Dare eau de parfum can be purchased from Macy's in quantities of 1.7 oz ($55) or 2.5 oz ($68). Madonna has also released accompanying body lotion and shower gel. 




Fame by Lady Gaga



Lady Gaga's little monsters are eagerly awaiting the release of her fragrance in September. Photos have been released of the bottle, which is very unique in itself. 

Fame is the very first black eau de parfum, and it sprays on clear thanks to a patent pending fluid technology. Instead of using the typical hierarchy of notes, Lady Gaga has utilized a rare olfactory technology that allows all of the notes to work in synchronized harmony. Its scent — which features elements of honey, saffron, tiger orchids, and jasmine — is meant to reflect darkness, lightness, and sensuality all at the same time. 


Starting on July 26, Fame is available for preorder from Macy's. Gaga has also announced that alongside the regular eau de parfum version, which she has dubbed 'Le Masterpiece,' she will release an additional, more affordable version of the perfume. 

''Coming to My Senses' Chronicles Adventures in Scent

Photo of Alyssa Harad by Erin Mayes.

Fragrance lovers will adore the new book Coming to my Senses: A Story of Perfume, Pleasure and an Unlikely Bride, by Alyssa Harad. The memoir, which hits bookstores this Thursday, chronicles the author's journey into the seductive world of scent. 
Harad, who blogs for Now Smell This, Perfume Smellin’ Things, and writes about fragrant finds for various publications, said she never set out to write a book about herself. 
“My intention was to create a book out of all my favorite bloggers and their great blog posts because I was just an obsessed fan girl,” Harad told In A Bottle. 
Instead, editors became interested in her evolution from shopping-averse academic to scent expert, and urged Harad to tell her own story. 

“I think for me the book is as much about women and pleasure and how to be a girl as it is about perfume,” she said. 
To celebrate the launch of her book, Harad is hosting two special events designed to awaken the senses by blending fragrance and flavor.
The first, set for 7 p.m. July 12 at Book People in Austin, will treat guests to honey truffles and Jasmine Bellinis. 
The second, 7 p.m. July 19 at BookCourt in Brooklyn, will feature Maria McElroy of aroma M perfumes, and perfume cocktails by Julianne Zaleta of Brooklyn Brainery. 
Harad will read from her book and sign copies as well.
“I love that kind of translation work. Perfume was my back door into beauty departments and that high glamour, but I also think it’s fun to take it out of the beauty counter and back into the kitchen,” Harad said. 


Coming to my Senses (Viking, July 5, 2012, hardcover, $29.95) is available at bookstores nationwide.

New Luxury Book Set Includes "Dior Perfume"

A page from "Dior Perfume" offers a glimpse behind the brand's iconic bottles.

"I think of my work as ephemeral architecture, 

dedicated to the beauty of the female body." 

— Christian Dior

Ah cherie, what's not to love about Dior? A new 3-volume slipcase set from ASSOULINE celebrates the luxury brand's range with Dior Fashion, Jewellery and Perfume. 


Of course, In A Bottle is especially excited about Dior Perfume. The beautiful 80-page book, by journalist Jérôme Hanover, contains 60 illustrations of the brand's bottles, ad campaigns and inspirations. 


DIOR, $75, is available at ASSOULINE Boutiques nationwide or at assouline.com.