My mother wore the perfume Shalimar. The bottle, with a crystal, triangular top a red label and round flat shape stood on her dressing table. When she wasn't home I would sneak into her bedroom, carefully lift the top and dab on a little perfume, some behind my ears, always using the top, as I had seen her do. I replaced the top and would quietly leave the bedroom. It seemed as if I were doing something forbidden and dangerous.Last year I read that Shalimar was being re-issued and I had the idea of buying a bottle to evoke those memories of my mother. With much anticipation, I walked into Nordstroms, and asked to have a whiff of Shalimar. It was not the same. They spray scents on little white cards to sample. I asked for another. No, not the one I remembered and not even one I liked. I was so sure I could buy a bottle and reenact that long-ago scene and bring back my mother in this small way. But it was not to be. I later learned that the formula had been changed.
Perfume is magic to me. It's romantic, evocative and makes me feel feminine, glamorous and younger. A friend who just came back from Paris said one of her favorite memories was all those wonderful scents in the air, especially in the shops, where French women congregate. My oldest son gives me perfume for my birthday. He chooses the scent and it is always one I like. I am so flattered that the gift is not something useful.
To all the mothers and grand mothers in my life, I wish you a Happy Mother's Day: my step-daughter; my two daughters-in-law; my friends many of whom are grand mothers now; and all those mothers who I don't know and who may read this. What you do everyday for your children and other children is priceless.
Is there a scent that you associate with a time, a place a person?
my mother always wore chantilly-which i always thought smelled a little like shalimar---i too love perfume--it is the only thing, that i do not like in the knock offs---i don't buy expensive anything---and rarely get cologne or perfume---but if i do, i want it to be the real thing-recently, i was so excited to find versace on sale at a discount store--only to find it did not have much lasting power--happy mothers day<3
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you, Lynn. I think the perfumes made in Paris with, I think, more natural ingredients, are better. And it is worth it to pay more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant story. Smells have such power to trigger emotions and memories, so I'm really sorry the new scent of Shalimar disappointed you. A very Happy Mother's Day to you, too.
ReplyDeleteMy mom's been gone 20 years now. I have a photograph of sheets on a clothesline. Weird, yes, and yet it seemed my mother was always hauling clothes out to the line in PA. And I hated stiff sheets - vowed I wouldn't have that when I was on my own. Memories are strange. Neat post of Shalimar - just keep the past in your heart. That's cool.
ReplyDeleteDon't you miss having the fresh air smell of sheets, though? Memories are strange, something triggers the thought and there it is like a re-run of our past.
DeleteI still have an expensive bottle of perfume(that I LOVE) but can no longer wear because I used to wear it for my exboyfriend. It really does trigger memories. I had to hide the bottle (too expensive to throw).
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!
I hate to throw the bottles out, but perfume does spoil. I read that the original bottles of Shalimar were made of Baccarat crystal. I think it's good to have some private memories, especially happy ones. Thanks for your comments, CYW.
ReplyDeleteYour header photo is wonderful:-)
ReplyDeleteMy children (all adults, now) associate me with Chanel No. 5. Scents can transport you to another time and place. Stergene washing liquid takes me back to my first baby, washing her clothes in that gentle foam.
Chanel No.5 is such a classic scent. What a sweet memory about your first baby.
DeleteMy grandma wore Shalimar, as well, and now I'm terribly sad that they changed it. How could they? And why? It's such a classic. I'll never understand why people feel compelled to change a good thing.
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse, road tripping through the #atozchallenge participants!
Hi Shannon: Thanks for stopping by on your road trip. We will just have to remember the Shalimar scent. I think it had something to do with the ingredients being from endangered species, musk, etc.
ReplyDeleteAh, without a doubt, it is Nina Ricci for my mother. It was her one guilty pleasure that I know of and an extravagance she never bought for herself. My father and my son Abram were the only ones who ever bought it for her. I still have a small bottle and not often, but when I feel the need to have her with me, I take a little whiff. I am so sorry they changed the Shalimar formula - seems pretty sneaky to me. Thanks for stopping me for a moment and to thinkn of my mom and her soft scent.
ReplyDeleteMy mother smells of sap and pine and chocolate chip cookies.
ReplyDeleteGPD, you could create a perfume using those scents.
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