I love fragrance.
I hate department store perfume counters. Walking into one, is often like walking onto an obstacle course or paint-ball court where you have to bob and weave in an effort to avoid getting "hit" with any number of stinky, poorly made designer perfumes being hocked for no reason other than gross-and I do mean GROSS-sales. With no inquiry into the customer's likes or dislikes, department store brand reps assure you that EAU DE WHATEVER is certain to become your signature scent and well worth the $$$$. Even the perfume counter at Barney's on Madison, reputed to be one of the best places to peruse perfume, makes me crazy.
I love Parfumerie Nasreen (at the Alexis Hotel).
Owned and operated for twenty-plus years by Ms. Nasreen Rehmat, this jewel-box of a shop is pure delight. It's the fragrance version of Wonka's chocolate factory. Every square inch and every flat surface is a presentation platform for one exquisite fragrance after another.
When you walk in, you are greeted warmly by Ms. Nasreen Rehmat, who today was wrapped warmly in a pashmina. After only a few exchanges, she (or her equally knowledgeable associate) knowingly directs you to a select grouping of fragrances for you to try. Let her guide you. You will find a fragrance and learn how to wear it.
Her nose is flawless and will never betray you. Today she sampled me on four fragrances and directed me to the one that was best for my body chemistry, in spite of the fact that it was not the most expensive. She is passionate about fragrance...not sales.
If you are looking for or shopping for a perfume, visit Nasreen at the Alexis Hotel or on the Web. Here is the http://www.parfumerienasreen.com/index.php.
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