Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, January 30, and I have just received the most amazing gift from one of my dearest, longest-lasting friends: a bottle of Guerlain’s Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21. Wow wow wow! It is so lavish, and lovely!

To be honest, this photo from my post last weekend about the Victor&Rolf couture exhibit suits this perfume perfectly. It is golden, warm, exotic, extravagant. Slightly botanical. I love it!!

So my question for you this week, dearest gentle readers (yes, I’ve renewed my addiction to “Bridgerton”), is to ask what unexpected, lovely fragrance gifts stand out in your mind?