Sweet days of summer, the jasmine’s in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune…

It’s officially summer in my part of the world (although we’ve been feeling the heat, on and off, for many weeks by now). What fragrance would you wear to live out any summer fantasies you may have?

As someone who enjoys the concept of summer more than most of the actual experience, I’m always keeping an eye out for fragrances that capture the season’s carefree, festive side (as opposed to the reality of ever-rising temperatures and rampant humidity, sunburn, the less pleasant smells of subway stations and trash, etc.). For me, that might mean an independent classic like CB I Hate Perfume At the Beach 1966 (#101), or Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum, or a big bottle of 4711 Eau de Cologne stashed in the refrigerator.

I just tried two fragrances that promise an olfactory escape to decadent summer delights: Thomas De Monaco Sol Salgado and Vacation® Grand Cuvée. I really enjoyed one of them…but not the other. Which was which? Visit Now Smell This to find out!

Lyrics via Seals & Crofts, 1972