Getting decked out in statement-making scents is the only way to celebrate the rich and vibrant holidays. It is also my favorite season to experiment with all types of fragrances: from edgy, woody chypre scents that channel my inner wild-child to sophisticated scents that represent timeless, classic beauty.

Although I love experimenting with a “wardrobe” of fragrances, a timeless signature scent for the holidays is Coco by Chanel. It seems like just yesterday, the first time I experienced the perfume. I instantly fell in love. My mother, a true die-hard for Chanel No. 5, was elated that I too fell in love with Chanel; a fragrance worthy of calling my own, a timeless piece of history. Unfortunately, the price tag for a 16-year old was far beyond my reach. For weeks I stopped by the Chanel counter on my way to the men’s tie department at the local mall where I worked, to douse myself in the perfume.

It wasn’t until my boyfriend and high school love surprised me just before the holidays with a massive jar of M&M chocolate candies. It seemed rather odd to receive a vat of chocolate that would surely add 5lbs to my thighs and before I had the chance to hide my disapproval, he laughed “No silly, dig deep”.

And what do you suppose was buried among those sweet delights, but my very first bottle of Coco Chanel! A true romantic at heart!

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Published November 22nd, 2009 22:19