On the occasion of of Mothering Sunday, also known as Mother’s Day, here in the United Kingdom, The Perfume Dandy tips his hat and and presents a bouquet of flowers to mothers, grandmothers matriarchs everywhere.
Hurrah for mamas!!
The tradition in this part of the world derives from the practice of Christians returning to their mother church on the second Sunday in lent and combining the pilgrimage with a visit home to celebrate the day with their own mater.
Today as with Mothers Days in other parts of the world the occasion is marked with flowers, special meals and the giving of gifts…
All of which leads me to 10 scented last minute suggestions for sons and daughters who have perhaps mislaid their presents home… the shops here in London open at midday, so you better get your skates on!
1. The Earth Mother: Eau de Campagne by Sisley
Possibly the most naturally green and garden-like scent ever created. Herbs and grass and tomato plant combine in a light and joyful way that’s perfect for the woman who likes to be with her plants!
2. The Spring is in the Air Mother: L’Essence by Balenciaga
Violets are one of the essential scents of the Spring and this tender perfume from the reinvigorated Balenciaga has a spring in its step, and knows how to celebrate. Click on the image above for a The Perfume Dandy’s review.
3. The Grand (Dame) Mother: Shalimar by Guerlain
Let’s not forget the grand dames out there and indeed the grandmothers. Whilst The Dandy doesn’t believe for a minute in the idea of ‘old lady’ perfumes, Shalimar is the ultimate fragrance for rekindling the flames of a fabulous past.
4. The Unflappable Mother: L’Histoires de Parfum 1826
Inspired by the last French Empress, Eugenie, “The Beauty of Granada”, this is a cologne on turbo charge with patchouli and amber to back up citrus and floral notes. One for a woman who takes everything in her stride.
5. The Foodie Mother: Un Bois Vanille by Serge Lutens
Every mother knows the best bit of a creme brulee is the slightly burnt sugar on top! Giving a darker edge to the cult of vanilla, Lutens’ fragrance of for the discerning gourmand.
6. The Flower Power Mother: Do Son by Diptique
There ain’t no bloom bigger than a tuberose. If you want to say it with (bottled) flowers Diptyque’s elegant take on the most forceful personality in the floral world is a wonder.
7. The Glamour Mother: First by Van Cleef and Arpels
If you want to demonstrate to the mama that she is still the main event then putting her First would not be a bad move. Arguably bigger than the current No. 5 and deeper than Patou’s Joy, this huge aldehyde, floral animalic drips old style glamour like practically nothing else on the market.
8. The Tough (Love) Mother: Cuir de Russie by Chanel
We all know that all mother’s are the boss, but some mothers are The Boss, for the woman who likes her place in pole position and knows how to rough house it with the boys nothing beats Chanel’s great leather.
9. The Never Forgotten Mother: Private Collection by Estee Lauder
Not every mother will be with us today, or any other day. Estee Lauder’s masterful rendering of chrysanthemums and an almost transcendental sense of cleanliness is a perfect way to remember.
10. The Dandy’s Mother: Narcisse Noir by Caron
With its breathtaking scent of daffodils, the national flower of the Dandy’s homeland, and its sense of dignity and serenity, this is The Dandy‘s personal choice. If you’d like to hear more, more words are a mere click away…
Of course, every mother is different, unique and special in her own way and The Dandy only makes these suggestions for your convenience and consideration.
Perhaps you have alternative perfumed thoughts? If so please do share…
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
The Perfumed Dandy. 
happy Mother’s day to all in the UK! (for us it is in May). Love the choice of Private Collection…one of my favorites in my youth..used to steal sprays from my own mum’s bottle!
Dear Brie
Private Collection is indeed a wonderful fragrance, I’m not surprised you were drawn to your mum’s supply.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Happy Mother’s Day! What an excellent post and collection of perfumes Sir Dandy!
I’m just about to head out for lunch with Mum, then we’re off for a walk in Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens. My gift for her today is Chanel No.19, her favourite since the 70s (others were Miss Dior and Rochas Femme). But I think No 19 is perfect for a Mum who loves the great outdoors and has scaled the Pyrenees and mountains of Scotland. She’s also a keen gardener who grows her own vegetables, and the most beautiful fragrant irises, one of our mutual favourite perfume notes!
Dearest Rose
No. 19 is just perfect!! It’s up there with Eau de Campagne , Vent Vert and Aliage amongst my all time favourite green fragrances. You are absolutely right it is a wonderful fragrance for a woman who loves the outdoors.
Hope you both a splendid Mothering Sunday.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
What a lovely Sunday Supplement today, Mr. Dandy. Happy Mothers’ Day to all the UK mums!
Thank you Lilybelle
You must let me know when the same day is happening wherever you are in the world as I have suggestions a plenty to make!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Mother’s Day here in USA is the second Sunday in May. I will remind you of your kind offer as the day gets closer! Thank you. 🙂
Do you know there’s a certain young fellow in my household who has started to call me “Crime Boss”? I guess I better go for the Cuir de Russie 😉 Happy scented and ever blessed Mother’s Day,
V
Lordy V
If you’re a “Crime Boss” you better go for something even butcher!!
How about Cabochard or ever Azuree…
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Or Tabac Blond?
Although, I like that Cabochard means headstrong…
Merci beaucoup!
V
Oh yes V
Tabac Blond would do quite well, it is the suavity of the Godfather (Godmother). The velvet glove over the iron fist…
En Avion is of course the best way to make a getaway.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Bravo! Though American Mother’s is two months away, it is never inopportune to give thought and appreciation to the one who brought us into the world. My own Mother is remembered most vividly with her L’Air du Temps and the doves that adorned the bottle. If not for her heroic efforts, I doubt if my siblings and I would have allowed each other to survive to adulthood. Regards to Mums as the peacemakers.
Dear Mr Tulloss
Of course L’Air du Temps.
If ever there truly was a perfume that is not what it was.
I have a dear friend who still has the fondest memories of it in its heyday and allows me now and again to sample her vintage supply..
Nevertheless we must be grateful that the beautiful flacon is still in circulation.
Perhaps only Feerie by Van Cleef & Arpels can match its extravagance!
I am so pleased that your mama was able to act Secretary General to you all and by means of peace keeping ensure that you are with us today.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
My mother wears First and I agree with you entirely. It is a masterpiece, and there is nothing else like it…
Dearest G
Indeed, my mater also.
First is so often compared unfavourably with No.5 for reasons I’ve never been able to fathom.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
It is not even remotely like No 5, and quite simply smells much nicer. On my mum it is so joyous, fresh and diffusive….brilliant that yours wears it too I must say.
agreed…First IS a masterpiece….and thanks to the lovely Neil was bathing in it the other day!
I like First, too, and wear it now and then. It’s so sparkly – just like a diamond. It’s sexy – feels like wearing sparkly diamonds and nothing else. 🙂
Dearest Brie
Hurrah!!
It is a wonder… I’ve always been a fan and have never understood why it’s so criminally ignored.
Good for you for bathing in it too. It’s definitely a perfume to be applied liberally!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Reblogged this on The Perfumed Dandy. and commented:
‘Twas Mothering Sunday two months ago here in Blighty… but I thought these suggestions might be of use to my American friends on the hunt for perfumed presents this weekend…
Those are lovely recs, Mr. Dandy.
Dear Lily
Why thank you!
Certainly The Dandy’s mater was very happy with her gift this Mother’s Day back in March here in Britain.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Thank you for re-posting, Mr Dandy. Although I am on the Blighty side of the pond, I am relatively new to your blog, and have not yet tried to catch up on the older posts.
I also read your wonderful review of Narcisse Noir. I must confess that I have not given Caron a fair chance, having noted so many respected reviewers lamenting its ‘decline’. On the other hand, I have a bottle of Tabac Blonde which despite (or perhaps because of?) its reformulation I find surprisingly easy to wear… so why have I not explored the others? Add to this the fact that Temps d’une Fete has been a special favourite this spring, I must definitely test NN at the first opportunity! Thank you so much for the inspiring list.
regards
Alice