DO Hold Your Breath: Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger

I am hopelessly devoted to Prada Infusion d'Iris. In 2007, when I gifted Mama Spoiled Pretty with a bottle for Christmas, I was seduced by its charm, and I've been wearing it ever since. In fact, I carry a full-sized bottle in my handbag. Yeah, I'm crazy like that. So when I recently learned that Prada would be releasing a new incarnation of the fragrance, Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger, I was beside myself with excitement.

Well, this past Saturday on a trip to Bloomingdale's, I stopped by the fragrance counter to see if the perfume was worth the wait. I misted Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger on a tester card, haphazardly catching a few of my fingers in the spray. And when I caught a whiff, I immediately cursed my bad aim.

I was expecting something modern and light, like my beloved Infusion d'Iris. Instead, I found the perfume to be an offense to my nostrils. I'm no fragrance expert, so the best way I can characterize the scent is cloying and grandmothery. It's so strong that it would be the last perfume I'd think to spritz on in the warm summer months that are right around the bend. And while I recognize that fragrance is a very personal thing, I can't think of one person I know who would willingly wear this perfume.

Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger eau de parfum is available in three sizes: 1.7 oz ($74), 3.4 oz ($100), and 6.75 oz ($135). The line also includes a 8.5 oz Hydrating Body Lotion ($52) and 33.8 oz Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel ($50). But I personally wouldn't buy any of these products, even if Prada was having a BOGO promotion.

So I'm just going to stick with my Infusion d'Iris. And if the Orange Blossom mood strikes me, I'll pick up this perfume by Jo Malone.

Two Scents I Can’t Wait to Spritz This Spring

Vera Wang Rock Princess

I’ve always fancied myself a princess (if only in the providence of Spoiled Pretty), so it should come as no surprise that Vera Wang’s Princess and Flower Princess reign supreme on my vanity. Next month, Vera adds to the heir to the throne.

She'd trade her tiara in for a new guitar, attend a concert instead of the prom—she is Rock Princess, the dynamic new fragrance by Vera Wang. It's all about the music, the fashion, and the spirit with this edgy yet seductively sweet essence.

Each verse is equally captivating in the dark, fruity scent that channels sultry rock-star attitude. It takes the stage with an exhilarating intro of succulent white peach, bittersweet red raspberry, and an illuminating flash of vibrant bergamot. The chorus reveals itself in lovely layers of ultra-feminine florals. Hypnotic heliotrope, vintage-inspired rose, night-blooming jasmine, delicate lily, and an unexpected riff of sharp, spicy accents. The melody bridges to a finale, cloaking the essence in the warm, sensual glow of plush cashmere woods, smoldering musk, elegant iris, and creamy coconut. You will not forget her.

The Rock Princess bottle is as rebellious and dark as the downtown clubs where she plays. A smoky glass heart steals the show with sharp faceted edges and cool surfaces. The front of the bottle is covered with heavy metal in a pattern inspired by a Vera Wang fabric design. The crown rocks at the top, in a gunmetal finish, covered with rhinestone studs. Set beneath the crown is a matching ring—the perfect jewelry for playing a solo on the bass or hammering away on the drums.

In April 2009, Vera Wang Rock Princess will be available in 1 oz and 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum - sold for $45 and $72, respectively. A 5 oz Satiny Body Lotion ($32) rounds out the collection.



Prada Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger

I am also dying to get my hands (and pulse points) all over Prada’s newest offering. At the CEW Product Demonstration last month, I stopped by the Prada Infusion d’Iris table to rave about the fragrance. I told the rep how I’ve been hooked since purchasing for Mama Spoiled Pretty in December 2007...and how it has dethroned Hanae Mori Butterfly as my signature scent. After I finished testifying, the rep told me to be on the lookout for an orange incarnation, just in time for spring.

I’ve done a little research on this insider tip, and here’s what I found. Prada will introduce Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger, a new limited edition fragrance, later this month. The perfume is the first in a yearly series of limited edition scents, called the "Ephemeral Infusion Collection.”

Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger was developed by perfumer Daniela Andrier, and key notes include orange blossom, tuberose and jasmine.

The eau de parfum will be available in three sizes: 1.7 oz ($74), 3.4 oz ($100), and 6.75 oz ($135). The line also includes a 8.5 oz Hydrating Body Lotion ($52) and 33.8 oz Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel ($50).