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My dad, an immigrant, never wore expensive cologne. Some of my earliest memories are of him spritzing himself with a bottle of Jean NatĆ©, that he bought from CVS, before a party. When I would borrow his dress shirts or a blazer, I could always smell it on the back of the collar where it touched his neck. I like Aqua De Colonia, which is really an aftershave, because in my mind, itās just as utilitarian and unrefined as something my dad would wear, but actually smells amazing - kind of burnt citrus, and it comes in a beautiful glass bottle. Aqua de Colonia falls into the world of old country club locker room scents like Royall Bay Rhum, which is an old favorite of mine for the summer. My friend Nate said that all girls hate Bay Rhum because it reminds them of their dads, but I still love it. The only caveat of Agua de Colonia is that it fades quickly, but you kind of get whiffs of it all day, which is great.
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There have been a handful of occasions where Iāve smelled the now-discontinued shampoo my momās late best gay friend Jackie used (who called me his little bitch when I was growing up and taught me everything I know about style, elegance, and attitude) and it made me cry. The smells of lumber, soil, and wood varnish remind me of the countless hours spent in my childhood with my dad in the greenhouse, the back patio workshop and at various supply warehouses.
The smell of creosote in the desert raināsorely missed and I want to buy a candle or something that replicates this because itās my favorite scent in the world. LāEau dāIssey Pour Homme on a shirt-collar takes me back to the warmth and security of first love and reminds me of what it feels like to be home. Iāve posted that I wear Fracas every time I want to remember a happy significant day so thatās probably my most strongly nostalgic scent.
The smell of old books and cigarettes! When I come into my apartment after stepping out for just a moment after making espresso and the lingering smell makes me feel like Iām in a cafe! The smell of a REAL Christmas tree!
Yesterday at the farmerās market I smelled a butterfly bush plant for sale and childhood memories came flooding back. Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture was my grandmother's signature scent because she liked the Schnauzers on the bottle so Tuberose always reminds me of her + the smell of face powder. I could go on foreverā¦
May 12, 2024
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90s fresh smells like the brand H2O or GAPās Grass or Dream, Lagerfeldās Sun, Moon, Stars.
Feb 21, 2025
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My office used to be above Barneys at 660 Madison Avenue. I used to have lunch at Viand 2-3 times a week at least. I love all Diners, especially ones in New York, but Viand is different. Itās from a long fading tradition of NYC coffee shops - super narrow, with a bar on one side and 2 seater booths on the other. Thereās no bathroom which is shocking to the hordes of tourists who find their way to it after seeing the windows at Bergdorf Goodman or going ice skating in Central Park. Itās also cash only, and their ATM has a $3.00 fee. The thing that separates Viand from other diners is the food. Their versions of everything you know are the best. Theyāre known for their full turkey dinner, which Iāve gotten on Christmas Day before going to Grace Church downtown for their Candlelit Eucharist. Their cheeseburger deluxe is perfect, tuna melt - perfect, Chef Salad - Perfect, BLT - perfect, blueberry muffin on the grill - perfect. Itās also amazingly expensive and I gasp every time I get the bill because it usually means that I have to get more money out at the expensive ATM. The prices keep all the riff raff out, which means that you can always find a seat, and whatās $25 for a perfect sandwich and a coke?
Jan 27, 2023
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I think Iām the only person I know who uses handkerchiefs under the age of 80. My mom probably gave me one when I had a runny nose and I never looked back. Thereās a handkerchief in my left pocket at all times. I throw them in the laundry at the end of the day and pick up a new one in the morning. I buy them in packs of 10 and chuck them away when they get dingy looking. Thereās no way to teach someone how to use one, itās just about folding. Theyāre way better than Kleenex for the sensitive skin around your nose, and it just feels much better to touch cotton rather than dry paper.
Jan 27, 2023
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Earlier this year I started getting 7-day home delivery of the NY Post. In my building, someone delivers it to my actual apartment door every morning around 5AM. I usually wake up, get the paper, and then I read it in bed before doing anything else. The covers are always perfect, and I love the reporting from Queens and Long Island. The Post is the only paper whoās doing daily coverage of the University of Idaho murders, which I find fascinating. The only thing I hate about the Post is their Gossip Columnist, Cindy Adams. Sheās a total bitch, and I find it completely patronizing when she signs off with āOnly in New York, kidsā¦only in New Yorkā. I suppose thatās what insane people like about her, but I will always be partial to the far superior Liz Smith.
Jan 27, 2023