Fragrance is something that can be chosen every day like a pair of shoes; it's an accessory that should reflect your mood, style or destination that morning, rather than something that's mindlessly applied for years on end without much thought. I've always been a bit of a fragrance fiend and get bored of scents very easily, which is why I'm always adding new ones into my repertoire and changing up my portfolio at the start of every season. During the summer months I tend to opt for fresher, greener and more citrus-based perfumes, but in the Autumn I transition into lighter musks and more masculine undertones that match the cosy jumpers and boots I'll undoubtedly be sporting this time next month. With a plethora of new fragrances hitting shelves ahead of the new season, I've chosen five that are my current favourites and that I'll be sporting well into 2017. Here's the lowdown on each...
![]()
1. STASH - Sarah Jessica Parker (£28.00 for 30ml)
I can remember vividly when Ms Parker released her very first fragrance at the height of Sex & The City Mania, and we all rushed out to grab a bottle of Carrie personified. Over the years SJP has released a couple of other scents that weren't too my personal taste and didn't really feel like something she would wear herself, but skipping forward to 2016 and she's launched an absolute gem of a scent that I can just imagine her spritzing at any given opportunity. The apothecary inspired bottle features daring black accents and gold detailing that make this feel more than just another celebrity scent; it's unexpected, elegant, unisex and utterly delicious. Stash is a sensuous, woody and powerful scent with a flirty cocktail of grapefruit zest, black pepper and pistachio notes, together leaving a rich and deep scent that transcends ages and genders.
2. WONDERLUST - Michael Kors (£43.00 for 30ml)
A brand that has been able to capitalise on their current success exceptionally well, Michael Kors fragrances are feminine and wearable without being generic. They always offer something rather addictive and Wonderlust is no different. A blend of luxurious blossoms and delectably spiced notes make this a light and refreshing scent amongst the more heavier ones that are traditionally launched in Autumn; with notes including Italian Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Almond Milk, Sandalwood and Cashmeran Wood, mixed with touches of spice and vanilla, this is a scent that lovers of Michael Kors will surely find intoxicating. The fruity top notes do evaporate quickly and change the composition and embodiment of the scent, but what's left behind is a lingering sexy fragrance that's not too overwhelming during the day. The only downside of this is that it doesn't last that long and does need re-applying.
3. THIS IS HER - Zadig & Voltaire (£38.00 for 30ml)
I've seen this advertised all over the place and thought it would be too hipster and cool for my personal tastes (or worse, too generic) but actually it's a modern and unexpected scent that I've been loving. They say it's a "sensual heart of vanilla-chesnut mixed with the rock trail of sandalwood," but I say it's a lightweight and uplifting fragrance that doesn't overpower the wearer; I can smell some elements of citrus and a slightly masculine undertone, making it one of my favourites right now. Although the bottle isn't exactly premium or particularly dressing-table worthy, this first stab at scents from the fashion brand known for being a little edgy and a lot rock chick is definitely worth a sniff. I'm wearing it right now, in case you were wondering.
4. COACH - Coach (£35.00 for 30ml)
You know them for their handbags, but this Autumn Coach have released their debut scent with actress Chloe Moretz as the face of the campaign. They've opted for a spokesperson who isn't afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believes in - but equally loves being a girl and all the trappings that come with it. To me, she perfectly embodies what this fragrance is all about: something girlie and feminine, without being sickly sweet or afraid to be unique. This rich eau de parfum opens with bright sparkling raspberry and creamy roses, before drying down to a sensual suede musk base note; it's light and feminine, without weighing you down with too many old fashioned floral notes, ensuring you can spritz it on without overthinking your morning perfume choice. I like it because it goes with everything without being generic - which is what a good daytime perfume should be about.
5. BY INVITATION - Michael Bublé (£29.00 for 30ml)
You're probably sick to death of me going on about Michael Bublé's debut fragrance, but it really is something special that I can't get enough of. Starting with light and sparkling top notes of red fruits and bergamot, the scent then develops its heart notes of lily of the valley, elegant rose, a wild jasmine and the spicy inflexions of peony; By Invitation then wraps you in a warm base of sandalwood-musks, blended with an addictive vanilla praline, leaving behind a lingering addictively warm scent. This isn't just another celebrity scent, but a juice that's been well thought through from beginning to end to ensure it excites women for years to come; I've been spritzing it since August and can't see me stopping any time soon.
Have you tried any of these scents? Do any of my top picks sound perfect for Autumn?
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
1. STASH - Sarah Jessica Parker (£28.00 for 30ml)
I can remember vividly when Ms Parker released her very first fragrance at the height of Sex & The City Mania, and we all rushed out to grab a bottle of Carrie personified. Over the years SJP has released a couple of other scents that weren't too my personal taste and didn't really feel like something she would wear herself, but skipping forward to 2016 and she's launched an absolute gem of a scent that I can just imagine her spritzing at any given opportunity. The apothecary inspired bottle features daring black accents and gold detailing that make this feel more than just another celebrity scent; it's unexpected, elegant, unisex and utterly delicious. Stash is a sensuous, woody and powerful scent with a flirty cocktail of grapefruit zest, black pepper and pistachio notes, together leaving a rich and deep scent that transcends ages and genders.
2. WONDERLUST - Michael Kors (£43.00 for 30ml)
A brand that has been able to capitalise on their current success exceptionally well, Michael Kors fragrances are feminine and wearable without being generic. They always offer something rather addictive and Wonderlust is no different. A blend of luxurious blossoms and delectably spiced notes make this a light and refreshing scent amongst the more heavier ones that are traditionally launched in Autumn; with notes including Italian Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Almond Milk, Sandalwood and Cashmeran Wood, mixed with touches of spice and vanilla, this is a scent that lovers of Michael Kors will surely find intoxicating. The fruity top notes do evaporate quickly and change the composition and embodiment of the scent, but what's left behind is a lingering sexy fragrance that's not too overwhelming during the day. The only downside of this is that it doesn't last that long and does need re-applying.
3. THIS IS HER - Zadig & Voltaire (£38.00 for 30ml)
I've seen this advertised all over the place and thought it would be too hipster and cool for my personal tastes (or worse, too generic) but actually it's a modern and unexpected scent that I've been loving. They say it's a "sensual heart of vanilla-chesnut mixed with the rock trail of sandalwood," but I say it's a lightweight and uplifting fragrance that doesn't overpower the wearer; I can smell some elements of citrus and a slightly masculine undertone, making it one of my favourites right now. Although the bottle isn't exactly premium or particularly dressing-table worthy, this first stab at scents from the fashion brand known for being a little edgy and a lot rock chick is definitely worth a sniff. I'm wearing it right now, in case you were wondering.
4. COACH - Coach (£35.00 for 30ml)
You know them for their handbags, but this Autumn Coach have released their debut scent with actress Chloe Moretz as the face of the campaign. They've opted for a spokesperson who isn't afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believes in - but equally loves being a girl and all the trappings that come with it. To me, she perfectly embodies what this fragrance is all about: something girlie and feminine, without being sickly sweet or afraid to be unique. This rich eau de parfum opens with bright sparkling raspberry and creamy roses, before drying down to a sensual suede musk base note; it's light and feminine, without weighing you down with too many old fashioned floral notes, ensuring you can spritz it on without overthinking your morning perfume choice. I like it because it goes with everything without being generic - which is what a good daytime perfume should be about.
5. BY INVITATION - Michael Bublé (£29.00 for 30ml)
You're probably sick to death of me going on about Michael Bublé's debut fragrance, but it really is something special that I can't get enough of. Starting with light and sparkling top notes of red fruits and bergamot, the scent then develops its heart notes of lily of the valley, elegant rose, a wild jasmine and the spicy inflexions of peony; By Invitation then wraps you in a warm base of sandalwood-musks, blended with an addictive vanilla praline, leaving behind a lingering addictively warm scent. This isn't just another celebrity scent, but a juice that's been well thought through from beginning to end to ensure it excites women for years to come; I've been spritzing it since August and can't see me stopping any time soon.
Have you tried any of these scents? Do any of my top picks sound perfect for Autumn?
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.