I’ve been absent from the blogosphere (do we still use this term?) for some time – my last post was on 17 May 2026. The longest I’ve not posted since I got into the blogging thing. Wish I could say I’ve been away on an exotic beach holiday. But the reality is far more mundane.
Life, in the form of a new job* and all the relentless pressures and stress that came with it, meant I simply didn’t have the headspace or time to blog (although I did my best to keep up with many of your posts).
Fragrance during this time took on a different meaning for me. Often a functional spray and go, which didn’t require much thinking. Other times, in complete contrast, I kept on coming back to my bottle of Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc EDP.
OVER-THE-TOP APPEAL OF NARCISO RODRIGUEZ FLEUR MUSC
Part of the appeal of this discontinued 2017 release from the American designer brand is its borderline kitsch pink presentation. It smells over the top too. Narciso Rodriguez Fleur Musc EDP was co-created by Calice Becker and Sonia Constant at a time when the house stood out from its rivals with a more daring approach that made it one of my favourite brands.
Fleur Musc starts out with the soft floral spice of pink peppercorn and then boom, ROSE!, supported by the freshness of freesia. This isn’t a realistic garden rose. It’s rose taken in a dramatic, full-on direction, with lots of the Narciso Rodriguez signature musk and earthy patchouli upping the ante.
I didn’t know if I was coming or going at work, but with Fleur Musc I certainly knew what I was doing in this realm: living an escapist fantasy.
Some people think you shouldn’t wear fragrances you love during tumultuous periods due to the associations they might form. I’m not of that school and know that when I come back again to Fleur Musc, I’ll still relish its extravagant ways, but hopefully without any accompanying real-life drama.
*I’m using the past tense for this work situation, as I had to recognise my limitations and resign.
Sorry that the work didn’t work out. Brave realising when something isn’t for you & changing it.
I never sniffed this NR as I struggle with the musks they use. All give me horror headaches. Pleased it gave you an escape when needed though
I am sorry to hear that the job didn’t work out. NR is a very particular fragrance line – not sure if it’s for me but I recognise that it’s interesting.
How can one resist peppercorn and rose :-)))
I don’t think I’ve formed associations of stressful situations with scent, either, although I try to avoid it now that I am aware of it as a possibility. Love the hot pink bottle as well. Always up for a pink pepper and rose combo, although I’m not familiar enough with NR fragrances to know whether I like the musks or if they’re overpowering.