Recommended Reading & Shopping: Holiday Edition

As a young woman, I never had much interest in fashion, much to the chagrin of my brother, who I'd affectionately call a label whore. As I've gotten older, though, I've become less interested in fashion as a statement -- in my case, a statement of nonconformity -- and more in fashion as an art form. Gaining weight in America today means having an increasingly difficult time finding clothes that even fit me, much less that look nice or qualify as art. The development has increased my interest in finding flattering and artful clothing that can look good on people bigger than a size 2.

Part of my interest extends to reading fashion blogs, like style rookie, and also following The New York Times The Moment. I was excited to see Hermes Eau de Pamplemousse Rose show up in Gift Guide Bonus Round. I have not yet tried a grapefruit rose, but I'd love to. Another site I've found to salavate over is Osmoz because it has an easy interface allowing you to look at lots of incredibly beautiful perfume bottles in one place. I also really enjoyed Chandler Burr's piece, "Dude You're So...Citrusy!," recommending men's scents, which included a lot of pretty bottle pix as well. There were more than a bottles on the Burr list I'd love to own. Maybe for Christmas...

Speaking of the holidays, if you're anything like me, you'ere probably already thinking about the shopping you need to do. Sample packs make great stocking stuffers, especially for those who already wear a fragrance but may not realize all the lovely options available to them. A young man who enjoys Old Spice Sport, a teenage girl who is only just beginning to explore scent, or any woman who enjoys scent and could also try new things. In addition to the INeKE sample set, which I can never say enough good things about, there are a lot of other independent perfumers who offer sample packages that would make a great little gift.

Possets Parfum has really affordable sample packs that allow you to choose what goes into them, which is great because you can customize the packs to the giftee. Ayala Moriel makes quality scents, and you can get a nice sample of two as stocking stuffers for very good prices. There's also a very nice sample set available. Rich Hippie, purveyor of organic and wildcrafted scents for the hippie-types in your life, has affordable samples and scents that are well worth your time. smell bent also has great prices on scents and with samples at only $3.75, you can buy several for your secret santa giftee without breaking the bank.

DSH Perfumes has wonderful sample packs, some of which are made up of scents that replicate the perfumes made for Kings and Queens of old. They also have some very nice collection boxes. Aftelier Perfumes has not just lovely perfumes, but perfume solids in antique containers, perfumed teas, and lots of other high quality, handcrafted items. So keep these items in mind when you are searching for a gift for that person on your list who has everything, because my bet is, they don't have some of this, and their lives would be richer for experiencing them.

Last but not least, let me point your attention to three great interviews over at The Scented Salamander with Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes, Ineke Ruhland of INeKE, and Liz Zorn of Soivhole, all three of which make beautiful scents I have personally tried and enjoyed.

Images from Heremes, INeKE, smell bent, and Aftelier Perfumes.