Ten Delicious Ways to Smell Like Roses

In the month of February I've been thinking a lot about ways to get myself in the Valentine mood. Many women find fragrance very sensual and there is nothing like a good rose fragrance to make me feel like the sexiest woman on the planet! Roses have been bathed in, poeticized, and planted in gardens for centuries due to their romantic qualities. If you are new to bathing yourself in roses here are some of my favorite products and ways to indulge in this timeless art.

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1) Margarita Bloom's Wanderlust Hibiscus and Ginseng conditioner in "Roses" ($22) - this conditioner started me on a serious rose kick which is why I can't stop talking about it! I never knew how clean, sweet, and pure rose could smell until I discovered this little gem. I keep a full bottle with me at all times and reapply every three days because that's how long the scent lasts!
2) Lush's Imogen Rose perfume ($2-$70) - A gorgeous combination of rose absolute and rose oil with a touch of powder. Get the big bottle, you won't regret it.

With Jo Malone you can have a scent coffret!

3) Jo Malone Red Roses home candle ($65) - Jo Malone is known for exquisite fragrance and "red roses" is no exception. A combination of seven different roses mixed with violet, lemon, and spearmint to create a voluptuous rose fragrance to fill your home. This scent is available in various forms such as a room diffuser or cologne as well!
4) Mighty Leaf Tea Mandarin Rose tea ($12) is beautiful, aromatic, and tastes of wine, chocolate and roses. Could there be a more perfect blend for February?
5) I love the idea of drawer liners, what a quaint and simple way to fragrance your clothes! Imagine pulling a perfectly matched set of bra and panties from a drawer that exudes a lilting rose fragrance. Can there be anything more chic? Amazon.com has several options but I love the Asquith & Somerset English Rose Scented Drawer Liners ($18/six sheets) for their botany book illustrations.

Marie Antionette would approve of this salt soak!

6) Antionette's Rose Garden Himalayan Sea Salts ($18) - Another divinely scented product from Margarita Bloom! I love how this salt soak fills the bath room with the smell of roses, softens skin, and scents you from head to toe!
7) Lush's Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie ($35) - The moisturizing qualities of this shower smoothie are unparalleled! This one has a touch of jasmine for a smooth rose fragrance that won't leave your side. Smooth it on, rinse it off, sniff yourself all day.
8) Fragrance in a car is often overlooked which is why I love this Vintage Rose Auto Air Freshener ($6/pack of four) hanging from the mirror. The 3-D design is very rockabilly. You can also find this at your local Pep Boys.
9) Lush's Rose Jam Bubbleroon ($6) - I adore this bubble bar for it's rich rose fragrance with a touch of coconut for sweetness. You can get two baths out of this one too!

Excuse me while I order these with my husband's credit card!

10) A Real Bouquet of Roses! ($35-65) - Roses are great in any room of the house but I especially love them in the bedroom. They look so elegant on a lady's nightstand in colors that complement the room. After you get your roses USE THEM. Crumple a rose in your bath, scatter the petals over your sheets, or make candied rose petals for cooking.

Retro & Whimsical Decorating

My new apartment has me itching for some new furniture and some odds and ends. Here are some of my favorite pieces from Anthropologie.


5' Doily Rug ($298) - An unexpected shot of lace on the floor can really ground your space. Pretty but not distracting, and the dove gray color will match everything!


Cherie Dressing Table ($698) - Like something curated from a secret garden this vanity will deliver a much-needed dose of glamor into your bedroom or dressing area.


Calligraphy Bed ($2498) - This fanciful and dramatic Hollywood-esque bed would look lovely contrasted with bright walls.


Hushed Hours Bed ($2498) - A vintage clock face creates an aureole of a headboard that is both a little antique and a little art deco at the same time.


Coat of Arms Mirror ($198) - Affordable Venetian mirrors are so hard to find, this one is a great value for the price! Anchor this over a dresser or vanity and do your best Maleficent impression.


One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp ($198) - Everyday can be a tea party with this Alice-inspired lamp. Pair it with your own shade for a look that is uniquely yours.

Music - Kerli - Tea Party (Almost Alice)

I was very unimpressed with the new Alice movie but at least this little gem was discovered on the soundtrack. This video can only be described as a visual feast of fantastical fashions and fetishes. The art of the tea party has been revived in the West by lolitas and time warpians, a set of Wedgwood tea cups is as essential as a BtSSB dress or a top hat to those who practice anachronistic lifestyles. Kerli brings a fresh combination of Marie Antionette's style, lolita, fantasy, goth and fetish to her tea party. Also note her fine collection of Asian Ball-jointed dolls featured in this and her "Walking on Air" video--another testament to the growing popularity of this luxury hobby. I'll be keeping my eye on this artist.

I have a sneaking suspicion she is not talking about tea though...