John Varvatos For Women

I don’t typically get excited about warm weather fragrances. Smelling like the beach, fruit cocktail or a bouquet of wildflowers just isn’t me. So when I took a whiff of John Varvatos’ long-anticipated fragrance for women, I was pleasantly surprised. And after a few spritzes, I was hooked.

Varvatos drew his inspiration from the kind of woman who intrigues him...

She’s an uptown sophisticate and a downtown bohemian, but she is far from being all things to all people – she is ever herself. She loves socializing in the comfort o home, going out with friends to understated gallery openings, films, concerts and reading. She mixes high and low effortlessly – shopping at flea markets, vintage stores, jewelry auctions, and the hippest boutiques to create her confident, individual and uniquely chic style. This style extends beyond her wardrobe and is ever present in her home and her surroundings. She is a natural beauty with a quiet intensity born of intelligence and accomplishment. Unmistakably sexy, she exudes a soft sensuality that is universally appealing.

Notes include: Aromatic Grappa, Georgian apricot, Damascus plum, and golden mandarin (top); rubrum lilies, Indian mango blossom, Egyptian jasmine, and Turkish rose attar (middle); oak moss, patchouli, tonka beans, and wild honey (base).

The feminine, sophisticated scent is available in several incarnations. The Parfum ($125) and Eau de Parfum ($70-92) are packaged in forms reminiscent of Italian grappa bottles. The Moisturizing Body Milk ($50) won’t hydrate parched skin, but will leave behind a delicate scent that’s wonderfully warm on its own, and perfect for layering.

My favorite of the collection is the Cleansing Body Oil with Natural Exfoliating Grains ($58). The body cleanser is enriched with antioxidant vitamin E and jojoba oil to help nourish skin; and when you want to turn your shower into a spa, mix in some of the crushed granules to slough away dead skin.

John Varvatos is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.