So this past week I had some travel to Houston where I had a fun assignment to photograph the Charlie XCX concert and then photograph an actress / producer for her branding and for some publications. It was a fun couple of days and super exhausting at the same time. But I found myself with some downtime and got to go to my favorite places in Houston including Nordstrom's in the Galleria. They have a very liberal sample policy, and the lady at Hermes counter and I had a lovely conversation while she made me samples of just about everything on the shelf. I already talked about Bel Ami, but she also gave me samples of 24, Fauborg, TDH Intense, TDH Parfum, Barenia EDP, Barenia Pleine Fleur, Jo Malone Orange Bitters, and Tom Ford Tobacco and Chocolat. But the big pickup for me was picking up Xerjoff Naxos. I was able to get it for a very big discount and paid less than $150 for the 100mL presentation. It is my very first actual bottle, not a decant, and the luxury of the presentation is quite something to behold. The leather box just exudes luxury, and though it is not the most I have ever paid, it feels like it. I have a lot to play with.

Not having the proper finances to purchase high end fragrances, what are my options

Red Fever is still one of my favorites from Aaron Terence Hughes. This one is bold, fruity, sweet, floral and absolutely performs. Right from the opening I get that juicy mixture of pear, peach, raspberry and plum, but the star for me is the rose. It has a rich, almost jammy quality without turning into something overly syrupy. As it settles down, the amber, vanilla, almond and oakmoss give it more depth and smooth everything out. What I really enjoy is that Red Fever doesn’t smell like a light fruity rose. It has some weight behind it. The fruit keeps it lively, while the rose and amber give it that richer, more luxurious feel. Performance: Projection: 9.5/10 Sillage: 9.5/10 Longevity: 10/10 This is definitely one where I don’t need to go crazy with the sprays. A few sprays create a serious scent bubble, and it hangs around for a long time. Red Fever is loud, smooth, sexy and unapologetic. Exactly what I expect when ATH decides to make something with some horsepower. SOTD Rating: 10/10 Add this is my favorite fragrance or at least in my top three just had to get the 10 out of 10

Hey good people, the snowstorm didn't stop the mail from arriving! Let me tell you, I'm super excited... ATH: Boss Bastard, Daddy, Raw Cherry and Slut Xerjoff: Alexandria Orientale. BOS this is beautiful, you need a bottle ASAP. Penhaligon's Mr Sam: I used to own it, I sold it, I got it back!!

This is the right way to do it! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeSBrU4I000/?mdxt=aGI1aDI1enlsbTZn