The Power of Perfume

I love perfume (and cologne). I've loved it since I was a little girl and I would spray on my mom's Vanderbilt (not sure what I loved more - the little swan on the bottle or the fact it was my mom's). My mom embraced my love for perfume and every year would buy me a bottle (or two).

Perfume is sexy, alluring, and intoxicating! Yes, it can be repulsive (primarily when someone practically bathes in it) - but for the most part it's amazing! It can also elicit a plethora of memories, both good and bad. Following are some of my memorable scents...

Love's Baby Soft- childhood (my very first perfume)

Avon Sweet Honesty- my best friend April and high school

Christian Dior Fahrenheit- trouble! This smell still disgusts me to this day...

Calvin Klein ONE- my first love

Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers- my best friend Lani

Clinique Happy- a very memorable 4 day vacation!

Christian Dior Poison- my mom (in addition to Vanderbilt by Gloria)

Tova Borgnine's TOVA- my sister

Old Spice- my dad

Calvin Klein Eternity- my oldest brother, Scott

Hermès Équipage- my hubby!

Shiseido Energizing Fragrance and Calvin Klein Contradiction- the time my oldest daughter raided my perfume shelf and doused my bathroom as well as herself!

My all-time favorite perfume is Calvin Klein's Eternity Purple Orchid. This was a limited edition perfume from 10+ years ago. It is one of the very few perfumes I purchased for myself and did not receive as a gift - so I don't associate any memories with the scent other than me, myself and I. I have a variety of other perfumes - but this is the one scent I feel like wearing all the time.

I've been able to replace the perfume once. Unfortunately, however, the perfume is very hard to come by and the price has sky-rocketed to more than twice the original cost. I'm contemplating buying another bottle to ensure I have it for several years to come.

I'm curious, what's your favorite perfume/cologne? What scent can illicit the strongest memory for you (good, bad, or both)?