So Tempted!

[Pippin06]

A few of you may know that I just retired from teaching--short of age 62, when I will begin collecting social security. That will begin in January. I don't have a pension, as I spent the majority of my career in private education. We do have a modest nest egg, and my wife still works.

I am SO tempted to purchase a bottle of Chanel Antaeus. Haven't spent much at all on myself this year on perfume, but am feeling a little like I have no business making another perfume purchase with no job.

If you were in my shoes.....

 

[Deleted member 26372156]

LOL you came to the wrong place for this question because we're all enablers. As long as you're taking care of your necessities you should not feel guilty about a bottle of perfume. And also it's your money, period.

 

[WarmJewel]

If you were in my shoes.....

Only you can really answer that question, you're the only person who knows your own situation. Having said that life shouldn't all be about work and no enjoyment, there's nothing wrong with treating yourself to something if you think you deserve it.

If it were me... I'd have a rummage around on that popular auction site and see if I could pick up a vintage 50ml Antaeus Aftershave or Eau de Toilette for a bargain price. The little 50ml vintage Aftershave I bought recently cost me 40 bucks inc postage!

 

[hednic]

If you were in my shoes.....

I'd say treat yourself. You deserve it.

 

[_Nicolas_]

If it were me... I'd have a rummage around on that popular auction site and see if I could pick up a vintage 50ml Antaeus Aftershave or Eau de Toilette for a bargain price. The little 50ml vintage Aftershave I bought recently cost me 40 bucks inc postage!

This is damn good advice, a little patience, a reliable seller and a saved search can seriously dampen the impact on one's wallet!

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

I'd do it in a heartbeat!

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

If you want to curb your expenses do it on something less enjoyable.

 

[Diddy]

As long as the purchase didn’t affect me or my family finances negatively, I’d do it. Maybe. We’d have to first define “negatively”! 😂🤣 Do it!

 

[StylinLA]

It's easy for me to spend your money, but I say sure. I think you likely manage your finances closely enough to facilitate his. It's worth the sacrifice of a couple of months of your "blow" money.

I am very, very biased. to be clear.

Though I have enjoyed Antaeus sporadically for several years, in the last few months it has climbed into my top ten and all time favorites list.
There are not many scents that are close to the rich, dark, mature elegance of Antaeus. I've been here for over a dozen years, and i've never seen any good suggestions of anything very similar to Antaeus. There are of course other very nice scents in the same vein, but nothing very close to it.

I will also give this perspective too: Many rave about the "vintage" version. I have recently scored some vintage in a swap and it is very nice. But I have the current version as well and it is great in its own right. In fact, just last night I was wearing the current version and a young clerk in a store started gushing about it. We discussed for a bit and he was genuinely interested in knowing what it was and where to get it. It wasn't a "shine on the overly cologned old guy" kind of interaction.

The longer you are here, the more you will see discussions of the vintage version. It is a bit more potent, and a skosh more animalic.
But having worn both, I will assert the current version is very worthwhile. Very.

Guessing you have tried it. It is a bit more dressy/elegant than a lot of your usual scents (which is not a knock on your usual scents.)
It is not a scent you would have worn to your job.

 

[Pippin06]

I'd say treat yourself. You deserve it.

Thank you, hednic. I will.

 

[Pippin06]

I'd do it in a heartbeat!

Thank you, N.CAL.

 

[Pippin06]

As long as the purchase didn’t affect me or my family finances negatively, I’d do it. Maybe. We’d have to first define “negatively”! 😂🤣 Do it!

Thank you, Diddy. It wouldn't have a negative impact.

 

[CeeTee]

If you were in my shoes.....

Well, my spouse is pretty cool, but I try to be respectful by foregoing other things. (Eating out, clothes, shoes, etc.) My most frequent way to not be egregious is to say, “I’m going to take an advance on my birthday/Christmas/anniversary present.“

 

[Pippin06]

It's easy for me to spend your money, but I say sure. I think you likely manage your finances closely enough to facilitate his. It's worth the sacrifice of a couple of months of your "blow" money.

I am very, very biased. to be clear.

Though I have enjoyed Antaeus sporadically for several years, in the last few months it has climbed into my top ten and all time favorites list.
There are not many scents that are close to the rich, dark, mature elegance of Antaeus. I've been here for over a dozen years, and i've never seen any good suggestions of anything very similar to Antaeus. There are of course other very nice scents in the same vein, but nothing very close to it.

I will also give this perspective too: Many rave about the "vintage" version. I have recently scored some vintage in a swap and it is very nice. But I have the current version as well and it is great in its own right. In fact, just last night I was wearing the current version and a young clerk in a store started gushing about it. We discussed for a bit and he was genuinely interested in knowing what it was and where to get it. It wasn't a "shine on the overly cologned old guy" kind of interaction.

The longer you are here, the more you will see discussions of the vintage version. It is a bit more potent, and a skosh more animalic.
But having worn both, I will assert the current version is very worthwhile. Very.

Guessing you have tried it. It is a bit more dressy/elegant than a lot of your usual scents (which is not a knock on your usual scents.)
It is not a scent you would have worn to your job.

Thank you, StylinLA! I've only tried the vintage, as I had a sample of it. Thank you for your opinion on the current one. I think I'll actually prefer it, as I seem to have developed an oakmoss sensitivity, and generally prefer lighter fragrances that sit closer to the skin.

 

[_Nicolas_]

@Pippin06 Have you tried Oscar de la Renta Pour Lui? I feel like most guys who love Antaeus would love that one and it's still very inexpensive on eBay!

 

[Pippin06]

Going to order a bottle tonight. Thank you to all. Much appreciated! Going to really enjoy this.

 

[Diddy]

Going to order a bottle tonight. Thank you to all. Much appreciated! Going to really enjoy this.

I know you’ll love it! And thank you for teaching!

 

[Pippin06]

I know you’ll love it! And thank you for teaching!

Thank you, Diddy. That means a lot to me. Just ordered!

Stephen

 

[ScentBeagle]

I have a friend who saved all his life for retirement and then died suddenly from Covid at 50. You need to prepare for the future but also enjoy the present a bit. Treat yourself for this momentous occasion! Congratulations by the way!!!!!

 

[Pippin06]

I have a friend who saved all his life for retirement and then died suddenly from Covid at 50. You need to prepare for the future but also enjoy the present a bit. Treat yourself for this momentous occasion! Congratulations by the way!!!!!

Thank you, ScentBeagle for your congratulations and encouragement. I really appreciate it! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. That's far to young, but you are so right, it's important to prepare for the future while also enjoying the present So wise and true. I have to remember this moving forward, and do a much better job balancing the two.

 

[PaTomas]

Teaching is the most noble and praiseworthy! Wonderful job! Antaeus present formulation I enjoy always without any thought for a vintage. Your in for a treat. Bravo!

 

[Pippin06]

Teaching is the most noble and praiseworthy! Wonderful job! Antaeus present formulation I enjoy always without any thought for a vintage. Your in for a treat. Bravo!

Thank you, PaTomas. Much appreciated! Looking forward to having this in my wardrobe.

 

[kosui no kaori]

Let yourself thoroughly enjoy this!

Promise yourself that you won’t let a single ounce of (completely unwarranted) guilt or hesitation ruin this bottle for you. It’s not allowed.

Embrace this treat 110% and enjoy!

 

[Pippin06]

Let yourself thoroughly enjoy this!

Promise yourself that you won’t let a single ounce of (completely unwarranted) guilt or hesitation ruin this bottle for you. It’s not allowed.

Embrace this treat 110% and enjoy!

I absolutely will, sweet friend! Thank you.

 

[mrcologneguy]

It's easy for me to spend your money, but I say sure. I think you likely manage your finances closely enough to facilitate his. It's worth the sacrifice of a couple of months of your "blow" money.

I am very, very biased. to be clear.

Though I have enjoyed Antaeus sporadically for several years, in the last few months it has climbed into my top ten and all time favorites list.
There are not many scents that are close to the rich, dark, mature elegance of Antaeus. I've been here for over a dozen years, and i've never seen any good suggestions of anything very similar to Antaeus. There are of course other very nice scents in the same vein, but nothing very close to it.

I will also give this perspective too: Many rave about the "vintage" version. I have recently scored some vintage in a swap and it is very nice. But I have the current version as well and it is great in its own right. In fact, just last night I was wearing the current version and a young clerk in a store started gushing about it. We discussed for a bit and he was genuinely interested in knowing what it was and where to get it. It wasn't a "shine on the overly cologned old guy" kind of interaction.

The longer you are here, the more you will see discussions of the vintage version. It is a bit more potent, and a skosh more animalic.
But having worn both, I will assert the current version is very worthwhile. Very.

Guessing you have tried it. It is a bit more dressy/elegant than a lot of your usual scents (which is not a knock on your usual scents.)
It is not a scent you would have worn to your job.

Superb advice. No kidding, I grabbed a quick spray of Antaeus yesterday mid-morning, and thoroughly loved it. I actually prefer newer formulations. Much easier to wear than coveted, costly vintage.

Congratulations on your retirement! Regarding this purchase fitting into your new life phase, my crystal ball indicates impending success with a post-retirement career, something you don’t know about quite yet, but will inevitably come to you and leave you thinking, “Wow, I should’ve tried this years ago.” Speaking from experience there, both my own and my friends. In other words, this one purchase is a well-deserved treat, and not the last fragrance purchase you’ll ever make. You have plenty of income potential in your future, even if you are officially retired. Congratulations again!

 

[StylinLA]

Thank you, StylinLA! I've only tried the vintage, as I had a sample of it. Thank you for your opinion on the current one. I think I'll actually prefer it, as I seem to have developed an oakmoss sensitivity, and generally prefer lighter fragrances that sit closer to the skin.

Great...but to be clear the current version isn't all that light and isn't that close to skin. But it will be a nice addition for you.

 

[Zenwannabee]

Glad you’re treating yourself! Antaeus is fabulous and actually won’t break the bank. Enjoy! 🙂

 

[WarmJewel]

There are not many scents that are close to the rich, dark, mature elegance of Antaeus. I've been here for over a dozen years, and i've never seen any good suggestions of anything very similar to Antaeus. There are of course other very nice scents in the same vein, but nothing very close to it.

Really nice post, enjoyed reading it.

I'd agree there are none that are the same as Antaeus but I would say the vintage version of Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme runs it pretty darned close. As is often the way there are many similarities and differences but the vibe is pretty much exactly the same. Not that an early vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme would be any different cost wise to an early vintage Antaeus mind, they're about the same.

 

[_Nicolas_]

Have you ever tried Dunhill For Men, @Pippin06? I know you like leather (not a realistic note here, but a strong hint of it) and it's both inexpensive and very good in its current formulation. Got my bottle for around $27 and it's pure English Art Deco elegance to my nose! Just a thought as I also know you love classic fragrances and I strongly suspect it might suit your style...

 

[_Nicolas_]

Not that an early vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme would be any different cost wise to an early vintage Antaeus mind, they're about the same.

I bought that one for about £30 a few years ago and foolishly binned it for being insufficiently mass-appealing! Just an immature nose and I would probably adore it now as an occasional wear! If I could go back in time to when I first started collecting and seize all those opportunities... Notino were selling bottles of Tsar which I love even more for 55-60 quid!

 

[WarmJewel]

If I could go back in time to when I first started collecting and seize all those opportunities...

Indeed, if we could go back in time I'd have never got rid of my old fragrance collection including two Cerruti Pour Homme's I bought in Harrods for 25p each that now sell for (if you can find them) £4-500 each! I liked the Cerruti, but no way it is worth that kind of money.

Oh well, the benefit of hindsight and all that.

PS Fortunately I kept my vinyl record collection including a number of Pink Floyd's although I never did have Piper at the Gates of Dawn! Meddle, Wish you were Here, Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, The Wall and Relics all safe and sound!

 

[Monsieur Montana]

A few of you may know that I just retired from teaching--short of age 62, when I will begin collecting social security. That will begin in January. I don't have a pension, as I spent the majority of my career in private education. We do have a modest nest egg, and my wife still works.

I am SO tempted to purchase a bottle of Chanel Antaeus. Haven't spent much at all on myself this year on perfume, but am feeling a little like I have no business making another perfume purchase with no job.

If you were in my shoes.....

Get a small 50 ml bottle my friend. If you want it sooo much make yourself a gift. Think of it as a retirement gift to yourself.

 

[StylinLA]

Really nice post, enjoyed reading it.

I'd agree there are none that are the same as Antaeus but I would say the vintage version of Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme runs it pretty darned close. As is often the way there are many similarities and differences but the vibe is pretty much exactly the same. Not that an early vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pour Homme would be any different cost wise to an early vintage Antaeus mind, they're about the same.

You're preaching to the choir WarmJewel. I also have VC&A Pour Homme and it is great. But it is rare and mostly unobtainable.

Fairly similar vibe for sure. Personally, I think Antaeus is warmer and more sensual. VC&A has got a much bigger sillage- they know when you're coming and they know where you've been.

IMO Bond would wear Antaeus - Blofeld would wear VC&A Pour Homme.

 

[_Nicolas_]

Indeed, if we could go back in time I'd have never got rid of my old fragrance collection including two Cerruti Pour Homme's I bought in Harrods for 25p each that now sell for (if you can find them) £4-500 each! I liked the Cerruti, but no way it is worth that kind of money.

Oh well, the benefit of hindsight and all that.

PS Fortunately I kept my vinyl record collection including a number of Pink Floyd's although I never did have Piper at the Gates of Dawn! Meddle, Wish you were Here, Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, The Wall and Relics all safe and sound!

Damn, 25p! I've got the Nino Cerruti PH aftershave and it's pretty potent stuff, not sure whether to sell or keep tho as I think Givenchy Insense and Rochas Globe do a very similar thing better.

Great taste in music, pal! As much as I adore the warmth and depth of vinyl that's one thing I don't regret, getting rid of my record player and most of my records, it has freed up so much space in my little maisonette. But I do miss them thinking of masterpieces like Animals or Dark Side being spun on vinyl!

 

[sjg3839]

Don't cheat yourself, treat yourself! Enjoy my friend!

 

[ChuckW]

I have a friend who saved all his life for retirement and then died suddenly from Covid at 50. You need to prepare for the future but also enjoy the present a bit. Treat yourself for this momentous occasion! Congratulations by the way!!!!!

A painful example of living too much (or too little) for a future retirement. I'm aiming for balance at 55 years old. I hope to retire in 9 years with my wife (who is a teacher and she will be 60 then). We went to London last summer, and we're going to Hawaii this summer. Could we save better? No doubt, but I'm not putting these trips on credit cards and I'm putting 14% of my pay in my 401K. I've ran my numbers best case and worst case for retirement, and worst case still looks fine (but not as grand). So I'm going to enjoy life and travel while we're healthy enough to go. As long I minimize debt, and still save in my 401K, I'm not going to fret about the future. I've watched too many people put off trips until retirement, and then they retire and not have the health to enjoy their savings. We could drop dead tomorrow...or live until 100...who can say?

 

[Pippin06]

Get a small 50 ml bottle my friend. If you want it sooo much make yourself a gift. Think of it as a retirement gift to yourself.

Thank you, Monsieur Montana. I am indeed thinking of it as a retirement gift to myself.

 

[slpfrsly]

A few of you may know that I just retired from teaching--short of age 62, when I will begin collecting social security. That will begin in January. I don't have a pension, as I spent the majority of my career in private education. We do have a modest nest egg, and my wife still works.

I am SO tempted to purchase a bottle of Chanel Antaeus. Haven't spent much at all on myself this year on perfume, but am feeling a little like I have no business making another perfume purchase with no job.

If you were in my shoes.....

I would avoid Antaeus. Have you tried it? It's a very feminine, old school/dated, resinous oriental to my nose. Some find it masculine but to me it has femme fatale/Cruella de Vil associations. It's also nauseting although it does smell intriguing/smell like it's well made - whatever that's worth in a fragrance that is both sickening and alienating to the wearer.

I would recommend considering the lovely Chanel Platinum Egoiste instead. Perhaps it will be too modern/synthetic/metallic for you, I'm not sure. For something closer to Antaeus, I would go down the NY Nicolai/Bois du Portugal/Lalique Lion route - all the vintage chops without the animalic funk/feminine issues of Antaeus.

But then who knows what kind of shoes your feet will fit...

 

[Pippin06]

I would avoid Antaeus. Have you tried it? It's a very feminine, old school/dated, resinous oriental to my nose. Some find it masculine but to me it has femme fatale/Cruella de Vil associations. It's also nauseting although it does smell intriguing/smell like it's well made - whatever that's worth in a fragrance that is both sickening and alienating to the wearer.

I would recommend the lovely Chanel Platinum Egoiste instead. But then who knows what kind of shoes your feet will fit...

Hi slpfrsly. Thank you for reaching out. I appreciate it. I have tried Antaeus and like it. Have also tried Platinum Egoiste, and am not a fan, but do enjoy Egoise. I think Platinum is too metallic, and projects too much for my taste.

 

[slpfrsly]

Hi slpfrsly. Thank you for reaching out. I appreciate it. I have tried Antaeus and like it.

In that case go for it. 👍

Unless you want similar/additional suggestions? I wouldn't recommend this in place of Antaeus, but if you buy Antaeus and find you really like it, then Etat Libre's Rien Intense might be worth a sample. It's a conceptual/olfactive cousin of Antaeus, to my nose, without being so close as to be redundant.