Washington DC?

[hednic]

My list continues to grow longer!

And that's a wonderful thing, isn't it. :smiley:

 

[Vinrambo09]

As hednic was saying. Friendship heights (in MD at the border with DC, on the red line) has a Saks, a Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Sephora, and a couple of other things like Santa Maria Novella.

Tysons Galeria (out in the outer Virginian suburbs on the silver line) has Saks, Neiman, and a few boutiques, like Chanel, Prada, and a few others. The larger nearby Tysons corner mall has Bloomingdales, Nordstrom (with Diptyque and Le Labo), Sephora, and especially perhaps the best, Parfums de France.

cacio

OK Thanks Cacio!

 

[hednic]

Hednic I am moving to the DC area, what places are the best. I was not impressed with the Saks there tbh though, their selection was quite poor,
I found the dude who is the rep for Cartier at Saks Tysons very rude and pushy.

Well - welcome to the Mid-Atlantic - your future residential area! I find myself presently shuttling frequently between my home in Northern Virginia and my home in Manhattan. You're right about the look of Saks especially when compared to Saks on Fifth Avenue in NYC. For that reason, I spend more time in Nieman Marcus . As for the Saks Cartier rep, the Greek gentleman, Nikos, I can see how he might come across to some as rude or pushy. However, he actually loves me, calls me at my home when new fragrances arrive,and treats me especially well as a preferred customer.

 

[Liz B]

I recently visited the Saks in Friendship Heights and really appreciated the thoughtful, low pressure SAs at the Chanel, Jo Malone, and Guerlain counters...especially Chanel. The SA Vanessa was clearly a perfume lover. I got to sniff Boy (not for me, at least in top notes), and she made me up samples of a few I liked.

Not sure if I will ever end up with a full size Chanel, but if I do, that's who I'll buy it from.

My Perfumes de France experience was not so great. But I also went there before I had developed the perfume shopping confidence I have now. I might try again. (Or not.) The SA wasn't particularly rude, but she wasn't particularly interested in helping me, either.

 

[papillo]

I recently visited the Saks in Friendship Heights and really appreciated the thoughtful, low pressure SAs at the Chanel, Jo Malone, and Guerlain counters...especially Chanel. The SA Vanessa was clearly a perfume lover. I got to sniff Boy (not for me, at least in top notes), and she made me up samples of a few I liked.

Not sure if I will ever end up with a full size Chanel, but if I do, that's who I'll buy it from.

My Perfumes de France experience was not so great. But I also went there before I had developed the perfume shopping confidence I have now. I might try again. (Or not.) The SA wasn't particularly rude, but she wasn't particularly interested in helping me, either.

I can see how Sri (i think thats how it is spelled) could come off as not interested in helping, She does stand back and allow you to explore to your hearts content, and i truly appreciate SA's like that. Both she and the store owner (whose name escapes me atm) are always willing to answer any questions i have had and do not try to push any particular products on me.

Its definitely worth stopping by again as they have a very impressive collection in such a small store.

 

[hednic]

Both she and the store owner (whose name escapes me atm) are always willing to answer any questions i have had and do not try to push any particular products on me.

The owner's name is Sammy.

 

[Liz B]

Thanks for the info. I have more specific interests now, which may result in better help when I ask for it.

I am very happy to buy retail and be a loyal customer. But I have to say the relationship with the SA/ owner matters so much. That same trip to Tyson's I met Ilse at Nordstrom's and she was amazing. I actually was just planning on browsing but we got into an amazing conversation about perfume, and based on what I said I liked she gave me 2 samples I would probably never even have sniffed. Loved them both.



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[hednic]

It's nice to encounter a friendly and savvy SA. :smiley:

 

[eternalreturn]

My wife and I are moving to Alexandria next month (from Singapore). Sounds like Perfumes de France is the place to go. Do they sell/provide samples to people who haven't bought a bottle yet? Do they ever do special orders for things that they don't normally carry or list on their website? Also, I notice they have a 20% off code on their website right now. Is that unusual?

 

[cacio]

Early welcome to DC!

I don't think Parfums de France offers samples. But you can spray yourself liberally in there. I have not asked for special orders, so I don't know. Presumably they can do for the brands they carry.

I've never used their website (and you'll be living in Virginia, so you'll have to pay sales tax anyway). In person, they often give you a discount - at least 10% and often more. It's not quite haggling, but more or less. The discount depends, I assume, on their margin as well as their desire to move stock. They carry a lot of stuff and some of it moves very slowly, so they could be happy selling for a discount. They often also have a bargain bin of the things they want to get rid of-there's usually little of interest, but occasionally I have scored excellent semi-vintage stuff.

cacio

 

[hednic]

My wife and I are moving to Alexandria next month (from Singapore). Sounds like Perfumes de France is the place to go. Do they sell/provide samples to people who haven't bought a bottle yet? Do they ever do special orders for things that they don't normally carry or list on their website? Also, I notice they have a 20% off code on their website right now. Is that unusual?

Over the years they haven't provided samples and they don't do special orders. If it's a line they carry, they will note your interest and consider it in their next shipment. They won't match internet discount prices out there, but will offer you a fair discount for you to save some money.

Welcome to Northern Virginia! :smiley:

 

[eternalreturn]

Thanks, guys! :smiley: Good to know. We're really looking forward to this move. Heard a lot of good things about the area. Cheers!

 

[jtothek]

Hi all,

Heading to DC this coming weekend, and have enjoyed hearing your recommendations in this thread. I'm planning to hit Tyson II, Bluemercury, Barney's, and a few boutiques while I'm in town. Also planning to head out to Arielle Shoshana--has anyone been there?

J

 

[hednic]

Hi all,

Heading to DC this coming weekend, and have enjoyed hearing your recommendations in this thread. I'm planning to hit Tyson II, Bluemercury, Barney's, and a few boutiques while I'm in town. Also planning to head out to Arielle Shoshana--has anyone been there?

J

Have a good trip and great time there. :smiley:

 

[jtothek]

Have a good trip and great time there. :smiley:

Thanks! Really looking forward to visiting.

 

[cacio]

Please report on the arielle shoshana store. It's so far out I never end up there.

Also remember that Tyson galeria and II are one next to each other, so you can see both of them. The galeria has parfums de france, and the Nordstrom and Bloomingdales have improved their perfume selection (eg nordstrom has Le labo etc). And also note that Barney's is not the real Barney's, but what used to be called coop, so there's nothing interesting perfumewise.

cacio

 

[hednic]

Also remember that Tyson galeria and II are one next to each other, so you can see both of them. The galeria has parfums de france, and the Nordstrom and Bloomingdales have improved their perfume selection (eg nordstrom has Le labo etc). And also note that Barney's is not the real Barney's, but what used to be called coop, so there's nothing interesting perfumewise.

cacio

Actually they're (Parfums de France, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom) not in the Galleria. They're in Tysons Corner Center. Tysons Galleria has the boutiques - Zegna, Cartier, Gucci etc.

 

[cacio]

Thanks, I always mix up the names - for me it's going left or right when I exit the subway...

cacio

 

[jtothek]

Please report on the arielle shoshana store. It's so far out I never end up there.

Also remember that Tyson galeria and II are one next to each other, so you can see both of them. The galeria has parfums de france, and the Nordstrom and Bloomingdales have improved their perfume selection (eg nordstrom has Le labo etc). And also note that Barney's is not the real Barney's, but what used to be called coop, so there's nothing interesting perfumewise.

cacio

Thanks for this information. I'll loop back with notes on Arielle Shoshana--I think I'm headed there on Friday.

 

[schnozz]

Thanks to this thread, I stopped by the Le Labo store on U street. The store has the usual industrial look of Le Labo stores and carries everything (except the exclusives). The stuff smelled as it should. I'm quite happy that it opened, so I don't have to go to NYC to get my perfumed bath oils and creams.

Whether it will survive I don't know. It's in a fancy new condo - certainly those who will buy an apartment there can afford, but all the people I saw around in the neighborhood were young professionals in their 20s that didn't look like they could. The other stores nearby are store that share the same modern, hipster look, but are in a lower market segment than Le Labo. We shall see. An Aesop store is advertised next to Le Labo, i bet they'll have more success.

Incidentally, another positive note, I stopped by Goodwood on my way (it's still on U) and noticed that in addition to Lubin, they now carry 3 or 4 Berdoues and Jovoy.

cacio

I thought the staff at Le Labo U were particularly clueless and odd. Two SAs one customer, and they still ignored me, which is just as wee since they ultimately demonstrated that they knew nothing of their products. I don't love any of their stuf, which I was familiar with anyway, but always appreciate the fact that they have perfume solids, and I picked up a couple of those.

I never knew Goodwood of all places carried perfume. The neighborhood has certainly changed. That building used to be devoted to artist studios, including those of Sam Gillium and Rockne Krebs.

 

[cacio]

The neighborhood has indeed changed- it looks like U is now becoming an extension of 14th, thanks to all those 20 something professionals. I went to Le Labo again last weekend to pick up some bath products. I actually like some of their perfumes, and like the fact that they have bath stuff. They didn't seem very busy, let's see if it survives, also given the fact that Le Labo is sold also out there in Tysons, presumably closest to people who do actually have money.

The Aesop hadn't opened yet.

cacio

 

[snuffling_wombat]

Thus far I've bought pretty much every fragrance I own (samples, decants and FBs) online and have never really become a customer at any DC or DC-area fragrance shops or counters. I'd like to get a bottle of Bois des Iles EDT for my husband. Do you have a shop/SA to recommend, or should I just buy it online? I'd prefer Metro-accessible places. Thanks!

 

[cacio]

Chanel exclusives are sold either at Saks on Wisconsin avenue (about 5 min walk north of the Friendship heights metro stop) or in the Chanel boutique in the Galeria at Tyson's corner (the smaller, fancier mall), near the Tyson's corner metro stop. Chanel doesn't do discounts and has a tight distribution network, so the price is the same whether you buy in store or not (depending on shipping etc). In store, you will likely get more samples than online if you ask.

cacio

 

[hednic]

Thus far I've bought pretty much every fragrance I own (samples, decants and FBs) online and have never really become a customer at any DC or DC-area fragrance shops or counters. I'd like to get a bottle of Bois des Iles EDT for my husband. Do you have a shop/SA to recommend, or should I just buy it online? I'd prefer Metro-accessible places. Thanks!

Where exactly will you be heading? Sales tax is less in D.C. proper.

 

[snuffling_wombat]

Chanel exclusives are sold either at Saks on Wisconsin avenue (about 5 min walk north of the Friendship heights metro stop) or in the Chanel boutique in the Galeria at Tyson's corner (the smaller, fancier mall), near the Tyson's corner metro stop. Chanel doesn't do discounts and has a tight distribution network, so the price is the same whether you buy in store or not (depending on shipping etc). In store, you will likely get more samples than online if you ask.

cacio

Thanks! And yes, I was basically trying to figure whether the possibility of more samples and/or starting a relationship with an SA was worth the added hassle of buying in-person. Sounds like I'll be making the trek, then.

- - - Updated - - -

Where exactly will you be heading? Sales tax is less in D.C. proper.

Given your response and cacio's, looks like I'll be heading to the Saks off the Friendship Heights stop. Thanks!

 

[cacio]

Note that the Saks (woman) in Friendship heights is technically in MD. I believe the tax is pretty much the same.

 

[hednic]

Note that the Saks (woman) in Friendship heights is technically in MD. I believe the tax is pretty much the same.

Yup - Same as in Virginia - 6 percent Both just a tad over the rate in the District.

 

[jtothek]

Had a great day, y'all--thanks for recommendations. Made it to Arielle Shoshana, Bluemercury at the Mosaic, Tyson's Galleria, and Tyson's Corner. A few random notes:

The folks at the Neiman's Creed counter dug deep and connected me with a sniff of something I'd had on my test list, without much hope of ever really finding it (Chèvrefeuille Original). That was cool.

The lady at Parfums de Europe stayed on the phone the whole time, which was A-OK with me, based on your other stories. Got to try Montale's Tropical Wood (taken off the wishlist) and Mancera's Cedrat Boise (very much still on the wishlist)--two others I hadn't yet seen elsewhere--while I was there.

Nordstrom's was having a big sale, which made for a zoo inside. Again, just fine by me, as I tend to prefer self-navigation in stores like these. I did stop by the LeLabo counter, and tried a few more from this line. I didn't spot Geranium 30, but may stop by their DC boutique to check it out. Lys 41 wasn't on my radar until this stop, and I hope to wear more of this one soon.

Arielle Shosana was a positive experience. Arielle herself brought several samples out from lines they carry, but bottles they don't stock, so I could smell them (Jardin de Kerylos was a favorite). She and her staff were very knowledgeable about perfume history. They were also quite a bit more formal than I expected... but I'm coming from Oregon, so my gauge may be a bit skewed.

All powered by two Metro rides and one Uber trip--very doable in a day. Thanks again!

 

[hednic]

Had a great day, y'all--thanks for recommendations. Made it to Arielle Shoshana, Bluemercury at the Mosaic, Tyson's Galleria, and Tyson's Corner. A few random notes:

The folks at the Neiman's Creed counter dug deep and connected me with a sniff of something I'd had on my test list, without much hope of ever really finding it (Chèvrefeuille Original). That was cool.

The lady at Parfums de Europe stayed on the phone the whole time, which was A-OK with me, based on your other stories. Got to try Montale's Tropical Wood (taken off the wishlist) and Mancera's Cedrat Boise (very much still on the wishlist)--two others I hadn't yet seen elsewhere--while I was there.

Nordstrom's was having a big sale, which made for a zoo inside. Again, just fine by me, as I tend to prefer self-navigation in stores like these. I did stop by the LeLabo counter, and tried a few more from this line. I didn't spot Geranium 30, but may stop by their DC boutique to check it out. Lys 41 wasn't on my radar until this stop, and I hope to wear more of this one soon.

Arielle Shosana was a positive experience. Arielle herself brought several samples out from lines they carry, but bottles they don't stock, so I could smell them (Jardin de Kerylos was a favorite). She and her staff were very knowledgeable about perfume history. They were also quite a bit more formal than I expected... but I'm coming from Oregon, so my gauge may be a bit skewed.

All powered by two Metro rides and one Uber trip--very doable in a day. Thanks again!

Glad you had a fulfilling time! :smiley:

 

[cacio]

Thanks for reporting. Gotta get out to Shoshana then.

cacio

 

[Liz B]

Thanks! And yes, I was basically trying to figure whether the possibility of more samples and/or starting a relationship with an SA was worth the added hassle of buying in-person. Sounds like I'll be making the trek, then.

- - - Updated - - -



Given your response and cacio's, looks like I'll be heading to the Saks off the Friendship Heights stop. Thanks!

I really liked the Chanel SA I met there (Vanessa). It was over an hour from my house and well worth the drive, in my opinion. Hope you have a great time!


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[Liz B]

Had a great day, y'all--thanks for recommendations. Made it to Arielle Shoshana, Bluemercury at the Mosaic, Tyson's Galleria, and Tyson's Corner. A few random notes:

The folks at the Neiman's Creed counter dug deep and connected me with a sniff of something I'd had on my test list, without much hope of ever really finding it (Chèvrefeuille Original). That was cool.

The lady at Parfums de Europe stayed on the phone the whole time, which was A-OK with me, based on your other stories. Got to try Montale's Tropical Wood (taken off the wishlist) and Mancera's Cedrat Boise (very much still on the wishlist)--two others I hadn't yet seen elsewhere--while I was there.

Nordstrom's was having a big sale, which made for a zoo inside. Again, just fine by me, as I tend to prefer self-navigation in stores like these. I did stop by the LeLabo counter, and tried a few more from this line. I didn't spot Geranium 30, but may stop by their DC boutique to check it out. Lys 41 wasn't on my radar until this stop, and I hope to wear more of this one soon.

Arielle Shosana was a positive experience. Arielle herself brought several samples out from lines they carry, but bottles they don't stock, so I could smell them (Jardin de Kerylos was a favorite). She and her staff were very knowledgeable about perfume history. They were also quite a bit more formal than I expected... but I'm coming from Oregon, so my gauge may be a bit skewed.

All powered by two Metro rides and one Uber trip--very doable in a day. Thanks again!

This sounds so fun! I didn't even know about Arielle Shoshana...now I'm looking forward to a visit. Thanks for sharing!

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[jkxs]

Hey guys! I just visited arielle shoshana in mosaic today and it was awesome! Kate and Arielle are fantastic as well - if you're in the area, they are having an event at their store their Saturday (8/6). Cocktails with Carlos Huber ("creator of ARQUISTE fragrance line") from 12-3pm!

 

[hednic]

Thanks for the heads up. Might just stop by there as I've never been there, and it's very close.

 

[jkxs]

Thanks for the heads up. Might just stop by there as I've never been there, and it very close.

For sure! I just found out about perfumes and basenotes yesterday evening (I have never tried them before) and so it was a fun experience! I would definitely encourage you to visit if you find time

Also, wow you have >131,000 posts? I'm impressed! I've never seen that kind of post count on any forum I've been on before... haha

 

[snuffling_wombat]

I really liked the Chanel SA I met there (Vanessa). It was over an hour from my house and well worth the drive, in my opinion. Hope you have a great time!


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Wanted to share my fantastic experience at the Chanel fragrance boutique in the Friendship Heights Saks. Went there yesterday evening at about 6. The SA/manager I spoke with, Akil, was very knowledgeable and helpful. After he helped me with my birthday present for my husband (a bottle of Bois des Iles), we chatted about which fragrances I liked and what I wanted to try. I told him I was trying to decide whether to buy Cuir de Russie EDT again or go for the extrait; he advised the former (which, given that the EDTs will soon be supplanted by EDPs, is probably good advice – the EDP may not be to my taste, and the parfum isn’t going anywhere).

And now for the smelling part! I quick-sniffed about 80 percent of the Exclusifs collection and a couple more on a fragrance table – a flat table with built-in dipping sticks so you can sniff all the concentrations of all the fragrances before deciding what to test/spray – and paper tested extraits of Bois des Iles and Cuir de Russie. Really really loved Sycomore and Coromandel; was surprisingly beguiled by No. 22 but not as impressed by Boy or Gardenia. As we talked, he brought out a box (I forget what he called it – something along the lines of osmotheque) full of little bottles of the same extracts used in the fragrances, so I got to smell the CdR birch tar, their tuberose and the famous rose de mai and jasmine from Grasse. That was wonderful. At that point, my nose and the smell part of my brain were completely overstimulated. I asked a sample of 34 Rue Cambon to try at home, but unfortunately he was out of bottles. He did take down my address and promise to send me some when he was restocked, and gave me a sample of Sycomore (another definite buy now) instead.

Overall, I had a great time and I’m really glad I went to the boutique instead of buying online. Thanks all for your advice earlier!

 

[hednic]

Wanted to share my fantastic experience at the Chanel fragrance boutique in the Friendship Heights Saks. Went there yesterday evening at about 6. The SA/manager I spoke with, Akil, was very knowledgeable and helpful. After he helped me with my birthday present for my husband (a bottle of Bois des Iles), we chatted about which fragrances I liked and what I wanted to try. I told him I was trying to decide whether to buy Cuir de Russie EDT again or go for the extrait; he advised the former (which, given that the EDTs will soon be supplanted by EDPs, is probably good advice – the EDP may not be to my taste, and the parfum isn’t going anywhere).

And now for the smelling part! I quick-sniffed about 80 percent of the Exclusifs collection and a couple more on a fragrance table – a flat table with built-in dipping sticks so you can sniff all the concentrations of all the fragrances before deciding what to test/spray – and paper tested extraits of Bois des Iles and Cuir de Russie. Really really loved Sycomore and Coromandel; was surprisingly beguiled by No. 22 but not as impressed by Boy or Gardenia. As we talked, he brought out a box (I forget what he called it – something along the lines of osmotheque) full of little bottles of the same extracts used in the fragrances, so I got to smell the CdR birch tar, their tuberose and the famous rose de mai and jasmine from Grasse. That was wonderful. At that point, my nose and the smell part of my brain were completely overstimulated. I asked a sample of 34 Rue Cambon to try at home, but unfortunately he was out of bottles. He did take down my address and promise to send me some when he was restocked, and gave me a sample of Sycomore (another definite buy now) instead.

Overall, I had a great time and I’m really glad I went to the boutique instead of buying online. Thanks all for your advice earlier!

Good to hear that you a great experience in the DC area. :thumbsup:

 

[snuffling_wombat]

Good to hear that you a great experience in the DC area. :thumbsup:

I did! And I also noted that tiny little Santa Maria Novella a block away. Will have to make enough time to visit there as well!

 

[cacio]

Good to hear of the good experience. Good that they had perfume samples - I had never seen them before, I was only ever given to smell the lower concentration. (I do own a recent CdR parfum, which I prefer to the edt, cost notwithstanding).

cacio

 

[Liz B]

Wanted to share my fantastic experience at the Chanel fragrance boutique in the Friendship Heights Saks. Went there yesterday evening at about 6. The SA/manager I spoke with, Akil, was very knowledgeable and helpful. After he helped me with my birthday present for my husband (a bottle of Bois des Iles), we chatted about which fragrances I liked and what I wanted to try. I told him I was trying to decide whether to buy Cuir de Russie EDT again or go for the extrait; he advised the former (which, given that the EDTs will soon be supplanted by EDPs, is probably good advice – the EDP may not be to my taste, and the parfum isn’t going anywhere).

And now for the smelling part! I quick-sniffed about 80 percent of the Exclusifs collection and a couple more on a fragrance table – a flat table with built-in dipping sticks so you can sniff all the concentrations of all the fragrances before deciding what to test/spray – and paper tested extraits of Bois des Iles and Cuir de Russie. Really really loved Sycomore and Coromandel; was surprisingly beguiled by No. 22 but not as impressed by Boy or Gardenia. As we talked, he brought out a box (I forget what he called it – something along the lines of osmotheque) full of little bottles of the same extracts used in the fragrances, so I got to smell the CdR birch tar, their tuberose and the famous rose de mai and jasmine from Grasse. That was wonderful. At that point, my nose and the smell part of my brain were completely overstimulated. I asked a sample of 34 Rue Cambon to try at home, but unfortunately he was out of bottles. He did take down my address and promise to send me some when he was restocked, and gave me a sample of Sycomore (another definite buy now) instead.

Overall, I had a great time and I’m really glad I went to the boutique instead of buying online. Thanks all for your advice earlier!

What a great experience!! It makes me want to go back...I have actually started thinking longingly of La Pausa...

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