Annie once very cheerfully and matter-of-factly sang "you're never fully dressed without a smile," but I'd also like to interject and add that one is also never fully dressed without a spritz of perfume.
Personally, I feel like my outfit isn't complete until I put on some fragrance, and every outfit has a scent that suits its mood. When it comes to perfume, I've been around the block - florals, aqua, musk and woody scents have all been part of my fragrance journey at some point.
But mostly, I'm a sucker for anything in a dark bottle because I've gathered that usually means it's got more bang than a trap song - and this has been a favourite of mine for almost two years now.
Having said that, during my December holiday I took the liberty of trying out one of my brother's perfumes because its simple, sleek, black packaging caught my attention, and I tried it out.
It was Tom Ford Black Orchid Parfum - a fragrance that probably has the most captivating and luxurious concoction of black orchids, patchouli and bergamot. Once it's settled on your skin for a while, the floral notes become more prominent than the initial spices, which is why it can mostly pass as a unisex perfume.
A 100ml bottle retails for R2500 at Foschini Beauty.
Best worn with... an experimental outfit where items aren't worn in their intended way.
My other Achilles when it comes to perfume is a super feminine scent that lingers when you've entered a room. One such fragrance is the Paco Rabanne Olympéa Legend EDP.
With vanilla, ginger flower and a signature salty note, this scent will warm you up this winter the same way a cup of ginger tea does.
A 50ml bottle retails for R1350 at Woolworths.
Best worn with... warm hues and statement accessories.
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If you're looking for something a little more subtle, yet still long-lasting, Avon's EVE Discovery trilogy of perfumes is your girl.
The names speak for themselves in terms of their target woman: Eve Elegance is romantic and playful, Eve Alluring is a light floral scent best matched with a denim look, and Eve Confidence is sweet and bold.
This range will be available in South Africa in June at a regular price of R500.
Best worn on... brunch dates with trendy friends.
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However, if your tooth is sweeter than your nose, and as a result you prefer woodier perfumes, you could also try another men's fragrance I've been impressed by - Mont Blanc Explorer.
Yes, Mont Blanc Explorer is undeniably masculine, but it's fresh, cool and it's what Goldilocks would describe as "just right" for winter.
Get 100ml for R1350 on Takealot or find it at your nearest Mont Blanc boutique.
Best worn with... an all-black outfit or a neutral-toned suit.
Need to make an unforgettable first impression? Whether it's a first date or meeting your partner's parents for the first time, YSL Black Opium Eau De Parfum Intense will set you apart as that confident woman with good taste.
Inspired by the essence of blue absinthe - a controversial liqueur known for its hallucinatory effects - it's bound to attract people to you.
A 100ml bottle retails for R2200.
Best worn with... sequins, fur and a dramatic flare.
Lastly, this one's for the lover of all things classic and timeless - a woman with good taste. Chanel's new Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1957 is the ultimate 'accessory' for any standout outfit. With vanilla and honey notes infused with white musks, you'll exude the perfect balance of gentleness and elegance just Gabrielle Chanel herself.
A 75ml bottle retails for R3180.
Best worn with... silk and flowy fabrics. If you're a stickler for tradition, it's also best worn with a tweed ensemble.
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