I like to sample new fragrances but I can't stand when SA would try to pounce on you and not give you a chance to even look around before starting to push the newest whatever. That is probably true of most department stores but my local Macy's takes the cake. I usually avoid it like the plague but unfortunately, some scents are only available at Macy's so the other day I ventured in, hoping to sample a scent. Before doing it, I had to conduct a plan simular to a military raid-travel in stealth(by the way of the other deparments), circle the target while keeping an eye out for the enemy(salespeople) and when the coast is clear, make a beeline for your target, spray and make a quick getaway. I succeeded this time but last time, when I wanted to sample Truth or Dare, which is exclusive to Macy's, I was captured by the enemy and had to endure 15 minutes of torture(listening to her salespitch about why I should buy the gift set of Truth or Dare, never mind the fact that I haven't even sampled it yet). Ugh...
I do like Nordstrom's because even though SA will approach you, they will leave you in peace if you ask them to, and always give you samples as well(we all know that its easier to find a Holy Grail than to get samples from Neiman Marcus or Macys).
This weekend I sampled Valentina by Valentino and well...I am not impressed. Notes according to Fragrantica are: bergamot, orange blossom, jasmine, strawberries, wild tuberose, cedar, vanilla and amber. Sounds good, right? I smell orange blossom fairly strongly in this and in my opinion, it overpowers all the other notes other than vanilla and amber.
It really doesn't smell like anything new or different. Lasting power is terrible-30 minutes later, I couldn't smell a thing. What is with all the perfumers lately, giving us watered down stuff that doesn't even last?! This is a "meh" kind of scent for me..oh, well, on to the next
