getting girly

I must be getting girly as I head into my 30s.

Had to exchange a gift at Banana Republic in Union Square and asked the fiance if he likes cologne, he said no, and then if he likes perfume, he said yes. While waiting in line, a woman at the counter had a black Chanel bag. Inspired, I say, why don't we go to Chanel. We have no idea where it is, so figure maybe we'll check it out another day. Lo and behold, on the way back to the car, I spot the Chanel flag outside its Maiden Lane storefront. I guess we're going. There are very few things that we will search obsessively for because we figure if it's meant to be, it'll happen.

Chanel No. 5 is just a classic scent. The fiance's dad, once gave his mom a bottle of Chanel No. 5. Years after their dad passed away, his brother gave their mom perfume, of course, Chanel No. 5. Their mom cried. Smell. Memory.

He sprayed a stick with No. 5 and I smelled the Chanel No. 5 scented powder my mother kept in her drawer that she would powder his face with every day. I never got into all the other make up stuff, but did enjoy "powdering my face."

As fondly as we recalled our mothers from the scented paper, we both decided that I'm not ready to smell like my mother. Fortunately, they have at least a dozen perfumes for women. Coco Chanel's personal scent, mass produced after she died had a spicy kick to it.

I asked for something with a lighter scent. I realized I had never been into perfume til now because my memory of perfume was filled with auntie awashed in perfume and uncles doused in cologne that stung the nose and often rubbed onto my cheek after the cordial greetings. Now that I wanted to try perfume for myself, I wanted something that doesn't overpower.

Now true perfume is potent stuff where one only needs a dab in certain places or as the perfume counter man quoting Chanel said, "anywhere a woman wants to be kissed." But they often sell them as eau de parfum which is sprayed on.

After 5 sprayed sticks, we chose Chanel Mademoiselle, the lighter scented one. Got a small bottle since well, I'm still not sure when I plan to wear the perfume, considering many of our holiday parties are now passed.

I wonder where all the "girly" stuff is coming from. I think part of it just comes from this year of transformation and change and exploring new identities for myself of who I am and how I present myself. They're not big things really, but all the small things, a slight change here and there.

Been thinking about getting my ears pierced too.