Fresh Fragrance >> A Perfume Produced from Local Gardens!

For years, I've been a non-perfume kind of girl.  Sometimes I'll wear a little vanilla or sandalwood oil, but that's as far as I go. I've never really been able to find a scent that "suits" me (although the amount of 'Obsession' in which I immersed myself on a daily basis in middle school would likely make one think otherwise), and I'm also a little wary of the abundance of chemicals found in most perfumes.  Funny enough, I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago about how I've been thinking about giving perfume another try, and literally the next day, I was contacted about trying out a local fragrance company's new scent. They told me about how it was crafted in small batches from flowers grown by urban farmers and gardens here in Chicago.  I was sold.  As for whether or not it would break my long-time perfume hiatus, I'd just have to wait and see (and smell).

The fragrance, called Tru Blooms, happens to be the first ever made from indigenous-sourced ingredients, grown by the residents for whom it's created.  Pretty cool, huh?  Made from rose, lavender (one of my favorite scents for relaxation), lily and violet (which also happens to be the official Illinois state flower), it's light, sweetly floral, and slightly woodsy.  My husband is not usually a fan of perfume either, but as soon as I walked in the room after putting it on for the first time, he mentioned how good I smelled. (Score!)  I like how the scent is fresh and airy, but doesn't limit itself to one season.  It's not so fruity or floral that it confines itself to being a spring or summer fragrance, and it's not so bold or musky that it could only be worn in the winter time. I really love it you guys.  And I guess that means that my perfume hiatus is officially over. 

I think even more than the scent itself (which truly is delicious), I'm a fan of how the fragrance is made.  Especially this time of year, when people are shopping the holidays, it's important to consider the impact of supporting small, responsible businesses.  Just like local farms and CSAs supply fresh, organic foods, Tru Blooms gathers ingredients for their perfume in the manner they were meant to be gathered: "not from a lab or offshore farms of a commercial producer, but from small plots of land lovingly nurtured by neighborhood people."  They have perfume gardens in Chicago's public parks, on North Michigan Avenue, in urban farms, and in sections all over the city.  I can't express how completely rad I think this is.

Whether or not you live in Chicago, if you're looking for a fresh, beautifully scented perfume naturally made from local ingredients, I highly recommend Tru Blooms.  For real.  It's definitely on my holiday shopping list as well.  As of now, I'm told that it will only be sold for a short time this holiday season in limited quantities. The 1.7 ounce Cologne Spray sells for $38, and the the 3.4 ounce Cologne Spray sells for $64. You can order this goodness (and find out more about the company) right here.

What about you?  Are you a perfume-wearer?  If so, what's your favorite fragrance?

Speaking of small businesses, the 4-day sale continues today in both of our shops for Cyber Monday!  Today is officially the last day to take 25% off storewide at Bubby & Bean Art and 40% off storewide (+ a 10% donation from every order made to American Rivers) at Mountains of the Moon.  Just use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2012 in either shop to receive your discount.  This has been Mountains of the Moon's busiest after-Thanksgiving weekend in 4 years and Bubby & Bean Art's busiest ever - and I'm really, really grateful.  We couldn't do it without you guys, and your support means more than I can say.  So thank you.  Now go take advantage of these awesome discounts before the day is over! :)

Second image via Michigan Avenue Mag.