Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the current patterns in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wears own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and design options straight from the generation setting the trends.For a fan of big cities, dynamic crows, and new experiences, New York City is nothing except a dream. In the month Ive been in the city, this Pacific Northwestern lady has done more than she could have ever pictured performing in a year. When I first moved here, one of the very best pieces of guidance I got from a colleague was to “simply state yes” when used an opportunity to break out of my convenience zone and enter my “NYC It girl” era.I thought it worked for her, but I wasnt so sure about it working for me until I was sitting in my apartment or condo for hours on end, wondering why I wasnt exploring every last corner of the city while I still have the opportunity to do so. Surprisingly enough, using one of my favorite hobbies– constructing a classic scent collection– has assisted me draw connections between new locations and events in my life. I like to consider it as another version of scrapbooking.Rather than photographing each of my findings and decorating a book with ticket stubs and cursive notes, I monitor whatever that Ive seen and done by assigning it a scent profile. That way, whenever I smell a specific scent, Im transferred right back to among my favorite places. Keep scrolling if youre interested in seeing which Manhattan locations and scents have actually made my list so far! 1. A Slow Afternoon Spent at the Met
Fragrance Family: woody chypreKey Notes: incense, cardamom, Brazilian rosewood, papyrus, patchouli, moss, tobacco leaves, oudSince moving to New York a month ago, Ive been investing every last free moment I have strolling Museum Mile. A single spritz of Byredos Oud Immortel transports me to The Mets mystical Temple of Dendur with notes of captivating papyrus, incense, patchouli, moss, and oud.Customer Review: “Byredos Oud Immortel eau de parfum is an advanced woody scent where patchouli and papyrus are combined to bring smokiness. I absolutely like this scent.”
Byredo
Oud Immortel Eau de Parfum
2. Getting Iced Chai at Ralphs Coffee
Ralph Lauren
Love Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Family: classic floralKey Notes: mandarin, pink peppercorn essence, violet leaves, rose damascena, jasmine absolute, woody musk, patchouliJust a few blocks away from my simple abode is my preferred visually pleasing coffee store: Ralphs Coffee. Ralph Laurens Romance Eau de Parfum smells exactly how I feel when Im holding that traditional green coffee cup.Customer Review: “I enjoy this fragrance!
3. Writing Session at Bibliotheque
Diptyque
LEau Papier Eau de Toilette
Scent Family: fresh musksKey Notes: white musks, steamed rice accord, luminescent mimosa, deep blonde woods accordSometimes, it takes removing myself from my everyday environment and putting myself to name a few creatives to take advantage of my finest writing. SoHos Bibliotheque– an one-of-a-kind book shop, café, and wine bar– is one of my preferred places to open a notebook and let my ideas flow. To assist with my innovative process, I like wearing Diptyques LEau Papier Eau de Toilette, which is influenced by paper and the spirit of creativity.Customer Review: “This is such a beautiful downplayed scent! Terrific to wear anytime, with anything, and could be a signature fragrance. Sweet, smooth, light, and clean mimosa with a sweet, nutty, creamy steamed rice that is slightly vanilla-like. One of the very best fragrances for an uncomplicated ambiance.”
4. Choosing Fruit at the Madison Square Market
Fragrance Family: citrus woodsKey Notes: green mandarin essence, grapefruit essence, blackcurrant accord, tomato-leaf accord, geranium bourbon, Indonesian patchouli, white muskA journey to the Madison Square Market to hunt for fresh fruits and vegetables and break out whichever wicker tote Im obsessed with at the minute constantly influences me to use this earthy and bright fragrance by Maison Margiela. It includes fresh notes of green mandarin, grapefruit, and tomato leaf that allow me to live out my dream of being in a 90s rom-com set in Manhattan.Customer Review: “This is such a special fragrance. I like the odor of tomato plants, and this fragrance really nails it.
Maison Margiela
Reproduction From the Garden Eau de Toilette
5. Scanning Poetry at Albertine
St. Rose
French Poetry Eau de Parfum
Fragrance Family: floral gourmandKey Notes: pink peppercorn, bergamot, pear skin, jasmine, gardenia, freesia, lily of the valley, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, tonka beanIn all honestly, I seriously considered gatekeeping this Upper East Side area for myself but believed it would not be fair not to mention the charming French book shop in this edit. Albertine uses English and french literature, and I cant stop thinking of the shops dreamy, zodiac-themed ceiling. St. Roses French Poetry has powdery-fresh gourmand notes that conjure pictures of a relaxing afternoon spent in the business of poetry collections.
6. A Mad Dash for the Q Train in the Rain
Scent Family: fragrant woodsKey Notes: muget, fresh citrus, white woods, magnolia, vetiver, sandalwood, amber woods, muskNo matter how tough I attempt to monitor the train schedule, I always wind up having to get into a run to capture the train on my way to and home from work. Ive been caught in the rain a couple of times now and feel like it definitely includes to the drama of the minute. Henry Roses Fog Eau de Parfum smells like the convenience of ducking into the train at the last second soaked, worn out, and beyond grateful for the sudden burst of athleticism.Customer Review: “A truly wonderful experience with a soft, strange and floral fragrance that makes you seem like youre covered in a fantastic fog. Combined it with Jakes House for an even stronger scent. Daily usage has actually become a beloved part of my grooming regimen.”
D.S. & & Durga
Bowmakers Eau de Parfum Scent Family: woody aromaticKey Notes: violin varnish, mahogany, outdoors accord, amber pin rosin, maplewood, cypress, spiced tree resin, cedar, mossIf you know me, then you know just how much I love combing through antiques to find the standout furnishings, designs, and art pieces that speak with me. Ive recently been presented to the Upper West Sides Grand Bazaar and could not be more consumed with it. D.S. & & Durgas Bowmakers advises me of the smell of old interior decoration pieces with histories covering centuries. Customer Review: “This is the most intoxicating, elegant, refined, incredible fragrance I have ever smelled. I am done trying to find brand-new scents and cost life on D.S. and Durgas Bowmakers. State a prayer to the violin gods, ask forgiveness for the beautiful penny invested in this. Simply do whatever you need to do to get it on you.” 8. Mixed Drink Hour at Melodys Piano Bar LArtisan Parfumeur Histoire dOrangers Eau de Parfum Fragrance Family: amber floralKey Notes: orange blossom accord, neroli, white tea, musk, tonka bean, ambroxanIll always say yes to a cocktail hour spent in a restaurant with an elegant environment, timeless jazz tunes, and delicious drinks. Recently, Ive been frequenting Melodys Piano Bar with buddies. The classy lounge provides everything I might desire out of a laid-back cocktail hour, including mouthwatering cosmos. Histoire dOrangers is my top for evenings invested there given that its rupturing with notes of orange blossom accord and mellowed out with a blanket of tonka bean and amber.Customer Review: “This fragrance smells fun in a sophisticated, flirty way. It starts with a brilliant citrus odor then with tips of flower. I might not stop smelling myself and advises me of a tropical country I grew up in. It lasted a great 5 to 6 hours on me.” Caswell-Massey Lilac Eau de Parfum Fragrance Family: fresh floralKey Notes: gleaming bergamot, leafy green accord, lilac, muget, suede, amberOne of my favorite methods to window-shop on Madison Avenue is having a flowering arrangement in hand to take home, especially if it consists of lilac. In reality, Ive been on a significant lilac kick recently and am loving scents that pair the soothing note with leafy greens and the heat of amber. Caswell-Masseys Lilac does all that and more by introducing sparkling bergamot and suede to the equation.Customer Review: “If you like sweet-smelling florals, this fits the expense. It is at first extremely sweet and dries down perfectly to a beautiful flower. It isnt self-important and uses extremely well. It really is a pretty scent. Im extremely pleased with it.” 10. Twilight Walk in Central Park Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum Fragrance Family: fresh woodsKey Notes: fig, bergamot, bitter orange, sesame, cedarwood, vetiver, matcha tea accordMid-summer in Manhattan means evenings that are simply as toasty and damp as this citys early mornings, however when the temperature level drops anywhere listed below 75 ° F, you can fully expect to see me speed-walking through Central Park after work. I like wearing Le Labos Thé Matcha to keep me going in those moments. Whether it actually delivers energy or if its a brilliant olfactory placebo impact stays to be seen … Customer Review: “Absolutely in love with this fragrance! I was stressed it would be a bit too sharp for my taste however still decided to give it a shot as I love matcha, and it turned out to be extraordinary, extremely flexible and not too heavy. Feels extremely fresh yet warm. Among my most favorite fragrances from now on. I wear it every day.” 11. Supper at The Polo Bar Jo Malone London English Pear & & Freesia Cologne Fragrance Family: fruity floralKey Notes: Williams pear, white freesias, patchouli, amber, woodsReservations at The Polo Bar are far and few in between however totally worth it once you get in. If the leather design and moody lighting arent enough to make you fall for this location, the food will completely win you over. Whenever I have the chance to make a look at this traditional New York area, I break out Jo Malones English Pear & & Freesia Cologne since it evokes the very same vibes with notes William pear, freesias, and amber.Customer Review: “This aroma was an unanticipated love for me. It a timeless and simultaneously fresh, and extremely fine-tuned. The opening notes are a bit more grainy than I generally choose, but the pear develops in time and ends up being more beautiful as the day goes on. A new preferred!” 12. Coming Home at the End of a Long Day Guerlain Les Matières Confidentielles Eau de Cashmere Eau de Toilette Fragrance Family: floral musksKey Notes: pink pepper, mandarin, bergamot, iris, lavender, petit grain, vanilla, cedar wood, white musks, heliotrope, vetiverAt completion of a long day, I want nothing more than to come back to my sweet little studio apartment or condo and snuggle with my favorite vintage cashmere toss I thrifted a few years back. This cashmere scent by Guerlain helps me feel comfortable no matter where I am utilizing a mix of pink pepper, lavender, cedar wood, musk, and vetiver.Customer Review: “Admittedly, my impression was Its so musky! I purchased it as a fragrance for clothing and my preferred reading chair. It was lovely but not wow. Just today did I actually put it on my skin. Oh, paradise! The gorgeous flower notes unfold, each participating on a wonderful harmony as it advances to dry down. A lovely day aroma and an unique after-bath fragrance.”
Henry Rose
Fog Eau de Parfum
A single spritz of Byredos Oud Immortel transfers me to The Mets strange Temple of Dendur with notes of captivating papyrus, incense, patchouli, moss, and oud.Customer Review: “Byredos Oud Immortel eau de parfum is a sophisticated woody scent where patchouli and papyrus are mixed to bring smokiness. Scent Family: fresh musksKey Notes: white musks, steamed rice accord, luminescent mimosa, deep blonde woods accordSometimes, it takes removing myself from my everyday environment and positioning myself among other creatives to tap into my finest writing. Fragrance Family: aromatic woodsKey Notes: muget, fresh citrus, white woods, magnolia, vetiver, sandalwood, amber woods, muskNo matter how difficult I attempt to keep track of the train schedule, I constantly end up having to break into a run to capture the train on my method to and home from work. Fragrance Family: fresh floralKey Notes: gleaming bergamot, leafy green accord, lilac, muget, suede, amberOne of my favorite ways to window-shop on Madison Avenue is having a flowering arrangement in hand to take home, specifically if it consists of lilac. Scent Family: flower musksKey Notes: pink pepper, mandarin, bergamot, iris, lavender, petit grain, vanilla, cedar wood, white musks, heliotrope, vetiverAt the end of a long day, I want nothing more than to come back to my sweet little studio apartment or condo and curl up with my preferred vintage cashmere throw I thrifted a couple of years back.