A Wren Says

They say you should never meet your heroes. But what about your long lost memories? Should you try to unearth them?

Years ago in high school, I was obsessed with Victoria’s Secret Rapture. My mother gave me a bottle of the scented lotion she no longer wanted. As I was growing in my desire to present my best self, I slathered myself in it. It made me feel pretty, which was certainly helped by the discovery that the boys thought I smelled good. I enjoyed the ritual and joy of applying the scent until I finished the bottle. Then I moved on, never even thinking to ask for a new one.

Years later, as a full adult with my own money, Rapture immediately came to mind. I searched for it, but it had unfortunately been discontinued. Truly, this was the genesis of my fragrance journey as I searched for alternatives I would love just as much. I am here now, living out this scented hobby, but the original love never died. I continued to search, unsuccessfully, for that fragrance I remembered so fondly.

And then in the new year, I discovered it. For a limited time, Victoria’s Secret brought the fragrance back. Without consulting my bank account or budget, I immediately ordered a bottle for myself. Finally, after all of these years, I could smell it again. Excitedly, I sprayed on it and …

Oh. Is that what it smells like?

Could this soft, powdery floral possibly be the same thing?. Could this fragrance that I forget I’m wearing throughout the day possibly be the same formula that projected across picnic tables to label me as the girl who smelled so good? I focused so much on how much it had made me feel in my memories, I hadn’t given all that much thought to the actual notes.

I remember feeling beautiful and powerful and overwhelmingly confident when I wore it. Maybe instead of trying to hunt this fragrance down I should have focused on that. More than a fragrance, I wanted a feeling.