A Wren Says

It’s called eLVes. To be honest, looking at the bottle of this Louis Vuitton fragrance, I was not sure how to say the name, or for that matter spell it. Because it is spelled with the stacked L V monogram, I became convinced that it was Exes. That at least would speak to why this rose forward fragrance is short-lived on my skin, despite how much I loved it in the beginning.

eLVes eau de parfum

$350 for 100 mL

Key notes: Centifolia Rose from Grasse, Ambroxan, Lily of the Valley, Patchouli

Right now, just an hour or so post spray, I can still smell it on my wrist. But through my wear tests, I discovered it disappears from my skin before the end of the work day. And that’s a disappointment. I wish it were there longer, so I could enjoy it longer. This is the kind of floral I enjoy.

It rose heavy, but it’s richer and deeper than that without being overpowering. (But perhaps too subtle given my issue with fading.) It has a sense of quiet “settledness” that I find calming. It gives the sense of being self-assured, wise, and trustworthy with great things.  Even though it is marketed as a women’s fragrance, I would love see how this would smell on a man who is confident in himself and unapologetically suave.

Instead of where I would wear this, I think of the kind of woman who comes to mind. She is someone who doesn’t need to yell but is always heard, who speaks directly to what is true without fear, and who is confident enough to let others grow and shine in her midst. I hope to be that woman at all times. Maybe that makes this an everyday fragrance.

I enjoyed this fragrance and would gladly wear it again. But given the price and it’s short term relationship with my skin, I’m not ready to make that investment. But I want to note that your skin chemistry might give you longer wear time and greater projection. You should try to get into a Louis Vuitton boutique near you or on your travels to make your own opinion. Or if you are so boldYou can even ask for a sample to play with on your own time. You might find that you like that the scent, too, and get more longevity and projection than I did.

There are less expensive rose fragrances. But if you are a fragrance lover, who is not afraid to spend more on your bottles, I would suggest you try eLVes by Louis Vuitton.