Expectations Can Be Deceiving

Growing up in punk and being a visual artist and designer, Vivienne Westwood was one of the first creatives I encountered as a teenager doing my research. From the early UK scene to iconic runway looks, it’s impossible to ignore her influence on both the subculture and fashion as a whole.

When my partner’s 40th birthday was around the corner, I knew I’d be dropping into the store in West Hollywood to pick up a few things, but I had to figure out when - I had to be sneaky about it. The Sunday before her birthday, she said she was going out to get a haircut. This was my chance.

The second she left, I got ready and raced over to the store. On a good day, that’s a 35 minute drive. With traffic, it can easily be over an hour. Thankfully, the birthday gods were on my (her?) side. I got there fast with no issues and found parking right around the corner. As soon as I got inside, a sales associate asked if I needed help, but I had already done my research. I knew exactly what I was there to get. While she was wrapping everything up nicely, I saw Boudoir on the counter and obviously needed to try it.

Floral, classic, and …tame? For a creative having designed latex and leather for fetish wear, punks, and freaks, I was expecting “Boudoir” to be kinkier, edgier, darker, sexier. This was pretty pleasant and light. It’s not bad, I just had other expectations for the fragrance. After reading the concept behind it, it made more sense than what I had wanted from it.

It opens bright and floral - notes of bergamot and orange blossom blend with rose and carnation.

After checking out, I took the card with me so I could see how it developed over time.

The dry down is mostly rose, carnation, and a hint of tobacco.

Honestly, it’s not bad - I actually enjoyed it. But now that I’ve experienced it and I know what I’m getting, I suspect my next run in will be less tainted by expectation and more grounded in reality. But I am looking forward to trying it again.

Most importantly, I was able to get back home with her gifts before she got back - and she loved everything when her surprise was already waiting for her when we arrived at the Madonna Inn on her birthday.