In the summer, I sampled JV during one of those "hurry up and smell everything that's been opened" trips to TJ Maxx. I had some unscented skin available on my left forearm, so as an afterthought I planted John Varvatos there. I must have sampled 5-6 scents that day, but I only remember one - John Varvatos.
I can't tell you how JV develops, or whether JV is a chypre or not, or how long JV lasts. I can tell you that after 4 months of thinking about this fragrance -- and being unable to find an open box or tester so I could sample it again -- I finally bought it.
I'm not sure if the purchase is a mark of craziness or the wait is a mark of discipline. Regardless, I think my story reflects a mark of a truly superior fragrance: JV resonated with me somehow, so I remembered it & craved it, long after trying it.
The right brain reaction often trumps the left brain analysis. I am convinced that is the reason why JV is favored by so many here, regardless of the more thorough & analytic reviews that suggest JV shouldn't be held in such high esteem.
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UPDATE: I have it now. OMG, it's a gorgeous, boozy beauty according to my right & left brains! Will compete for space in my top 10. Well-blended & long-lasting too. LUV IT.
PS - JV is especially luxurious and wonderful after bathing with the deep & dark Youth-Dew bath oil. I'd add that I don't usually like florals but I LOVE this.
PS #2 - I now have it in parfum ($13) & body silk ($8). Neither are stellar alone, imo. However, layered with the EdP they are outstanding -- 12 hours.
