10 years ago
Mixerscent:
Yeah Tokyo is wonderful. If you ever go back they have excellent sales in Shinjuku Isetan in mid-July. Extremely high quality clothing at 30-70% off. Btw I've found Essenza Nobile the best place so far to purchase fragrances, excellent selection and the prices are very good after they deduct the sales tax. They're also generous with the 2ml sprayers, I usually get 5-7 based on my selections!!
Unfortunately clothing shopping is more of a chore than a pleasure for me. It's actually a little issue I have, it's not that I look unkempt, but I do have a different sense of style to the mainstream, so often when I walk into a perfume section of a high-end department store I don't get treated seriously until I drop some perfumista cred on the table. Perfumery is unique in that it's an interest where people of various backgrounds and financial situations come to appreciate one of our most basic senses, so I am a tad resentful of so many wonderful perfumes being situated in a place that can be snobbish and judgemental re: the appearance of wealth.
But to clarify, I did not have this issue with the lovely and polite staff at Shinjuku Isetan! I think they knew I was clothed for touristy travelling and not a night on the town.
In Australia though, I do find there's an underlying sentiment that high-end perfume is reserved for those used to the "finer things".
Oh, but that was quite a tangent!
When I finally settled on Tonka Imperiale I was given two 2ml samples, which was nice. The lady was very sweet and we got along well so I assume 2 is the normal amount they give there... next time I will definitely visit Essenza Nobile, the magical font of sample sprayers!