Charles of the Ritz

Such a maternal and innocent creation. My mom wore this from the 80s to the mid-2010s. It was one of her signature scents. On her it was a truly remarkable, shimmering powder (with just enough sweetness to keep it approachable and comforting). To this day it has a deeply calming effect whenever I smell it. It doesn't smell nearly as good on me as it does on her. People were always asking what she wore. Constantly. Whenever we went somewhere they would ask what it was and where they could find it, asking again and again where they could secure a bottle as it got to the point where it was only available at specialty perfumeries and department stores. It has a honey-like aspect, though honey is not in the notes. So if you strongly dislike honey or similar balsamic notes, steer clear. It somehow doesn't smell dated, but the few bottles I have come across vary widely in how they have aged. Some turn to bug spray and burnt plastic. Others are perfectly untouched. It always had a yellow hue, so don't let that deter you. Just be aware that it can be very hit and miss securing a vintage bottle. Especially since they are currently auctioning for over $200. If you have one, hang on to it :) Sillage is enormous and fills a room with a single spray (definitely use a light touch with this one). It also lasts forever on clothing, especially synthetics. It didn't last all day on my skin, but on others you will get 8-12 hours easily, if not more.

Charles of the Ritz EDT (1977). My burgundy metal tube of Charles of the Ritz emits a baroque floral done in the 70s fashion. A bouquet of lavish orange blossom, lilac, heliotrope, and carnation dispersing from a sparkling cloud of aldehydes, it recalls echoes of Le Dix and L'Heure Bleue. This is juxtaposed with a verdant accord and underpinned by a honeyed, musky amber. Two words that come to mind: "aqueous" and "shimmering." This is not to be confused with Charles of the Ritz Original, which was released a few years later and is a different composition. Charles of the Ritz RITZ Parfum (1972). This is one knockout of a chypre, bursting with punchy green galbanum and peachy aldehydes, Soon thereafter, a bracing hyacinth, white flowers such as jasmine, and a woody geranium dominate the heart. There is then this fantastic phase that becomes increasingly cedar-y and mossy, with a vetiver moving forward further into the dry down. The advertising for RITZ asserted that it's a "long-blooming perfume" and they were not wrong. RITZ would tickle the fancy of those who love Givenchy III, Calandre, or Aliage.

I have the vintage bottle of Charles of the Ritz. I have never previously used or smelled this fragrance and when I wore it for the first time, I was completely stymied! I thought, how on earth am I going to describe this in a review? It is a complicated medley of all the pyramid notes! On me, I found it a bit overwhelming to have all those notes hit me at the very same time, but that's how it struck me. I didn't notice distinguishable top, middle, or dry down phases. On me the beautiful medley was quite linear. Over time, and it does have a moderate longevity, it just got more faint. The sillage is also moderate. it is going to take me several more associations with this fragrance before I can decide if I love it. right now it is a definite like!

My mother used to wear this, years before I was born until after I got into about jr. high, and it had been discontinued. I still remember the scent in my mind and how wonderful it was. She always had the purplish/maroon metal canister with the refillable glass bottles. I remember how elegant I thought she was wearing this. She has found other great signature fragrances, but this will be the one I'll always identify as "hers!" Great memories, had to review this one from a loving son's point of view...err, smell, as it were.

Charles of the Ritz was given to me as a Christmas gift in 1984, and I fell completely in love with it! I would get so inspired when wearing it; it was like I was on a natural high..lol. I wish we could get it back somehow, but I do have a little hope to offer. A friend of mine who was a Charles of the Ritz lover suggested to me a Mary Kay fragrance called CityScape for women. I am in love with it and it's all I wear now! If you loved Charles of the Ritz ~ this is close to it!