Belle Chasse

Hové's Belle Chasse is a fabulous carnation fragrance that needs more recognition. Someone needs to replace the dated photo here with one that is actually of Belle Chasse and shows its brilliant yellow juice. I first discovered Hové in the late 1980's, when a friend brought me back a set of mini bottles from her trip to New Orleans. Belle Chasse quickly became my favorite. It's a carnation bomb, although I can also smell the rose in it. It lasts 5-6 hours on my skin but isn't cloying. Hové sells it in two strengths and several bottle sizes, so it's also affordable, as opposed to some of the stuff I/we buy that is distinctly not affordable. I'm on my third bottle of the stuff. Hové used to just be a catalog seller, but now they have a website like everyone else. They haven't gone to online ordering though; they have a pdf ordering form which you snail mail to them. Or you can call them and order over the phone. Their website shows a photo of their charming store, and people tell me it's fun to go there. I haven't been to New Orleans since I was twelve.

This is ‘like’ Bellodgia only insofar as they both reference carnation, and neither takes the powdery approach. Belle Chasse... composed as photorealistic to Sweet William. My gosh this is well made! Spicy-peppery but with that sweetly floral rose heart, and a light opening wrap of green leaves. This never wouldn’t be both appropriate to an occasion (any season) and just plain nice to be around! It’s elegant and clean. Possibly if really over-sprayed it might be too much but the composition is so airy I think Belle Chasse could weather even that.

Hove is a wonderful perfumery in New Orleans. When you are there don't miss it! They do not have a big web presence but will mail order. But the most fun is sampling their large number of tried and true southern scents. A real find!!!

A dupe in the Hove style, of Caron Bellodgia.