Lace Orange Flower

When I was nineteen, I bought myself this perfume as a consolation prize after dropping out of college. I had a couple hundred dollars in my bank account from my shifts at the school cafeteria, so I guess I felt like I could justify a little frivolous spending before trudging forth into my now-uncertain future. It couldn’t have been more than $50 at the time, but that was a lot of money to me back then! Lace was nothing like the sweet, ambery, vanillic scents that girls like me were wearing in the aughts (Curve Crush and Vera Wang Princess were my fragrances of choice in high school), so it’s anyone’s guess how this ended up in my basket. It was sharp, astringent, and brazenly feminine, yet self-contained. There was something almost austere about it. Very unlike me in every sense, but maybe that was the draw. I contemplated for the first time that I could channel an alternate version of myself using perfume–one where I was a serious, sophisticated woman rather than a directionless loser sleeping on a camping cot in my sister’s attic. Picture the ideal Fracas woman–this is how I imagined myself when I wore this. Delusional! It’s so goofy to say all of this about a Victoria’s Secret perfume, but I had never really thought about fragrance at all until I started wearing this! Predictably, it was discontinued within a year or so, and I eventually moved onto a long love affair with Alien (who also broke my heart after the reformulation, but that’s another story). I’ve been obsessed with finding something evocative of Lace ever since. None of the neroli or orange flower-forward perfumes I've tried over the years have quite scratched the itch for me, despite being, by all accounts, superior to the one I'm trying to replicate. The actual orange flower note in Fleurs d'Oranger by Serge Lutens is similar, but the spiciness throws off any further comparison. I can’t believe I’m suggesting that Carnal Flower remotely resembles a Victoria’s Secret perfume from 2009, but they do share that bracing quality, though the Frederic Malle is obviously richer, more narcotic and far more complex. Better? Yes, of course, but unfortunately the heart wants what it wants! I finally decided to just shell out forty bucks for a little vial of the original fragrance from eBay. First impression: I was knocked out by the initial blast of alcohol, but after I picked myself up off the floor, it settled into that damp orange flower note I’ve craved for the past decade. It was far more aquatic than I remembered, something that really comes out after a few hours. Almost like dousing yourself with actual orange flower water. I’ll have to resist sniffing this too much, because I’d hate for my scent memory to be replaced. I’m a little disappointed that the chase is over now that the real deal is in front of me again. Is it as sophisticated as I remember? No, it actually smells a little clumsy to me now. Like a young woman changing her hairstyle and clothing in order to appear wiser and more worldly, but not actually doing the requisite reading. But also lovesickness, first apartments, and carousing around town with my best friend. I can’t really extricate any of these experiences from the others, I guess. At the very least, this exercise has taught me that I should be a little more discerning with my perfume usage, because I'd hate for my serial sampling to get in the way of developing new olfactory memories linked to the current chapter of my life.

My friend and I did a trade for Christmas, I bought her the Rose de Mai of the Intimates collection, and in turn she got Lace Orange Flower for me. When I first tested this scent it seemed to smell so much like honeysuckle that it didn't strike me that much. Given that this was in the fragrance section of Victoria's Secret with a million different scents in the air - so that might have clouded the actual scent. When I tested it again, this time spraying it and then walking out the store - I couldn't help but keep catching the scent. It clings so nicely to the skin and reminds you that it is there from time to time. It doesn't overwhelm the wearer or the people around them. And it doesn't fade away after a few minutes. It's like a perfect shadow that warms up throughout the day and lets you get a waft from time to time. As far as the scent goes: Think of a hazy day laying in the grass with the sun keeping you warm. The orange isn't a burst screaming for attention like some other scents - it's a graceful citrus giving a chance for the 'green' scent to show up. I suppose it was the way that they captured the live ingredients that keeps this scent shifting from warm and sleepy to green and alive - but the way that they made the two work so well for a single scent is wonderful. The packaging of all of the Intimate collection is rather inspired. The boxes are sturdy and the personalization through color makes choosing a scent something much more interesting. The little sachet that each one comes in reiterates the inspiration for each one. This particular one is black lace with the black top to the box. I do agree with a lot of other reviews here: the black is rather misleading. It is mysterious and shifting, but definitely not heavy and woodsy like the black color might lead you to believe. A more appropriate color might be a lighter green color or a tan brown color - something to show it's ties to nature (it's definitely not a bright orange like some citrus scents might use) And finally the lasting power of this scent is incredible. I can put it on at around 4 when I go into work, do all kinds of things throughout my day (even wash my hands) and when I get home at 11 it is still there, a little less strong than when I sprayed it on earlier - but still it goes on Lovely on all counts ^-^

Back when I was dating my husband in my early 20s, I asked him to buy me a bottle of Victoria's Secret Lace Orange Flower because I thought it smelled like a real sophisticated perfume (we both worked in retail back then and didn't have very much money, and I didn't have very much perfume). This was when it was still in the stores. It's now my oldest living perfume that I own (lol). I'm amazed now at how much the bottles are going for on ebay! It certainly didn't cost more than $35 or $40 at the time, and I can't imagine having asked him to pay that much for it either! I haven't actually worn it more than a few times in all these years because it's such a nostalgia piece but I keep it in its lace bag stored away nice and safe (box thrown out years ago, ironically because it took up a lot of space). My point is it still smells the way it did that day he bought it for me, just lovely and sophisticated, like a real grown woman's perfume. Perfect for spring and summer! I'll have to bring it out this year and let the delicate orange flowers surround me.

I just want to go ahead and say this but if you love this scent but can't get your hands on it since it's hard to find, I found dupes! I have been on a CAMPAIGN to find this but the dupes work well: -The Sun by Bath and Body WORKS (a PERFECT dupe that another commenter agrees on too but also retired) -Sunkissed Hibiscus by NEST (near perfect and being currently sold today at places like Sephora)- when I first smelled this, I got an instant flashback to Lace. You could honestly put either of these in the Lace bottle and tell me it's the original orange flower and I'd believe you. I got this when I was in middle school. It's a warm citrusy floral scent. Like powdery sunshine. Some say it smells kinda like sunscreen but I don't detect that personally. I picture this is what a sun bathing goddess would smell like.

I love this one! It opens up screeching LOOK AT ME I'M A WHITE FLORAL, but then settles down into a sweet, still-bright-but-soft flowery scent. The first time I sprayed it on I almost fainted from floral shock, and scrubbed it immediately. Then I tried it again with tiny amounts, and that made all the difference. It's very spring-like and to my nose it has a lot of honeysuckle note (which I just luuurrrrve), although it's not listed in the notes. I agree that there is nothing "dark" about it--definitely white and light. I think it is much nicer than most VS scents, which I usually find very generic. To me it is very reminiscent of a lush garden on a hot day, with a border of thick honeysuckle surrounding it. Fall has just started and this has me longing for summer already!

This is my sister in law's signature fragrance. I definitely get the orange blossom, and mostly orange blossom, but it isn't exactly like every other orange blossom fragrance out there - and being an orange blossom lover, I have smelled quite a few. There is a warm, clean and yet sensual vibe to this little beauty. It's super unique compared to the other fragrances offered by VS. In general I am a fan of VS perfumes, but they can be so similar in style. I wish they would bring out more lines like the Parfums Intimes to shake it up a little bit. If you happen to come accross this perfume for a bargain, don't pass it up! They are going for $100+ on eBay right now...

I just wanted to let the fans of this perfume know that Bath & Body Works has a new fragrance called In The Sun that smells JUST like this perfume! I sprayed the body splash on a scent card and immediately came back to memories of when I wore Lace Orange Flower. Needless to say, I purchased In The Sun. When I got home, I compared In The Sun to an old bottle of Lace Orange Flower hand lotion I still have. In the words of my husband, "they're damn near identical".

Victoria's Secret LACE orange flower is a linear neroli fragrance toned down a bit by the subtle presence of three other notes, but essentially a neroli scent. Neroli, aka orange flower, is a strangely dark, almost burnt grass smell that will shock anyone who believes that "orange flower" is going to smell citrusy and sweet. I prefer the name neroli, since it better conveys the mystery of this surprising floral note. For neroliphiles, this is a high-quality, long-lasting and pleasing display of a single note. Similar but less dark than Guerlain's analogue, AA FLORA NEROLIA. In fact, if one is looking specifically for neroli, I would recommend the Guerlain over this VS formulation. Both are high quality and long-lasting, but Guerlain offers a generous 4.2oz bottle of the edt at about the same price as 1.7oz of the VS LACE, which is an edp but about the same strength as the Guerlain edt. LACE is nice, provided that you're in the mood for neroli. If you dislike neroli, or prefer that it be only used sparingly in complex, multilayered perfumes, then you won't like this.

I tried all four (Lace, Satin, Silk, and Cashmere)one day. Drove home with them all on different parts of my arms. For me, Lace had the lasting power. Came back a different day to buy it. Used it the next day. Sprayed it on a 8 AM. It was still giving off a nice fragrance at 3 PM. Thought I would give the Satin Rose a try again. Went back and gave my wrist a good spray. It did not last at all when I got home a gave my wrist a sniff test. I agree with Bouquet that the "black" packaging is deceiving. Purchased and wore the Prada Infusion de Orange prior to buying Lace. Lace actually has a better lasting power. Was pleasantly surprised by this offering by Victoria Secret since I have not been much a fan of their other fragrances which seems "plebian" rather than elegant.

I like this one a lot! It's clean, crisp and naturalistic, perfect for a breezy spring day. It centers around orange blossom without a lot of other things going on. It has some citrusy-green and something a little cool and aquatic to it that adds a refreshing and airy quality, although it's mainly quiet, bitterweet/pollen-y blossoms, nothing too overbearing as long as you aren't heavy-handed with it and you aren't sensitive to florals. On the skin, it warms up a little and gets a very soft flowers-and-honey kind of feel that I absolutely love.

Lace Orange Flower is orange blossom at its finest! The opening is strong orange blossom and honeysuckle, which turns fruity and dries down soft and powdery. Clean, refreshing, invigorating. Even the mist has good sillage and longevity! Again one of the best VS Scents ever. And since all good things must end, this fragrance is already discontinued.

From the hefty keepsake box with its lingerie-inspired details, to the thick square glass bottle nestled in a lace pouch, to the nod to French perfumery in the naming and ingredients, VS OrangeFlower Lace stood out from Victoria's Secret neon-coloured "mall fragrance" range in many ways. Notes wise, despite the unmistakably Y2K aquatic touch, the orange flower note shone bright, warm and fully-fleshed. To me, it was one of the most realistic orange flower perfumes on the market back in the day. Moderate projection and excellent lasting power. Nowadays, I can see now how the aquatic notes betray this perfume's age, but to my younger eyes and nose, it felt like a small slice of timeless luxury. Anyway, I'm very happy to report that last March I found an updated modern European dupe / clone: Néroli by Roger & Gallet by nose Fabrice Pellegrin. It has just been listed on Fragrantica. A gorgeous neroli with a slight aquatic touch, I would say it's a good 75% similar to Orange Flower Lace. Very straightforward, slightly less "Cool Water"-y, longevity is decent. Great price, too! Enjoy :)

I remember this perfume! I bought almost as soon as it came out. I was a teen at the time and I never smelled anything like it. During this time, the big perfume names like Brittney Spears Curious and Fantasy, Paris Hilton were all the rage especially in my age group. I remember VS Lace being intoxicating with orange blossom, it was waxy, heavy, and sweet. I got so many compliments on it. At the time and still to this day, I believe Lace is one of the best perfumes Victoria Secret has brought out. It is the most unique perfume that stands out compared to the predictable and unexciting perfumes that VS churns out every week. I wish VS would bring this back!

Holy cats, this is great stuff! Very classy! I can really smell the orange flower and osmanthius (it's similar to tuberose). Warm, fresh, but not too citrusy. I would recommend this as a daytime or casual nighttime fragrance for spring, maybe early fall. Age range -- not for a teenager, but maybe 22-50? One caution -- even though it comes in a container with black lace, because of the citrus, I think, it's NOT a "dark" or "I'm feeling like a bad girl" perfume. It is *definitely* flirtatious, though, like a coy smile, an arched eyebrow, and a wink.

A strong orange flower & honeysuckle combo...intense in all it's white flower potency! If you are sensitive to certain florals, you might want to stay away. I give this particular flanker 2 thumbs up for the quality and lasting power just like the rest in the line, but however beautiful & elegant Lace may be, it's still too much for me. Certain heavy florals get me evertime.... headache central. If you aren't a lightweight like me, and can handle the stronger ones, it's a beautiful, feminine scent. Go for it!

Lace has the best lasting power because it's the only white floral featured. This tiny white flower has a very intense scent. They have managed to keep it sweet and feminine, not the deep or musky scent it can be. These and tuberose can make your head spin in heavy amounts. They mixed it with notes that enhance it, but never squash the flower. It's not clean, but it is glamourous.

Bought the body brume a couple months ago at their outlet in Orlando ...it was a blind buy I spend like 70/of the contain already in the beginning it was a simple clean and wearable fragance reminds me of a children perfum I used to have ...very femenine but after a couple uses find it flat an boring ...

Black Lace is heavy and strong. I could not wait to wash it off. I do love their other perfumes such as very sexy and love rocks. This one is going back

This is a really nice take on orange blossom. I wish VS would bring this back it is so much better than many of the other fragraces they have out now.

awfull, i'm so disappointed to have expected a descent orange flower scent , it's really not!!:(

Very nice and unique smell and long lasting, never overpowering. I love it.

I REALLY WANT THIS ONE ANYONE?? pleeease :) xoxo