Time here is moss-grown and damp. Abundant waterfalls create wide moving waves of mist. Fog sits on its silent haunches while treetops of bigleaf maples, Douglas fir, and western hemlock commune in vaporous gestures.
Time here is moss-grown and damp. Abundant waterfalls create wide moving waves of mist. Fog sits on its silent haunches while treetops of bigleaf maples, Douglas fir, and western hemlock commune in vaporous gestures.
As spring nears, I am looking back to the past few months and sharing my thoughts about some of the rose fragrances I wore. Most of these were my picks for Valentine’s week, but I also wore them during the winter holidays and on other chilly days. However, most of them are lovely for all seasons.
Wit & West is a small-batch artisanal perfumery based in Colorado and solely owned by this husband-and-wife duo. We had the pleasure of talking with Whitney (Wit) about how this project passion of hers, came to fruition.
Finding a vegan, ethical fragrance can be tricky. Popular designer perfumes are often not considered cruelty-free. On top of that, some fragrances on the market also contain non-vegan ingredients, like beeswax. But all is not lost. Plenty of conscious, cruelty-free brands prove it is possible to make deliciously scented, guilt-free fragrances. Here are some of our favorites.
When October begins, my desire for deeper and richer scents soars. However, the fall mood wouldn’t be complete without fragrances that nicely match the dark and playful Halloween spirit. Below is an extensive selection of fragrances for this time of the year – vintage, classic, niche, and indie choices that will satisfy multiple genders, whimsies, and adventures on Halloween.
Wit and West Honeysuckle Halcyon evokes a lazy, long August night on a 20’s Chicago Street where the weather is torpid, but the jazz is cool. Sappy, sensual, full-bodied, Honeysuckle Halcyon is a Clara Bow starlet, equal parts wide-eyed innocence and provocative sensuality.
In this fragrance Friday we chat with Whitney Swales, Founder of Wit & West Perfumes to learn about her nature inspired line and also to dive into the world of natural scents.
Wit & West Perfumes has taken the Mile High City’s fragrance market to new heights. Despite the enigmatic nature of the perfume industry, Colorado-native Whitney Swales broke into the fragrance world and brought Wit & West, a natural perfumery, to Denver.
Based in Colorado, Wit & West Perfumes is a small-batch artisanal perfumery that is solely owned and operated by myself and my husband. All of our fragrances are designed, formulated and bottled completely in-house in small batches using only the finest, high-quality 100% natural whole botanicals and naturally derived ingredients.
Nearly eleven years ago to the day I began our CaFleureBon Profiles In American Perfumery and on the eve of Independence Day. Video Content producer, Steven Gavrielatos, and I wanted to highlight three American indie perfume brands we think should get more attention. We chose these three American indie perfume brands; Gallagher Fragrances, Rogue Perfumery and Wit & West because each has their own aesthetic, are artisans, and began in other industries or were doing something else when they decided to become a perfumer.
A lover of scented items, precious raw materials, dancing, and art, Whitney Dru Swales launched Wit & West in January 2021. Whitney is the founder and perfumer of this all-natural fragrance line based in Denver, CO, which she named after herself (Wit) and her husband, Rob Westendorf (West).
Whitney Swales of Wit & West Perfumes. From as early as I can remember I have had a passion for scent and the world of perfume. Growing up, perfume and everything scented including body oils and perfumed body powders, soaps and candles were a staple in my life. My mom wore Chanel No. 5, Youth Dew and Private Collection by Estee Lauder and my dad wore Polo by Ralph Lauren and Lagerfeld by Karl Lagerfeld.
Be sure to check out the intriguing Rosé L.A. eau de parfum by Wit & West Perfumes. “A rousing fruity scent that demands attention. Rose otto adds fresh drama and character while amber and sandalwood smooth out the experience with a honey-like butteriness. Reminiscent of a weekend in West Hollywood spent soaking up the sun in a rooftop pool with a glass of bubbly. A scent that doesn’t take itself too seriously, a fun and sparkly chic scent that can only be described as Rosé L.A.”
2. Wit & West, Gavitella Eau de Parfum
...One of our favorite picks from the brand is the Gavitella Eau de Parfum, a refreshing and floral combination of bergamot and red mandarin that is reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast—complete with sun-kissed skin and neroli floats. We love that Wit & West perfumes are handcrafted in small batches and that many of the ingredients are sourced from the founder’s very own garden.
Wit & West Perfumes is a small-batch, artisanal brand based on a clean ingredients philosophy: All fragrances are 100% natural (no synthetics), cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without parabens or phthalates. Additionally, the brand strives for sustainability, minimalism, and producing just enough for enjoyment without excessive waste.
Holiday is the ideal time to gift fragrance, a luxury that keeps giving with every spritz. This trio of brands should cover many of the fragrance lovers on your list, since they range from 100% natural and distinctively magnificent to traditional, sophisticated, and lauded to exquisite and affordable.
Welcome to our holiday gift guide, where you’ll find hundreds of great gifts ideas for everyone on your gift list. Below you’ll find the best of everything in fashion, beauty, technology, food and everything in-between! So without further ado, here is your Ultimate Gift Guide for Christmas!
Having a signature scent is important for many; however, we all agree that there’s no such thing as having too many perfumes. The same way we evolve in life, our taste in perfumes changes too. Whether you are looking for floral or wood notes, clean formulas, or small production, there’s always something that suits your needs.
Gift-giving is a thoughtful way to inspire new sustainability habits through a product or experience that has a story. In our opinion the best gifts are experiences.
Whitney Swales and her husband, Rob, are both the brain and heart behind their natural perfumery, Wit & West. Wait, natural perfume? What's that?