In 1975, I was shopping for my mother's birthday at the mall. I was just old enough to ride my bike down there by myself, and was excited to have babysitting money in my pocket with which to make a purchase.

White Linen Perfume

I knew my mother liked all things White linen perfume at the time, so I decided to get her something. (I was not yet aware of how much such things cost.) A trip to Robinson's cosmetic's department brought me face to face with an imperious red-headed lady. She looked down her nose at me as if I were a bug to be squashed. Undaunted, I told her I wanted to buy my mother some perfume. I didn't know what kind to get, but liked the sleek lines of the bottle. I asked if I could try some. She sprayed a bit on my wrist. I took a sniff and thought I would die. I had never smelled anything so vile. Being 12, I told her in no uncertain terms, "Ewww! That stinks!" She replied in her plummy English accent, "My dear child, it does not stink. It has to mature." I walked away thoroughly humiliated.

A half hour later, I smelled my wrist again and decided I really liked that. I went to the May Company and bought it there because I wasn't going back to Robinson's. Since that first bottle, White linen perfume has been a big hit with my mom and has become her signature fragrance. This is the one that she wears most often. It does, however, HAVE TO mature. When she first sprays it on, no one else can be in the bathroom for at least 10 minutes. It is a clean, feminine scent. It includes a floral element, but even more a green earthy element. It is a very romantic aroma without being overpowering (once it matures.)

There is also an aroma of orange blossom, coriander, sandalwood and patchouli. This was a perfume (or so the story goes) that one kept as her own private stash. Friends finally convinced her to share the perfume, and it was made public. It is still her favorite. The 1.75 ounce spray bottle of it runs about $45. I suggest waiting until there is a give-away at the counter in your local department store before buying it. It doesn't come on sale often, but it often can be purchased along with a free gift or special discounted set of products. There is also a scented body lotion in this fragrance for about $35.