Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
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You, EvEn BEttEr workwear make your mark with these standout scents. A lighter take on the original body fragrance, Burberry Body Mist ($50), is so subtle, it's designed to be worn head to toe. 540 N. Michigan Ave., 312-787-2500; burberry.com If you want a scent that really sets you apart from your peers, try Oud by Maison Francis Kurkdjian ($300), a unisex oriental that always elicits compliments. Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5900; neimanmarcus.com The fragrance spin-off of the ultimate shoe powerhouse, Jimmy Choo Eau De Toilette ($85), contains uplifting ginger. Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-6500; saks.com Estée Lauder's Sensuous Nude ($65) contains a hefty dose of vanilla—proven to aid concentration. Macy's, Water Tower Place, 312-781-1000; macys.com 1950's men's classic Vetiver by Guerlain ($95) is a flawless option for work and contains anxiety-busting nutmeg. Neiman Marcus, see above. continued from page 94 reap the olfactory rewards while smelling work- appropriate. As for eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor pro- moting harmony within the workforce: "We found these smells enhance empathy and the result is decreased aggression in an office," explains Dr. Hirsch. "You really can use odors to a positive effect." Jasmine scents can increase reaction times by nearly 20 percent. measured Some benefits can be physiologi- cally too. "Aromas such as nutmeg, peppermint, the blood pressure ele- vation associated with anxiety," adds Dr. Hirsch. Chances are, in a professional setting you'll want to smell more sophisticated than apples and peppermint, but by choosing a fra- grance that incorporates these keynotes, you 96 michiganavemag.com Those toiling away in shoebox-sized offices should also remember that the scent of green apple and cucumber makes people perceive spaces to be larger. In other words, a dash of And those about to negotiate a big deal take note: In the thrust of negotiation, research has shown that fragrance can make others more compliant. In a 2006 study, Dr. Hirsch identified that a subject's favorite ice cream flavor denotes a specific personality type, and they react posi- tively to its aroma too. A vanilla ice cream lover, for example, should react well to a small splash of Lancôme Trésor and green apple reduce Midnight Rose, which contains the note. Sounds half-baked? Nilsen assures, "It may not put you in their favor but it could well prevent you from being rejected." DKNY Be Delicious cramped quarters. could compensate for Given the potential benefits, perhaps scent at work should be encouraged rather than out- lawed. The key is either choose a very lightweight scent, along the lines of Estée Lauder's White Linen, or, if your signature perfume is particu- larly potent—an Opium or a Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb—use it sparingly. Perhaps Michele Peckham's own crusade sprung from a childhood of people overspray- ing. "The funny thing is that my father always wore a ton of cologne," she admits. "There are some people who go crazy overboard." Chicago-based perfumer Heidi Sauhammel says it's all about restraint. "If you overapply you are going to cause a fragrance invasion. Use a light hand: One dab or spritz behind the ear and on the wrist is plenty." Ma photography by david hamsley; bronze place card holders ($175 each), brass ruler ($25), classic calendar refill ($45), and strong stationery ($175), all from Mrs. John L. strong Fine stationery, 212-838-3775; mrsstrong.com. gold pen, stylist's own