Interested scent newbie seeks samples, sample sources

[Miles]

After many many years of nothing but Drakkar Noir, it is time to branch out into the world of colognes, edt's, etc...

The Basenotes website is interesting, with plenty of information. However, to the untrained nose most of the terminology misses its mark.

Via reviews and other considerations, I am interested in checking out a couple scents, and my only question is: Where is a good place to find inexpensive samples / mini-decants? Specifically, is there a reputable online source for such things, or am I better off facing the horrors of the mall?

If it helps, here are a few of the things I am interested in trying:

Guerlain Vetiver
Creed Irish Green Tweed

And I've heard good things about Hermes, but don't even know where to start there.

Your input will be appreciated

 

[gone down south]

Check out these threads for sources

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=109151
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=110186
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=109953

 

[tubamann]

My advice is department stores. Read perfume blogs (nstperfume.com, perfumeposse.com, fragrantica.com, basenotes), buy books (Luca Turin writes witty and explainingly without the "impossible-to-get-into" language.

Although I haven't tried Guerlain Vetiver, there are many good vetivers on the market:
Chanel Sycomore (smells wonderful but you won't find it anywhere )
Encre Noir by Lalique (a bit sharper than the rest, order samples from aedes.com)
Vetiver Extraordinaire by Editions de parfums (Fredric Malle) (this is wonderful, order (inexpensive) sample from lessenteurs.com. They also carry Creed and Lalique).
Sure I'm missing a lot of good vetivers here

Hermes I've found at a lot of well equipped department stores, I really love the spicy notes of Terre d'Hermes.

 

[scottb]

ebay is good, and if you can't find it at The Perfumed Court you probably won't find it anywhere.

http://theperfumedcourt.com/default.aspx

These guys have less selection but better prices. They have a good number of Creeds. I've ordered from them.
http://www.threekingsfragrances.com/

Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[Miles]

Thank you for the information, gentlemen. It is certain that soon I too will "stink purty"

 

[StylinLA]

Miles

Given that you list your self as being in SoCal, you're in some "luck."

Lucky Scent's only retail location (The Scent Bar) is on Beverly Blvd near the Bev Center. They'll make you samples of their frags and/or recommend frags similar to that which you seek. (They don't carry Creed of Guerlain). I do recommend you make a trip there. Fantastic array of niche scents. Prices range, but if you're looking at GIT, you're in their ballpark for sure. They'll make up a 1 ml sample vial of any of their offerings for about $4 (or a free sample with a purchase).

Nieman Marcus carries the Creeds. Some Creeds can also be found at Fred Segal- Melrose or Santa Monica. Guerlain usually at Saks. Guerlain Vetiver can be found at Sephora- they're all over.

Le Labo also has a store here on Third Street near Bev Center. I'm heading there today actually for some Rose 31.

If you're interested in a larger sample than the shpritz you can try at the store, The Perfumed Court seems to be the best I've found. There are also some people in here who sell decants at better prices I gather.