My (now NOT so) secret indulgence
I have an unsubstantiated guilty secret...I thought my cologne was "too girly". Here's how it happened.
I was casually flicking through a British Airways 'First Life' magazine on the way to London some years back. There was an article about Lyn Harris who founded 'Miller Harris', a bespoke perfumer. I thought nothing further about it until wandering around my hotel, when I found the flagship store in Bruton Street. I looked furtively up and down the street before slipping into the black lacquered interior. My objective, ostensibly, was to get something different for the then and current Mrs MTF.
Soon, it became obvious that I was in the 'wrong place'. These people were really serious about their bespoked perfumes. For one thing, it was advisable to bring one's lady along for the consultation; something that I had omitted from my plans ! Settling for the prêt à porter scents, I was advised to try 2 classic Miller Harris creations: 'coeur de fleur' and 'citron citron' as a starter kit.
The 'citron citron' was exactly how I like my citrus scents - it had citrus notes, mint and something "greeny" and woody. I later found out that there was basil, marjoram, cardamom, cumin and cedar. Mrs MTF did not like this, so I decided to use it myself....in secret. It was only years later that I discovered that it could be used as a cologne by BOTH men and women.....phew....my guilt was over.....I was not a lady-man ! ( as the Governator would say) 
I could 'come out' but it was too late. I no longer travelled to London (First or any other class) and by the time I found out about the Tokyo boutique, I had moved away from Japan. There are only 4 cities with Miler Harris shops: London, New York, Paris and Tokyo. That is why I no longer smell of citron.................
The 'coeur de fleur' is said to be "the scent of a young girl", which in itself, is a difficult quality to grasp. But I could understand the mimosa, sweet pea and raspberry notes and it seemed perfect for the warmer climes of home. Alas, Mrs MTF did not like this ladies' scent either.....but that is another story.............
Regards,
MTF
Scent Notes (from the Miller Harris website):
Lyn Harris founded Miller Harris in 2000. She spent 5 years training in France at one of the highly prestigious schools of the perfume elite in Paris and then with 'Robertet' in Grasse.
On returning to London, she set up a laboratory in her apartment. She was quickly recognised within the industry, being the only independent perfumer in the UK (at the time) led to commissions from leading fragrance houses and private clients.
When Lyn founded her own fragrance house 8 years later, she took her father's middle name, Miller, to create Miller Harris and her first shop in Needham Road was opened. It was here that Lyn launched the first four 'Classic' fragrances: 'Coeur de Fleur', 'Fleur Oriental', 'Citron Citron' and 'Terre de Bois'.
The foundation stone of the Miller Harris brand is precious ingredients. Lyn's unique style comes from her dedication to fragrance. She is unrepentant in her search for new materials, sourcing the best from around the world: iris from Florence, violet leaf from France, jasmine from Egypt, orange flower from Tunisia and sandalwood from the Pacific.
One of the overriding differences between Miller Harris and other fragrance houses is the luxurious style of both the products and the shops. One is inspired to use this company as a library of scent, there is not one fragrance that you will want to use exclusively, each one is representative of different moods, occasions, seasons and even times of the day.
