Like most 1940s mothers, mine believed perfume was as much part of getting dressed as underwear. One simply didn't go out without it! She reveled in the beautiful bottles, but bought those once...and ever after refilled them from pure perfume bought by the dram max, since a greater quantity might 'turn' or change character. In her prime, scents were seasonal. She bought lilac and lily of the valley in spring--scents as springlike as the frivilous floral hats that ladies loved. Golliwog was her perfume of choice in the winter, and for evening darker scents, Tabu or Chanel No.5. Perfume was the very essence of chic, the cachet of Paris for every woman of her generation. Later, she collected. Some scents were purchased new; some were samples, miniatures or giveaways, some gifts. And when she began to collect antiques, vintage perfumes and beautiful perfume bottles were added to the mix...bought at auction, rummage sales, antique shops and shows. The best of them moved out of her bedroom displays and into china closets in the living room. Proust may have had his madeleine; the scent of Devon Violets or Golliwog instantly conjure my mother...loving, astute, brave, patient, chic. How I miss her.