latest faves: candles

Here’s a fun fact: my very first job out of college was designing packaging for candles that were sold at Target. I really think this experience kind of… shaped me in how I view fragrances for the home. It’s sort of like perfume and let’s just say I have somewhat sophisticated tastes as a result of that first job. I tend to avoid florals and anything overly sweet. Instead, I love smokey notes, things that make me nostalgic for campfires and my grandpa’s fireplace. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with 3 specific and very different candles.

First up: the portable fireplace candle by D.S. & Durga. I picked this one up at a local boutique in SF and it immediately blew my mind. This one smells EXACTLY like a fireplace. To be more specific, it reminds me of sitting in my grandma’s pea green velvet reclining chair over the holidays as a kind. If I close my eyes while this candle is lit, I’m immediately transported back to that time. I can even hear my grandmother’s voice and taste my grandpa’s sausage gravy and biscuits.

Next, this campfire special candle from P.F. Candle Co. The notes are smoke, pine, soil, and a natural sweetness that reminds me of roasting marshmallows over an open fire. This one isn’t as powerful as the others, so I prefer to light it when I have guests over. It’s just mellow enough to set the scene for casual hangs and bourbon drinks.

Lastly, I discovered Lola James Harper candles while shopping at Love Adorned in New York. I picked up the Promenade in Vincennes Wood candle and find it to be totally different than anything I’ve ever purchased before. The fragrance evolves every time I burn, I swear.  The notes are described as green tea, lily, and wood. I definitely sniff out the tea notes more than anything else though, which is why I love this one for all those bubble baths I take.

Do you have any candles that you’re loving lately? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

photography by Jojotastic