
This morning while getting ready, brushing my teeth in the bathroom, looking back at me in the mirror, I had a epiphany. There, on the shelf which is above the sink, stood the half-empty perfume bottles I get for free when working in the duty shop during the season. Most of them were filled with a pink liquid.
But these are not my favourite. I only took them because, although I liked the smell, I wouldn’t have chosen them in different circumstances.
My favourite is a dark amber colour. It’s stronger. Bolder than the pink girly ones.
When younger – and rich enough to buy perfume regularly! – I always had a Lancôme bottle of Poème. Again, not pink. But a golden rich orange shade.
I had never really paid attention to this detail before. Even when I’ve had the time to walk idly in the shop, sampling dozen of perfumes per day, I’d always appreciated the shape of the bottle but never the chroma.
This got me thinking of my taste in wine. When it comes to rosé (which I very rarely choose) and white, I go for clear pale wines.
On the contrary, I love intense garnet red wines.

Later today as I was reading a great post by The Slow Traveler, I saw a confirmation through the lines of Carolyn’s article on photography and Instagram.
“Think about what really interests you. Is it architecture, light and shadow, nature? The subject doesn’t matter. It just has to be something that really interests you. Because if you’re not passionate about the stuff you’re photographing, you can’t expect others to be (…) as Instagram changes, so should you. Or you’ll be left behind, bored of your own stuff, and feeling uninspired.”
I searched aimlessly interesting facts on the net about this sudden colour obsession. I have never thought seriously about the impact each of those colours could have on me? Don’t get me wrong, I’m team colour 100%!! But I haven’t really taken the time to think of its meaning and how it taps into emotions.

I read that we’re biologically wired to pay attention to bright colours because brightly coloured animals or plants are often poisonous. We’re drawn to red fruit over green fruit because it indicates ripeness and sweetness.
So it’s not all only because I miss the Mediterranean shades and got disgusted by the Breton wet countryside after all?
Red is associated with the heat of energy, passion and love. Orange is for creativity, youth and enthusiasm. Yellow is for happiness, hope and spontaneity. Me, me, me all the way… well, apart for youth maybe!
More seriously, from the photographer point of view, these last 5 years have been complicated for me because the area where I live seems to have been painted in different shades of grey, green and blue. On top of that, the Scandi trend in home decor has pushed many of us to choose white and cream over anything else. And Instagram queens have all created a world where architecture and nature have been lightly sepia filtered. This is all very pretty BUT…
I love contrasts. I like shock. Bright pink bougainvilleas. The special shade of cobalt blue from La Villa Majorelle. Purple Lavender fields. The yellow of Pastis, Marseille’s anise-flavoured spirit. Summer fruit. Spring greens…

So maybe that’s why I’ve been a bit lost in inspiration lately. My Instagram feed is frustrating because I unsuccessfully try to mix what I like and what other users seem to like… I’ve become a sheep who expects to be one of the border collies!!
Photos from the Temporary Exhibition at the Château de Trevarez.
Really enjoyed this post, very insightful. I loved Poeme perfume as well years ago 🙂
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Thank you very much for your kind comment. What perfume do you wear now?
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Interesting post – insightful, like the first commenter said! I’ve never liked red or pink (except salmon/coral). And I’m glad I’m not on insta so I’ve missed this sepia/beige trend!! But I’ve been watching an Australian renovation show and wondering why they all keep choosing dark grey and black as colors for their bedroom and living room walls! It makes the rooms look so dark!!! But the judges always love it. Apparently a big trend 3 years ago when it was filmed. Funny, how they want grey and black, while they live amongst lush colorful flowers and fruit, bright blue sea, red earth and bright sunshine. Why dark and grey like that? Maybe it’s all about balance.
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All my previous homes were very flashy. I’ve had burgundy, yellow, greenish blue (a shade called duck blue in French), lime, dark grey… Not all at once of course! Now I am more reasonable. But feel I refrain myself sometimes.
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So…. never mind what Instagram ‘dictates’. Follow you own likes. You are the owner of your preferences. Border collies guard, well, borders. You are the bird that flies on creative wings.
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I’m the bird… I’m the bird… I’m the bird!!!
I’ll try to keep that in mind Peter. Good point
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A thoughtful post. You are right, of course, colours are an important feeder into our minds eye. Personally, I prefer bold contrasts but I know its not to everyone’s tastes 😉
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Yeh Team Bold Contrasts!!
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Some colorful thoughts here :)) I am surprised that pink bottles were not your favorite 😆 (not).
I am totally with you on love for bright colors. But Norway did it thing – I got way more tranquil and conservative about color choice. 10 years ago my wardrobe (and home) was full of bright though mismatching colors. These days I go for smth that works well together. Quiet tones with some pastels at home, marine blue in my closet. We are also in constant change, and our tastes too, no?
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I get you with the tranquil, quiet, soothing aspect. I guess my taste have changed to. But I wonder if, deep down, maybe I’m still a colour punk. Have I been influenced to go for pastels??!
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It is ok to be influenced sometimes too :)) If that doesn’t hurt 🙂
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I think you should post what you want.. start a trend, don’t follow.. 😉
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I’m usually not a follower, but I like to share with as many people as possible so the balance is complicated to find.
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So happy we are following each other.
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