Pre-Ramble: While fantasizing about spring, I am compelled to consider two bellwethers of the season – spring fashion and mosquitoes. Imagine softly swirling floral skirts, cool pressed linens, a straw hat, beaded sandals … Imagine tiny malicious mosquitoes, lurking in tiny newly-formed pockets of standing water, deliciously twirling the ends of tiny malicious mosquito mustaches … 

Well, so, last week, I was privileged to accompany my very stylish friend to a spring trunk show at the very exclusive Chanel boutique here in town. The show featured Chanel’s newest designs and fragrances. There were impeccably constructed dresses and skirts, matching jackets, extravagant evening gowns, resort wear, wraps, shoes, and all sorts of dreamy accessories, (including a small, totally covet-worthy, black and white leather “lunch bag style” handbag). 

The garments and presentation were lovely. Champagne and diminutive hors de oeuvres circulated on silver trays, while two exotically slender models moved through the room.  I’m guessing that the tufted tulle evening skirt would look entirely different bunched onto my height-challenged mom-frame.  

The Take-Away: At the close of the evening, we were presented with a complementary bottle of Chanel Paris Eau de Cologne (not it above) to take home.  I must qualify here that I am generally adverse to perfumes and scents — I nearly had to chew my arm off the last time I used a strongly scented hand lotion, and will not hesitate to unceremoniously deck the misguided sales associate who tries to spritz me in the perfume aisle. Thankfully, the Chanel cologne was delightful – fresh and grassy, like the crisp outdoors.

Interestingly, upon glancing over the ingredient list, I noticed that next to “alcohol” and “water,” one of the primary ingredients in Chanel Paris Eau de Cologne was “citronellol.”   Citronellol, as in ”citronella”??  Citronella, a.k.a., mosquito repellant?? 

Oui!!!

Opulence meets Outback:  According to my experts at wikipedia, while citronellol and other essential oils derived from the plant species Cymbopogon are widely used as perfumery chemicals, they are also a renowned plant-based insect repellant, classified as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action by the Environmental Protection Agency. ( ! )  That’s right, ladies — Chanel cologne is essentially the designer equivalent of Deep Woods OFF.  Oh, the Boundary Waters are going to be a whole new ball game this year!

And, FYI — Research also indicates that citronella oil has strong antifungal properties and is effective in calming barking dogs. Not kidding.

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