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The Top Note | Vol. 15 — A Well-Scented Apology

Community · Luxury · Art · Perfume

Welcome back to The Top Note — your weekly fragrance letter from The Taliaferro. This week, we’re reflecting on love, humility, reconciliation, and the quiet power of presence.

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Opening Note

Love can be tumultuous, but it can also be beautiful.

It’s easy to say, go away — but it’s harder to say… please stay.

Let’s not let pride keep us confined on that champagne couch with a glass of wine. It’s okay to sip occasionally, but don’t let a subtle study of vinology replace your willingness to offer an apology.

This year, let’s be wise with who we keep at a distance — and who we keep close.

Protect the peace in your place so that your presence and atmosphere will always be well-scented.

— New Year’s exhortation from some married fellow

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Featured Fragrance — Dedicated to Cicely

Dedicated to Cicely is a tribute to grace, class, dignity, and poise — a few words that barely begin to capture the legacy of the late great Cicely Tyson.

This fragrance was designed to reflect her essence through light, bright florals and refreshing marine elements, evoking purity, confidence, and timeless sophistication.

Main Notes: Jasmine, Citrus, Sweet Fruits, Moss, Musk, Sea Spray, Mandarin

🛒 Explore Dedicated to Cicely →

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Client Spotlight

“This scent was very well paired to Cicely Tyson. It smells like elegance and grace and power. Like you can almost feel the Black excellence from this perfume. If you want something that makes people take notice, but still exude femininity, you need this perfume!”

— Juju

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The Blend — Saying Sorry Without Words

One of the most thoughtful ways to say “I’m sorry” is through fragrance. Long before words are spoken, scent prepares the atmosphere.

Studies show that scent is the strongest sense tied to emotional memory. A fragrance can soften tension, communicate care, and create space for reconciliation before a single word is exchanged.

In other words — sometimes the apology begins before the conversation.

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Community Connection

Something special is happening in Houston, Texas this year — the Global Fragrance Convention is coming August 2026.

This gathering is designed to bring fragrance enthusiasts and professionals together where innovation and tradition converge. We’re planning to be there.

🌍 Learn more about the conference →
🏆 Nominate The Taliaferro →

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Closing Note

“Tell Cicely I’m sorry. Tell her I’m very, very sorry.”
— Miles Davis

“There’s no traffic in my lane… I’m amazing.”
— Sstedi, Drink My Water, Mind My Business

May your words be thoughtful, your presence be gentle, and your love always arrive well-scented.

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