Fashion Q&A: Try the Web to sniff out information on perfume

Q: I love perfume, and would buy it more often, but I am overwhelmed by the huge selection in the stores. Is there a Web site where I can do some research and narrow my choices before I go shopping?

A: A good place to start is fragrance.org, the Web site of the Fragrance Foundation, an international resource for historical, cultural, scientific and industry-related reference materials.

It includes a fragrance directory, based on the Michael Edwards tome "Fragrances of the World," that offers details about hundreds of scents: name, family (Oriental, woody, floral, fresh), place and date of launch, and a description of the fragrance.

Eternity by Calvin Klein, for example, was launched in the United States in 1988 and is a romantic floral fragrance described thus: "Freesia, mandarin and sage accent the top note, which combines with muguet, white lily, marigold and narcissus from the white floral bouquet that is the middle note. Patchouli with exotic notes of sandalwood and amber complete the background."

The fragrance descriptions, like those for wines, are sometimes a little adjective-heavy. Ralph by Ralph Lauren, for example, "captures the energy, spirit and personality of today's young woman with a colorful, floral fragrance: sparkling green apple leaves, zesty orange mandarin, charismatic pink magnolia, seductive purple freesia and soft blue musk."

A little saccharine, but you get the idea.

Fragrance-company Web sites also offer descriptions and product information. Interested in Chanel fragrances, for example? Then visit chanel.com for a description of each fragrance and a listing of associated products (fragrance, bath and body, gift sets, etc.).

The sales associates in perfume departments should be a useful source of information about their wares, especially in the more-upscale stores. And from what I've observed, they often seem to have time on their hands. They'd probably welcome your inquiries, so ask.

Describe the kinds of scents you like, and challenge them to find fragrances that match. Could be fun.

Q: While visiting a friend recently, I was impressed with the selection of body washes and hand creams in the guest bathroom. The brand was LillyPilly. Rather silly-sounding, I know, but these products were really good and smelled wonderful. I tried Googling "LillyPilly," but all I came up with is a wine estate, a jewelry line and a plant. And yes, I did ask my friend, but she says they were a gift, and she can't remember from whom. Can you help?

A: LillyPilly is an Australian brand of skin-care products that recently became available here. The washes and creams are made from a variety of Aussie plants, including the berries of the lilly pilly tree — said to be a source of vitamin C, antioxidants and exfoliating fruit acids.

Other ingredients include oils and extracts from several other exotic-sounding plants, including the kakadu plum, quandong fruit, tea tree and Tasmanian kelp. Originally formulated to combat the harsh, hot and dry Australian climate, the cosmetics also are effective in cold and urban settings. Prices range from $10 for individual items to $36 for gift packs. They are available online at lillypillyaustralia.com.

Q: I have a pair of plum-colored tights I plan to wear with a charcoal-gray skirt and pale gray sweater. Should my shoes match the color of the tights or the clothing?

A: Your shoes could match either — or neither. There is no hard-and-fast rule. You could go conservative with black shoes, have fun with a bold, bright color such as red, or try one of the many metallics, such as pewter or bronze.

Try different combinations. Choose the one you find most appealing.