To Dream
Formulated by Laurie Erickson, this 2011 release appeals to lovers of vintage makeup accords and dry woods. The fragrance layers heliotrope, rose, and suede across an earthy oakmoss foundation, balancing floral sweetness with resinous weight. Wear it during crisp spring mornings or rain-soaked fall days with a cozy wool sweater.
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Performance Metrics
86 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity averages 6 to 8 hours on skin and up to 12 hours on clothing. Projection extends to arm's length during the first hour before drawing closer to create a personal scent bubble. It performs best in temperatures below 65°F (18°C).
Notes Pyramid
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To Dream is a powdery woody scent with a dense, velvety texture. It opens with champagne-like aldehydes and violet, transforms into a cosmetic heart of orris root and heliotrope, and settles onto a dry base of Virginia cedar and tonka bean.
Main Accords
10 MAPPEDThe powdery accord dominates early wear through waxy orris and heliotrope, while the woody accord of cedar and oak moss rises steadily after the second hour. Vanilla and tonka bean soften the drydown, ensuring the earthiness stays warm rather than stark.
Community Data
184 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and spring. The vote picture leans most toward daytime.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Unique combination of fizzy aldehydes and vintage makeup powder
Beautiful drydown of dark Virginia cedar and oakmoss
Comfortable 7-hour longevity for workday wear
Ideal scent profile for crisp autumn and spring days
Unisex appeal that balances sweet floral and dry wood elements
Intimate sillage that will not overpower small office spaces
Artisanal niche construction by perfumer Laurie Erickson
Bittersweet cacao and tonka notes prevent harsh woodiness
Appeals to fans of retro French floral compositions
Cozy skin scent suitable for evening relaxation at home
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Soft projection after two hours may disappoint projection seekers
Heavy powdery notes can feel dated to modern gourmand fans
Not suited for hot summer weather due to dense wood base
Aldehyde opening can smell slightly sharp on certain skin chemistry
Limited availability outside niche boutique channels
Lacks the loud sweetness typical of mass market releases
Cacao note stays subtle rather than full gourmand chocolate
May require reapplication for long evening events
Requires appreciation for vintage cosmetics and iris accords
Orris root waxy facet can feel cold during initial heart phase
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Sonoma Scent Studio To Dream Review: Vintage Powder and Cedar”
To Dream opens with a sharp fizz of bright aldehydes and green violet leaf. There is an initial flash of fruitiness, almost like peach skin or raspberry syrup, that quickly lifts the top notes. The bright opening catches your attention right away, but it shifts within ten minutes into something softer and more historical. Dry incense and warm spice flicker briefly before settling down.
As the initial fizz quietens, the heart reveals a thick cosmetic powder accord. Heliotrope, rose, and waxy orris root merge to create the scent of an open vintage makeup compact. Bittersweet cacao and smooth tonka bean emerge beneath the florals, rounding off any potential sharpness. This is where the fragrance establishes its cozy character, balancing sweet floral facets against dark woody background notes.
On warm skin, the dominant powdery and woody accords move in alternating waves. Virginia cedar and earthy oakmoss anchor the composition, keeping the floral notes grounded so they never turn cloying. Vetiver adds a subtle dry raspiness that cuts through the vanilla and tonka warmth. Suede quietly wraps around the base during hour three, giving the scent a soft tactile texture that feels like velvet.
Performance is reliable without being obnoxious. You get roughly 7 hours of total wear, with the first 90 minutes projecting at arm's length before settling into a close skin scent. It thrives in cool temperatures, particularly crisp autumn afternoons, foggy spring mornings, and rainy evenings. Heat makes the cacao and tonka feel slightly heavy, so keep this bottle reserved for moderate or chilly weather.
This scent speaks to lovers of retro perfumery and niche wood compositions. If you enjoy violet fragrances like Stephen Jones or vintage floral blends with heavy iris and cedar, To Dream sits comfortably in your wheelhouse. Beginners accustomed to sugary modern gourmands might find the drydown too woody or powdery, but enthusiasts will appreciate Laurie Erickson's artistic hand.
To Dream delivers a thoughtful blend of nostalgia and craftsmanship. Its balance of effervescent aldehydes, lipstick iris, and dry cedar makes it a versatile pick for quiet indoor days. While it lacks the sheer projection that beast-mode seekers want, it offers a deeply satisfying personal wear experience. Order a sample if you enjoy vintage powder and earthy woods.
FAQs
What does Sonoma Scent Studio To Dream smell like?+
To Dream opens with fizzy aldehydes and green violet, transitioning into a powdery heart of orris root, heliotrope, and rose. The base settles into dark Virginia cedar, oakmoss, and tonka bean, creating a vintage makeup powder scent over dry woods.
How long does To Dream last on skin?+
To Dream lasts between 6 and 8 hours on skin, with traces lingering up to 12 hours on clothing. The effervescent top notes fade after 30 minutes, allowing the violet, cedar, and tonka base to stay steady through the day.
What is the sillage and projection of To Dream?+
Projection is moderate, reaching about arm's length during the first hour. After ninety minutes, the scent softens into an intimate aura of powdery iris, sandalwood, and suede that stays close to the wearer in casual or professional settings.
Which season is best for wearing To Dream?+
To Dream is best suited for fall and spring weather. Cool temperatures between 45°F and 65°F highlight the dry cedar woodiness and cosmetic powder notes without making the tonka bean and cacao feel overly heavy.
Is To Dream suitable for daily office wear?+
Yes, To Dream works well for office wear thanks to its restrained projection and polite demeanor. The combination of dry cedar, quiet violet, and soft powder stays professional and subtle without disturbing colleagues in enclosed work environments.
Is To Dream more masculine or feminine?+
To Dream is marketed as unisex. While the powdery heliotrope, rose, and violet heart leans slightly feminine in a vintage cosmetics style, the dark Virginia cedar, vetiver, and oakmoss base provides strong unisex balance.
Can To Dream be used as a signature scent?+
To Dream works as a signature scent for fans of niche woody florals, particularly during cooler months. Its unique blend of aldehydes, violet, and cedar offers a distinct personal identity that stands apart from popular department store fragrances.
How does To Dream change from opening to dry-down?+
The fragrance opens with bright, effervescent aldehydes and green violet leaf. As it dries down, the scent shifts to a creamy makeup powder accord of orris root and heliotrope before finishing on dry cedar, suede, and tonka bean.
What age group or audience suits To Dream best?+
To Dream appeals to fragrance enthusiasts and collectors who enjoy retro perfumery, iris accords, and handcrafted woods. It suits confident, individualistic wearers of any age who prefer complex skin scents over loud, sugary modern releases.
Are there fragrances similar to Sonoma Scent Studio To Dream?+
Comme des Garcons Stephen Jones shares a similar violet and wood pairing, though it smells cooler and drier. Sonoma Scent Studio Nostalgie also offers a related vintage French floral structure with softer resinous undertones.
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Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREWhile To Dream is distinct, fans of violet-wood fragrances should explore Comme des Garcons Stephen Jones for a gothic, drier spin on violet, or Sonoma Scent Studio Nostalgie for a classic French floral profile.
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