It’s funny – and also kind of weird – how certain scents instantly connect you with past places and times. I remember Clinique Happy being my first perfume in fifth grade, when I believed that finding a signature fragrance was vital to my adolescent growth. Eighth grade soon rolled around and Tommy Girl did too, which obviously rivaled all of my friends’ Bath & Body Works scents. If I catch a whiff of Sweet Pea or Warm Vanilla Sugar, it’s like I’m automatically transported to an awkward cafeteria dance.

High school came along and so did a few new fragrances. Though I’d like to forget, I did entertain some celebrity-endorsed perfumes, including those of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. The latter was definitely inspired by The Simple Life but, alas, I redeemed myself with a dose of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. I think I could add Daisy by Marc Jacobs as another saving grace.

And then there are the times when scents trigger memories that are actually worth remembering, or at least thinking of every once in a while.

My friend in New York swears by Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, and the classic scent reminds me of her vanity – and getting ready for time out in the city.

I packed Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber along for London, and I now associate it with everything UK.

Bond No. 9 Fire Island always takes me to the beach and returning to Atlantis would be super nice right about now.

I was in a major Chloé phase when Pete first entered my life. From our very first photo together – and perhaps his first whiff – I feel confident that he knew we were meant to be.

Are there any fragrances that you connect with a memory? Embarrassing/unchic or not, I’d love to hear!