In the sticks
The italians gave us Sophia Loren and Versace, so it's safe to say they know a thing or two about lust. This Valentine's Day, borrow a bit of that allure with Peonia Romantico, the latest limited-edition home fragrance from the Italian cult favorite perfumeria Antica Farmacista. Relaunched stateside nearly three years ago, the company found fans in one of Hollywood's reigning couples Will and Jada Pinkett Smith for its apothecary bottles filled with white birch reeds and steeped in essential oiles. Uncorking a bottle of Peonia Romantico, an olfactory "boy meets girl," may unleash Smith-level sex appeal, but it isn't likely to inspire the commitment they embody. The floral boque: of peony, rose and gardenia juxtaposed with clear notes of lime and hearty woods will only be around until May. Hopefully your valentine won't be so fleeting. $88 for 16.8 ounces, at Nordstrom. -Cory Ohlendorf