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Gucci Jordaan GG Blue Velvet Loafer Review

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Every once in a while, I will do reviews of other fashion products other than fragrances. Not too often, but it is something that I like to do, when I happen to purchase something that a lot of people are looking into. The Jordaan GG loafers by Gucci are one such designer product that I want to take a closer look at here. I purchased the blue velvet edition of these a few months back and will use this page to review and share my thoughts on them.

Reviewing Gucci Jordaan GG Blue Velvet Loafer

The Fit (Sizing)

Before, I get into anything else, I do want to talk sizing. With sneakers, I usually wear an 11.5-12, and there are many times that I’ll have to go with a wide version of a shoe.

So, I was pretty skeptical of Gucci’s sizing guide and initially ordered a Gucci 11 (11.5 US), despite their size guide telling me to get a 10.5 (11 US). They were correct.

I ended up having to return my initial pair in order to size down. These do run large, have an elongated toe, and no laces in order to tighten further. If it’s your first time ordering a pair (like it was for me), do stick to the Gucci sizing guide, as it is accurate.

Buy the Black GG Loafer at Saks: Black Gucci

Buy the Blue or Black from Gucci: Blue Gucci

It is confusing to wear a 10.5 Gucci, while it also says 11.5 for US sizing, but just go with it.

That being said, once I got the 10.5 size of the Jordaan’s on my feet, the fit was great. No sliding, but also not a complete pain to get on.

Unboxing GG Jordaan Loafers

Each loafer gets its own cloth covering and a canvas Gucci bag to store it in.

Here’s the individual cloth covering:

I do have a full unboxing video on my phone, but I cannot currently upload it to the site for some reason. I’ll try to sort that out and get it posted.

The Look

The main thing that attracted me to this version of the Jordaan was the Blue velvet. I loved the look matched with the beige GG monogram pattern.

It’s listed as beige, but actually does strike me more as a golden shade. The horsebit is gold and helps lend to that effect. Nonetheless, the beige GG looks like a pale gold or white gold.

The blue here is quite a deep and dark blue velvet.  The lighting in the pictures on Gucci’s website are also accurate. That’s exactly what I wanted, as many of the blue velvet shoes that I’ve come across, were always a much brighter shade.

On the back of the loafer there is a blue leather trim running vertically from the heel. The rest of the leather itself is a darker brown on the half inch heel and along the sides. While the bottom and interior of the shoe are a very light brown-orangish leather.

Pricing

The current price as of publishing is $920 per pair. This year’s price increase unfortunately happened, while I was waffling back and forth, as to whether I was going to buy a pair or not. I believe that the GG Jordaan’s had been about $840 before the increase.

The price for the black version is also the same. Though, that color is available from other stores which carry Gucci, while the blue is a Gucci exclusive. So, keep that in mind if you have any gift cards/discounts to other retailers.

Are Gucci loafers worth the price?

I’m not a Gucci fan boy. I don’t like a vast majority of their clothes and sneakers. However, I do seem to like a lot of the loafers. Obviously, you’re paying a premium for the brand name, but I don’t think it makes sense to buy unless you’re getting a unique style.

I wouldn’t pay the price for regular black or brown leather loafers, as their are plenty of other brands with the same look, for a fraction of the price.

The Jordaan loafers from Gucci, do seem to have unique patterns and colorways versus other designers. The blue velvet immediately jumped out to me and I wouldn’t mind having the black ones either.

That’s a lot of what I look for when jumping into a luxury designer purchase, long-term quality and something that has a pretty unique aesthetic. I don’t just want a giant logo plastered for full display, but I like the subtle GG pattern.

Cons of These Loafers

With blue velvet, there’s a time and a place to wear it. The color itself, presents more of a styling problem than the more ubiquitous black of the same style. Color coordination is a bit more limited with this blue.

Not a huge issue.

The velvet aspect does further limit the usability of the loafer. You need dry conditions, if you’re going to venture outside with them. Depending on where you live, that can be more of an issue.

Rain days, colder days, snow melt, wet walking areas, etc. Protecting the velvet takes more foresight than your average pair of shoes.

As such, these aren’t going to be daily wears for most of us. More of a statement piece. Is that statement piece in your collection worth $920? For me it was. I know I can make these last for as long as I want to

Guilty EDP Pour Femme by Gucci

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Closing out my reviews of the Guilty Pour Femme fragrances from Gucci, we have today’s entry, Guilty Eau de Parfum. This is an updated 2019 release, of what I’m pretty sure is a previous edition from the lineup. Anyway, I put this one through testing and wearing it around for a while. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Guilty Eau de Parfum Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, pink pepper, lilac, violet, geranium, rose, amber, and patchouli

My Full Review

Guilty EDP opens up with a fresh spice, citrus touches, and a greenish aroma with violet. The pink pepper and violet are very noticeable to me, up top. The lilac will have more of a role later, but it is somewhat present early.

The mandarin orange is the strongest of the citrus notes, but even upon first spraying, they never get top billing.

Guilty EDP starts to feel pretty cold early, with the powdery dose coming from the lilac. The cold freshness is part of the geranium, which seems pretty steady throughout the wear.

The pink pepper will subside, as will whatever citrus there may have been. The violet will lose its top spot, in favor of the lilac, that dominates the rest of the way. This becomes a soapier, less spicy aroma. Touches of rose and patchouli, but the violet and lilac are the main focus.

Less green, as it moves along. Still clean, blend of soapy/powdery, with a soft and pretty sweetness lying underneath.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is a bit better than that of the EDT. Though, it isn’t a great deal stronger. Both are slightly above average with how they project and how long they’ll leave a scent trail. Just neither is a massive perfume.

The EDT is about a 3-5 foot scent bubble for much of its wear. This one, is probably 4-6 or 7 feet at its peak. Nothing crazy, but it’s fine.

The longevity is also improved with the eau de parfum version of Guilty Femme. This Gucci can go up to 8 hours on my skin. Though, it’s more in the 6-7 hour range, most of the time. I did get a wear that seemed to stick around longer for whatever reason.

Seasonally, this one really shows its versatility. Like EDT, Guilty EDP is probably best in the springtime or in the autumn. It can, however, easily venture into summer and can even be a cold weather wear. Just not the bitter cold ones.

This is safe for the office, can go casual, or even more formal. Not the most refined scent, but it doesn’t feel out of place almost anywhere. Daytime, mostly.

But, there is something that is inherently attractive with this one. As such it can be worn on some evenings. Not necessarily the sexiest, but it’s got some beautiful facets.

Overall Impressions of Guilty EDP

Overall, do I like Guilty EDP? I do. It’s probably the fourth best in this line. I do prefer EDT slightly more than this in terms of how each smells. But, you get better performance with this higher concentration.

Absolute and Intense are my favorites on the women’s side of Guilty.

I’m not a huge fan of the greenish qualities early on. Violet is not a floral note, that I personally enjoy very much. I do, however, like the geranium and lilac in this one a whole lot. Sure, it’s what you get elsewhere in this line of scents, but it still manages to get my attention.

Even if it’s not my favorite from this line, EDP is still well worth checking out. If you happen to vibe more with this mix, you get the added performance bonus versus the EDT.

It’s pretty safe to blind buy, as I don’t think most people would hate this. But, I’d probably insist on getting a nice discount for a full bottle purchase.

Bloom Profumo di Fiori by Gucci

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Bloom has been a popular line of perfumes for Gucci over the past handful of years. I’ve been working my way through reviewing the entire series and am almost complete with what they’ve released, up to this point. Today’s entry is Bloom Profumo di Fiori, which was released in 2020. How does this one smell? How is it different? Is it worth trying out?

What does Bloom Profumo di Fiori Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, tuberose, sun-drenched wood, orris, benzoin, musk

Click here to try: Bloom Profumo di Fiori

profumo di fiori review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: Debuting within a visionary campaign set in a garden of dreams where magic blooms, Profumo di Fiori eau de parfum enters the world of Gucci Bloom—conceived by Alessandro Michele and created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. A radiant twist on the classic Gucci Bloom accord, Profumo di Fiori unleashes the addictive magnetism of Tuberose Essence, blended with Jasmine Sambac Closed Buds and Jasmine Sambac Absolute

This one does have a lot in common with the original Bloom, but takes things in a slightly different direction.

The opening really goes strong with the white floral notes. Jasmine and the Rangoon Creeper found in the others. However, the ‘sun-drenched wood’ accord here does really bring a bright and sunny feeling to Profumo di Fiori.

Creeper starts off the strongest to me. Then, the jasmine really kicks into overdrive for a long while.

Solar notes have become more common in fragrances over the past few years. With the blend of floral notes, this perfume does have a warm and somewhat buttery quality to it. In the early stages, at least.

Ylang-ylang comes in to further this trend. A nice yellow floral touch to the jasmine dominant mix.

The sandalwood stands out as the non-floral part of this early. Well, aside from that generic wood note, that is sun-drenched. Later, this gets muskier, not to a huge extent. Just, more noticeable than the woods.

As it dries down, the tuberose and the jasmine sort of split duties as the leading notes. Ultimately, more of the tuberose. The ylang-ylang sticks around somewhat, but whatever is left of the Rangoon Creeper has gone into oblivion it seems.

In the end, this is a sunny and upbeat white floral with bits of ylang-ylang, musk, and wood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one hits about the same level as the rest of the series. That being, pretty moderate, though slightly above average. The start does give you a fairly substantial projection off of the skin, but it isn’t massive.

It lasts for 5.5-7 hours, on me. Again, about in line with what you get from the Bloom lineup. The performance for all of them are decent, just not super long-lasting or completely beast mode with how they project.

Seasonally, it sticks to its heritage and gives you another wear for the spring and summer months. You’re not going to venture too far out of that time frame, but if it’s not too cold out, this would be fine.

Profumo gives you the same mostly daytime application of this style of this fragrance. Honestly, I’m surprised Gucci never really went for a bolder nightlife edition of Bloom, but this one doesn’t break the mold either.

Casual, work, and even something a bit more formal. Pleasant and attractive enough to receive complements and one of the more appealing perfumes of Bloom.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Bloom Profumo di Fiori

Overall, do I like Profumo di Fiori? Yes, it might be the best smelling of the Bloom series, in my opinion. It’s a pretty close call with Ambrosia, but this has the edge after testing each of them.

I really dig the woody notes here, the buttery quality of the early stages, and the ylang-ylang that has its time to shine. This is much less greenish or even aquatic feeling versus some of the other perfumes that have been released under this banner.

The dry down is more floral with the jasmine and tuberose taking over leading positions in the mix. Much closer to how the others are, but the balance is different.

You’re not going to get much difference in the performance with this one.

I can recommend giving this edition a try. If you’re a fan of the Gucci Bloom series, this is one that I’d try out first, if you want to narrow down the selections.

If you haven’t liked others in the series, this does share a lot of overlap. It’s the best smelling, but even the changes might not be enough to sway your opinion.

Flora Gorgeous Jasmine by Gucci

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Flora Gorgeous Jasmine is the latest flanker fragrance from the Flora line here in 2022. I’ve had a chance to try it out here recently, a fairly short time after testing Gorgeous Gardenia for the site. But, how does this one actually smell? Does it last a long time? Is this jasmine perfume even worth a try?

What does Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, mandarin, black pepper, jasmine, magnolia, Damask rose, benzoin, sandalwood, and patchouli

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfrum bursts with a radiant composition led by Grandiflorum Jasmine. Tender wreaths of noble Jasmine are transformed through extraction into the heart and spirit of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine, resulting in an enlightened expression of this precious flower. Blended with base notes of Sandalwood and Benzoin, its sensual notes create a skin imprint unique to the wearer.

Gorgeous Jasmine opens up with a bright burst of citrus surrounding the titular floral note. Bergamot is there, but I pick up more of the mandarin orange. It’s a bit watery, lightly green, with some fresh spice.

There’s apparently pepper here, which contributes to that opening bit of spice, but it is light and pretty darn short-lived.

The next phase, gets cleaner, almost has a musky quality to it. The jasmine is certainly dominant throughout the wear. But, that opening citrus has a nice little run near the top, and the magnolia also has its second place moment.

Any Damask rose that is here, must be getting outdone by that jasmine and magnolia, as I really don’t get any.

Soft and soapy clean/fresh, but with some sweetness there, before we transition to a sandalwood and patchouli infused base. Much more of the sandalwood, to my nose, versus the patchouli.

Finally, the only real noticeable difference, will be a bit of a resinous finish thanks to some benzoin. However, this one dries down like a jasmine shampoo thanks to the floral combination and the Australian sandalwood.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is above average. Gorgeous Jasmine is not at all a weak fragrance, but it’s also not an absolute bomb that’s going to take over a room.

It’ll mostly provide a solid scent bubble around the wearer, with some early projection ability, that can reach rather far from the skin itself.

This one also has fairly good longevity, not elite, but it’s another aspect of this Gucci perfume which is above average. Somewhere around 8 hours on me, before it finally fades away entirely.

Seasonally, this is an obvious choice for the spring and summer months. The floral aspects, the citrus, the cleanliness all combine to make it a warm weather wear. Moderate to warmer temperatures is when it’s at its best, probably skip wearing it at the extremes.

This is a daily wear. Casual, work, semi-formal. It’s pretty and attractive, but not a sexy date night fragrance or one for the nightlife. Much more of a subtle and easy to wear perfume versus something that is going to scream for attention.

Overall Impressions of Gorgeous Jasmine

Overall, do I like Flora Gorgeous Jasmine? I do. It’s not the best or most ‘naturalistic’ smelling jasmine scent out there. However, it still is quite good for what it is.

The mandarin orange and the light spice add some dynamic qualities to this fragrance. I enjoy the opening act a lot. The dry down is where you really get into the jasmine, joined by a sandalwood note, and general soapy clean aroma.

It doesn’t blow my socks off, but I enjoyed Jasmine the whole way through. It gives you a worthy performance and an opportunity to wear it in a variety of situations.

If you’re a jasmine fan or just want a nice mainstream floral perfume, this is a good one to check out. Might be a little on the expensive side for what it is, but it also isn’t a complete ripoff or anything.

Guilty EDP Intense Pour Femme by Gucci

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Gucci Guilty fragrances keep on getting churned out year after year for both men and women. For 2022, the Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme version was released. Besides practicing the long name, I wanted to try out this scent and see if it was a worthwhile addition to the women’s line up. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Guilty Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: mandora, litchi, violet, plum, tuberose, ylang-ylang, vanilla, patchouli, and vetiver

Click here to try: Guilty EDP Intense

guilty edp intense review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: The new vision elevates the scent to higher levels of intensity for those looking for a declaration of love free from the rules and definitions of society. Designed to act as emblems of the connection between like-minded, eccentric lovers, Gucci Guilty Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme is an Ambery Floral Woody fragrance that rewrites the Gucci Guilty Pour Femme signature’s essential core.

With notes of mandora, plum, and litchi; I was expecting this Guilty fragrance to open up quite fruity. Sure, the notes are there, but it never has that intense explosion of these notes.

I mostly get the plum and the orange juiciness of the mandora. This is a darker and richer perfume versus being super bright and candy-like sweet.

I think that the patchouli really helps to temper the fruits and add depth to the composition overall. Ylang-ylang is the main floral note that I pick up on early in the wear, along with some violet.

The violet ends up stronger, but really doesn’t present itself too much on my skin, in the early stages of this scent. That being said, it isn’t ever dominant. Guilty EDP Intense is pretty balanced in how the notes come across. Which is good for me, since I’m not a huge violet fan.

The final dry down is a plumy patchouli with touches of vanilla and a general floral aroma. I can’t really pick out the violet, tuberose, or ylang-ylang individually at this point.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This Guilty starts off with a strong blast that produces a very noticeable scent trail in one’s wake. That opening hour can be pretty loud, so, watch your sprays in certain situations.

However, it doesn’t stay that way forever. Actually, it’ll become pretty moderate and then light, about midway through the wear. So, it’s bold up front, with a high initial peak.

EDP Intense lasts in the 8-9.5 hour range. It never went double digits for me, but it’s still really good and probably the top performer in this series.

The first 2-3 hours give you that stronger sillage and projection. The back two-thirds is gradually softer, until it is basically a skin scent for the last two or so.

Seasonally, it’ll be best in the autumn and winter months. Depending on where you live, it might be able to sneak some time in the spring, but that won’t be the case for everyone.

Less of a daily wear out of this Gucci, since it does have a period of being ‘Intense’. But, this could absolutely serve as something for the nightlife, dates, etc. It’s got a sensuous aroma and is attractive.

It’s sort of old school, with a modern twist. Mature, but not old and stuffy. Yet, it has the sort of refined character to allow it to be worn on more formal occasions.

Overall Impressions of Guilty EDP Intense

Overall do I like EDP Intense? Yes, I do. It’s definitely one of the best from the women’s Guilty line. I think that it’s second best behind Absolute, but not too far behind.

I really like it when a plum note gets to shine. The floral notes aren’t too overwhelming, especially the violet which can be bothersome. Not here, though. This is well done, giving you a sweetness and nice patchouli, with a balance.

The performance is very good, bordering on great. It’ll last for a long enough time and not completely go skin scent mode, after an hour. So, plenty of time to enjoy this one.

It might not be a good option for everyone. But, I do think that it is very much worth a try. Sort of safe as a blind buy, but if it sounds iffy to you, hold off on getting the full bottle until you sample it first.