Gardenia of Eden — Marc Jacobs Gardenia Splash

I’ve always been fascinated by gardenias. Maybe it’s because I love Billie Holiday’s music so much, and we all know Lady Day was as known for her melancholy-laden lyrics and heartfelt crooning (now, she could make a song cry) as she was for the luscious white gardenias she always wore tucked above her left ear (she occasionally wore orchids or other white flowers, but gardenias were her blossom of choice). If you’re interested in how she first started wearing her signature accessory, check out this article — it’s pretty interesting.

Those who believe different flowers harness different kinds of energy and therefore convey different messages claim that gardenias say “You’re lovely” or allude to “a secret love.” I can’t speak to its mystical significance, but I can say that I find gardenias to be some of the most magical, sweetly intoxicating flowers in existence.

And, to that end, what’s not to love about Marc Jacobs’ Gardenia Splash? It’s refreshing, feminine, and yes, it will make people think you’re lovely.

Marc Jacobs Gardenia Splash, $68. Exclusively at Nordstrom.