Agarwood is a scent that belongs to the deep dark of winter. It is a rare and resinous oil that forms in the heartwood of the aquilaria tree – a large evergreen found in southeast Asia. Agarwood – often called the “wood of the Gods” – only forms when the tree is infected with a specific type of mold, which turns the pale, fibrous heartwood into a chamber of dense and aromatic black resin.

The rarity of this essential oil makes it one of the most sought after ingredients in designer fragrances. Luckily, my dear friend Caitlyn Davies of Intentions Perfumery is a master perfumer and has created some of the most commanding, intoxicating blends from this precious essence.

I feel so incredibly drawn to this rich, heady oil when the bitterest months are upon us – I find comfort in its earthy complexity. It is a smell that conjures up visions of thick, moss-covered soil and the barren bushes of December…with their lovely, twisting shapes and ochre-hued branches.

How befitting of a winter aroma, to be born from an infectious mold that settles into the heart of its host until the host begrudgingly accepts its presence and finds a way to create something beautiful from the unfortunate pestilence…..not unlike the aquilaria tree, I seek ways to strike the mold from my heart that festers there during the fleeting daylight hours and frigid, brittle air of the long, dark, Idaho winter.

About the outfit: Admittedly, the majority of the items I am wearing are fairly low quality – made of synthetic materials and from the likes of Express and J Crew. But, when paired with such finery as this incredible wool jacket – a vintage ’70’s era piece by Giorgio Armani (found at a thrift store for a mere $10) and some stunning pieces of jewelry from my great-grandmother, Edith Lawrence, this outfit becomes classy and elegant.

The beaded necklace is a strand of opals my great-grandmother picked up in Cairo in 1902. They are incredibly unique, and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The other is a 1920’s era jet necklace, also owned by Edith.

The incredible fire of these opals is difficult to capture in a photograph, but I love how well this photo shows the beautiful detailing of this Armani jacket. Here’s to intoxicating aromas, fine wool, and fiery opals – they help stoke the embers of the heart during the coldest months.

Photo credits this week go to the lovely Bethany Walter, and yours truly for the Photoshop magic.