{random thoughts} The Smell of a New Purse

You buy a new designer purse.  You begin to question the amount you just spent for it.  You get home, open the canvas protector bag and out emerges absolute beauty and the aroma of brand new decadently soft leather.  A smile appears on your face as you caress your new love.

So what makes the smell of fresh leather on a brand new purse so intoxicating?  Does Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Fendi, Gucci or Coach infuse their creations with an invisible addictive chemical that makes you want to buy one, hold one and own one?  What is this soothing, therapeutic aroma that brings feelings of joy, excitement, accomplishment and pride?Thank the Limbic System of your brain.  This is the system that deals with both emotions and the processing of olfactory messages.  The natural smell and oils found in leather, especially well treated leathers like those in expensive designer purses, evoke and arouse a neurological response linking scent to pleasure.So, the next time you fall in love with the smooth rich tan of a Chloé tote, know that it’s not your lack of restraint forcing you to purchase it, blame the genetic programming of your brain which is sending messages of pleasure directly to your credit card!