Alternative to C&S Oxford and Cambridge?

[drunkentester]

I love the simplicity of C&S' Oxford and Cambridge, but can't justify the $120 for a bottle of cologne that is basically a very one-dimensional lavender with some mint notes.

Does anyone else know of anything else that is similar but more affordable?

Thanks!

--D

[Jim]

One option is Atkinsons lavender Cologne, much drier and less camphor than the C&S.

[drunkentester]

Thanks Jim! I'll look into it.

--D

[Master-Classter]

I like the C&S one too but also find it a little too simple. Part of the appeal to me is it's simplicity and well matched "mint" and "lavendar", but the price also seemed a bit too high for me. There's a whole basenotes.net thread about lavenders...

[joshmpdx]

I haven't tried it, but it looks like Caldey Island may fit the bill.

[kingfisher]

Speaking of basenotes, can anyone tell me why I can't find a review of Oxford and Cambridge? It's like the cologne doesn't exist at all.

[Master-Classter]

^^^ This one? http://www.basenotes.net/ID26121849.html

[Evbo]

I love O&C -- huge fan here. I also love Caldey Island's lavender.

Other than the fact that they both feature lavender as the main attraction, you really can't compare the two. O&C is a well-blended, bracing fragrance. Lavender, mint, rosemary ... to my mind, it's a perfect post-shave companion to Nancy Boy's Signature cream. The Caldey Island lavender, by contrast, is just that: lavender, and nothing else. High quality to be sure but still, a single-note lavender. And on me, the Caldey Island lavender is completely gone within about 45 minutes whereas the O&C lingers all day long.

[Evbo]

^^^ This one? http://www.basenotes.net/ID26121849.html

Thanks for sending that link! It led me to explore John Stephen's other scent offerings, some of which are my absolute faves -- C&S's Neroli & #88 -- which in turn led me to Cotswold Perfumery's website, which in turn led me to order a small bottle of their Amber cologne. I've had bad experiences buying blind before, and maybe I'll hate this, but the guy's crafted 3 of my favorite frags. How bad could it be?

[in the know]

Caron Pour Un Homme.

Lavender lasts a couple of hours, then turns into Vanilla.

[HoratioCaine]

Honestly, I haven't smelled anything that reasonably emulates Oxford & Cambridge. Some lavender options that are still worth checking into, though, are those by Trumper, D.R. Harris, Atkinsons (as mentioned), Puig, and Caldey Island*. Santa Maria Novella is also a great one, but it is in the same price bracket as the Czech & Speake.

*Caldey Island is the only one of these I have not tried, but it gets strong recommendations by those who have.