Dream date in Portland, Oregon. Scent.

I’m wearing a favorite dress from Rodarte — with a veil. Because when in Portland, if you have a veil, wear it. He’s in jeans and SZA t-shirt, which makes perfect sense to me.

Dinner is at Ringside Steakhouse, open since 1944. Leather booths, low light, the smell of dry-aged beef, bourbon and good evenings. We order steaks and our cocktails arrive — a Black Manhattan for me, a Sidecar for him.

I have a scent on my wrist.

Make it stand out

Jasmine, citrus, lavender, a hint of vanilla. I lift my wrist and inhale before I take a sip of my Manhattan. I love trying to lock a memory in place. The leather of the booth. The cold glass. The candlelight. Conversation. Scent is the sense that writes directly to memory, and I like to remember these nights.

The steaks arrive. They are delicious.

Make it stand out

Afterward, we head to The Driftwood Room at The Hotel Deluxe to meet friends. Swanky in the best possible way. The bar glows with a warmth of great lighting. Someone orders Absinthe for the table. The whole place has a quiet, stylish energy. Portland.

I lift my wrist again.

Jasmine. Citrus. Lavender. Vanilla + the licorice from Absinthe.