Stéle — Local services in New York

Infuriating experience!! you have no idea what they really smell like, because you can only experience them through a ceramic disc that’s been sprayed god knows how many times, and they don’t let you test the scents any other way (on skin or on a test strip).

Great way to learn an expensive, non-returnable lesson!

I couldn’t read the handwritten label on a bottle so I picked it up just to read it and this salesgirl came down on me about not even touching the bottles.

They have the bottles out anyway and 20 security cameras on the shelves. It has nothing to do with theft. If you won’t let people smell the actual scent on their skin or a truly neutral surface before buying, you should also let them return it if they get it home and it smells nothing like 70 layers of drydown on a disc.

I find this store’s premise completely ridiculous. Even Aedes gives you a fresh spray of anything you ask for on a nice, labeled test card that you get to take home with you.

FULL DISCLOSURE - I’m also salty because they overcharged me for a bottle that was labeled for $30 less on the shelf, and when I asked why, they gave a vague bullshit answer about “tariffs.” Mind you the bottle is still listed on their site for $30 less...

This is my new favourite store. Stopped by yesterday and was completely blown away by the gorgeous space. This is a boutique for perfume lovers, to be sure, but anyone who appreciates art, beauty and attention to detail will enjoy perusing the marble shelves adorned with little vials of scented magic. The shop owner (I think he said it is his family’s business) Jake was so warm and welcoming. He spent the better part of an hour showing me around and taking me on a fantastical scent journey, and I never for a moment felt pressured to buy anything. You can also explore the scents by yourself — no need to have someone pull them out for you. This sets it apart from other perfume boutiques.

In addition to perfume, they have incense and candles, gorgeous marble perfume altars, and even some books. The store is just stunning to be in (see the attached pictures for a taste — it’s better in person).

All in all, Stéle truly creates the most enjoyable perfume shopping experience I’ve had, and I can’t...

I was transported to a totally calming and cool energy today. If you are in the Williamsburg area you must stop by Stéle.

The owner Jake hand curates beautifully unique and obscure perfumes. He loves what he does and really knows what he has, and has a wonderful intuition for your desires. This store is really for the person who knows and loves perfume. If you want a signature scent no one else will have, but everyone will ask about then come here. These scents are luxurious. If you like going to perfumeries like Campomarzio then you’ll love Stéle. Jake painted a picture of what the creators were looking to convey. It elevated the whole experience.

Jake was patient and kind. The energy in the store was immaculate. I left with a perfume that reflected my heritage and favorite notes Ortegia Sicilia. I am litterally in love and will make it a point to stop by whenever I am in town to try something new. Thank...