If  you're anything like me, a stop at the Jo Malone display is a must when passing through the beauty floor of any department store. I love sniffing the new fragrances and coming up with new combinations of the existing ones. Plus, the simple buttercream-and-black packaging and subdued ambiance is such a welcome respite from the melange of colors and smells around you.

The brand's latest, English Pear & Freesia, might just be the perfect fragrance for early fall.

Inspired by John Keats' ode "To Autumn," the fragrance is built around the experience of a pear, from the first crisp, starchy bite into the skin, to the creamy, juicy center. The opening is simultaneously tart, crisp and  powdery (maybe a little rhubarb in there? Yes! The press release confirms). It smells remarkably the way the first bite of a pear tastes.

The fragrance evolves into a juicy mix of honey, fruit and woods that's deliciously rich. I want to wear this all the time, even in Hawaii where autumn will never arrive.

The drydown reminds me quite a bit of Narciso Rodriguez for Her, which makes sense -- the same perfumer, Christine Nagel, is the nose behind both fragrances. It has the same warm woods/honey/musk quality of Narciso, Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bond No. 9 West Side. If you like any of those, English Pear & Freesia should be on your list as a must-try.

As for combining with other scents, Jo Malone suggests Orange Blossom for a fresh take, Vetyver for a spicy edge, and Black Vetyver Cafe for masculine depth.

The 30ml and 100ml colognes are available now, and I'm looking forward to Body Creme, Body & Hand Wash, and a Home Candle in November. Just in time for Thanksgiving!