This past weekend, I slipped on open-toe sandals for the first time in 2009. I clipped the tags off of my new blue-and-white stripe-y Michael Kors tank, and I bought fresh flowers for my apartment.

That first deep breath of spring was in the air, and I was feeling it with a capital F.

If there were a way to bottle the initial excitement of the season, I would. But fortunately, a few perfumers have already gone to the trouble. I asked Tania Sanchez, co-author of the controversial book, Perfumes: The Guide, to let me know which scents are spring, uncorked.

If you're familiar with the book - a compendium of about 1,500 fragrance reviews - you'll know that Sanchez and her co-author, Luca Turin, don't mince words. And since I'm all high on sunshine, I'm only sharing the fragrances she has nice things to say about. (Beauty publicists, you can breathe a collective sigh of relief.)

Guerlain Apres L'Ondée. What's cheaper than a Monet, but just as pretty? This fragrance, apparently. "The name means 'after the rain shower.' It's the perfect pastel portrait of a clean, new world via mimosa and iris." $107; call 212. 872.2734

Guerlain Chamade. Guerlain doesn't always do delicate. Sanchez says Chamade's powerful combination of black currant, hyacinth, and rose is "not for wallflowers." But it's spring - show off a little, already. $120

Chanel Cristalle. "It's a bitchy green floral," says Sanchez, of this clear, sparkling blend. "Like that redhead from 'Desperate Housewives.'" Whoa. Marcia Cross, watch yo' back. $70

Gucci Envy. With clear notes of hyacinth, magnolia, and jasmine, this modern classic has "a cold-blooded crispness," says Sanchez, "like when the last winter winds blow through the crocuses." Ooh, a spring fragrance teetering on the edge? Love it. $45

Missoni. "It's deceptive," says Sanchez. "It cycles through anisic freshness, white florals, and soft chocolate sweetness." I like to think of this as a spring fragrance for nice girls who are way more interesting than they seem. $60