By the Fireplace Clones

"### Notes & Nuances Ameer Al Oudh Intense throws you headfirst into a crackling fireplace. The opening is a spicy warmth; pink pepper and clove battle the sweeter orange blossom for dominance. It's a decent imitation of By the Fireplace, hitting about 75% of the original's smoky sweetness. However, the chestnut accord here leans slightly synthetic, less roasted nuts, more…chestnut flavoring. The drydown is where it really shines. The cashmeran and vanilla create a comforting, fuzzy blanket. Peru Balsam adds a grounding resinous touch. It loses some of the original's sophisticated smokiness in the base, becoming sweeter and less complex. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is impressive. I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, creating a nice personal bubble before settling closer to the skin. Not a beast, but present. ### Final Thoughts Ameer Al Oudh Intense captures the cozy vibe of By the Fireplace without the hefty price tag. Yes, it has a slightly synthetic edge, especially in the opening. However, the drydown is beautiful and the performance is strong. If you want that fireside feeling without dropping serious cash, this is a great option. Buy this if you like curling up with a book by the fire on a budget."

"### Olfactory Experience "A Sweet Pastry in Paris" evokes a specific mood: cozy contentment. It's a fireplace fantasy, toned down for daily wear. The opening is where it veers off from By the Fireplace. The pink pepper is amped up and gives a sharper, slightly synthetic edge. Less smoky, more spicy. The heart offers a comforting chestnut accord but lacks the nuanced, smoky guaiac of the original. Dries down to a vanillic, slightly powdery base with a pleasant cashmeran hug. Overall, about 84% there. The missing 84% is that photorealistic smoky depth. ### Projection Power Longevity is surprisingly good for a Zara fragrance. Expect 5-6 hours on skin, longer on clothes. Projection is moderate; sits closer to the skin after the initial blast. This isn't a room filler, but a personal comfort scent. ### Is it Worth It? If you crave the By the Fireplace vibe but balk at the price, this is a worthy alternative. Just be aware of the slight synthetic touch in the opening. This is perfect for the person who likes to curl up with a book and a warm drink. It doesn't scream luxury, but it whispers "content." But for everyday comfort, "A Sweet Pastry in Paris" hits the spot ."

"### The Scent Profile Ameer Al Oudh Intense Oud opens with a surprisingly bright pink pepper and a whisper of orange blossom, unlike the smoky wood of By the Fireplace. The clove is definitely present, giving a spicy warmth. The heart leans heavily on the chestnut, but it's noticeably synthetic. The guaiac wood emerges, though somewhat muted compared to the original's intensely smoky essence. The dry down of cashmeran and vanilla attempts to replicate the cozy feel, but the Peru balsam adds a slightly medicinal edge. It's about 80% similar to By the Fireplace but lacks its refined, authentic smokiness. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is impressive. Expect 6-8 hours on skin and even longer on clothes. Projection is moderate for the first two hours, then settles into a comfortable skin scent. Perfect for those who enjoy a closer, more personal fragrance. The synthetic elements are noticeable, but for the cost, it's a decent compromise. Ideal for students, those new to fragrance, or anyone who wants a casual, cozy scent for everyday wear. But for a quick fix, this clone gets the job done."

"### Notes & Nuances Maison de Soir evokes the feeling of a warmly lit cabin after a day on the slopes. The pink pepper opening provides an initial burst, a playful nip against the sweetness of orange blossom. Clove adds a touch of spice, a prelude to the heart. The chestnut note isn't as photorealistic as in By the Fireplace; it's less roasted, more candied. Guaiac wood brings a smoky veneer, but juniper adds a slightly medicinal edge that the original avoids. Drydown centers on cashmeran and vanilla, creating a soft, comforting blanket. The Peru balsam grounds the sweetness, preventing it from becoming cloying. It's 95% similar to the original, with the juniper twist being the main divergence. ### Projection Power Longevity is decent, hovering around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, creating a personal scent bubble before settling closer to the skin. Don't expect to fill a room. It's a comforting skin scent for close encounters. ### The Verdict Maison de Soir captures the essence of By the Fireplace . The slight synthetic edge is noticeable upon close inspection, but easily forgivable considering the price. If you crave the cozy, fireside vibe without the luxury price tag, this is a worthy alternative. Skip the original unless hyper-realism and brand prestige are paramount. This one’s for the homebody with a subtle rebellious streak."

"### Olfactory Experience Majd Al Sultan throws you straight into a cozy cabin. The pink pepper and clove give a spiced warmth, less smoky than By the Fireplace, more… festive. Orange blossom is an unusual touch, adding a sliver of brightness. The heart follows quickly with a roasted chestnut accord, quite similar to the original. Guaiac wood lends a smoky, slightly medicinal feel. Juniper pokes through, adding a touch of green. The drydown is where it veers off. Cashmeran provides a soft, almost fluffy texture, with vanilla smoothing out the rough edges. It's less intensely smoky, more subtly sweet. Compared to By the Fireplace, it captures about 90% of the vibe. ### Is it Worth It? Majd Al Sultan is for the person who wants the *idea* of a fireside scent without the full commitment. It’s for the quiet introvert who enjoys a subtle comforting aura. It's a good clone. Are there some synthetic edges? Yes. Are they dealbreakers at this price? Absolutely not. If you like the By the Fireplace vibe but find the price tag intimidating, this is a smart buy. The original is a masterpiece, but this gets you close enough . Unless you *need* every last nuance, save your money. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is respectable. You'll get a solid 6-7 hours. Projection is moderate; a noticeable scent bubble for the first hour or two, then it settles closer to the skin. Definitely not a room filler."

"### Scent Breakdown Bohemian Oud opens with a pink pepper and orange blossom accord; a decent, if slightly sharper, rendition of By the Fireplace's initial smoky sweetness. The clove adds a spicy warmth. The heart leans heavily into a roasted chestnut note, similar to the original, but with a noticeable addition of juniper. This creates a slightly more coniferous and less purely gourmand feel. Guaiac wood provides a smoky backbone, though it lacks the nuanced depth of Margiela's birch tar. The dry down features cashmeran and vanilla, aiming for that cozy, slightly powdery effect. Peru balsam adds a resinous quality. However, the vanilla leans synthetic, missing the smooth complexity of the original. I would estimate the similarity to By the Fireplace at around 84%. The added juniper and slightly synthetic vanilla are the key differentiators. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is moderate. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. A second application might be necessary to get you through a full day. While the juniper note and synthetic vanilla give away its clone status, the overall impression of roasted chestnuts and smoky woods is present. If you enjoy the *idea* of By the Fireplace but find the price prohibitive, this is worth a try. However, if you crave the refined nuances and higher quality ingredients of the original, save your money. This is for the casual enthusiast, not the discerning collector."

"### Conclusion It captures the essence of the original . It's perfect for cozy nights in, casual fall and winter days, and might even work for a relaxed date. If you crave ultra-high quality ingredients and smoothness, stick with the original. But for everyday wear? Ace of Spades is a smart choice. ### The Scent Profile Ace of Spades nails the "By the Fireplace" vibe, but with some budget constraints. The opening is a blast of sweet, smoky clove with a hint of orange. It mimics the cozy, crackling fire effect nicely, though it has a slightly synthetic edge compared to the original's smoother opening. The heart brings in that roasted chestnut and guaiac wood, creating a warm, woody sweetness. I would say this is about 80% close to the original scent profile. The main difference is the quality of the ingredients; Margiela's version smells more refined. The drydown is where it shines, the cashmeran and vanilla blend together and create a slightly powdery base that is sweet and comforting. ### The Performance Stats The performance is respectable . I get about 5-6 hours on my skin with moderate projection for the first hour, settling closer to the skin after that. It's definitely noticeable, but not overpowering. You might want to re-apply during the workday if you want it to last all day."

"### Olfactory Experience Maison du Soir opens with a surprisingly bright pink pepper and orange blossom accord – a bit sharper than By the Fireplace's initial smokiness. The clove adds a spicy warmth, hinting at the cozy core to come. The heart leans heavily into the chestnut and guaiac wood. It's a convincing fireplace effect, though it lacks the smooth, almost marshmallowy quality of the original's vanilla. The juniper adds a slight aromatic edge that's not as prominent in By the Fireplace, making it a tad more masculine. The drydown is where it gets closest, with cashmeran providing a soft, comforting base layered with vanilla and a slightly resinous Peru balsam. Overall, it captures about 95% of the original's vibe. There's a slight synthetic tinge present, especially in the opening, but it fades. ### Is it Worth It? Maison du Soir is a solid option if you crave the By the Fireplace vibe without the hefty price tag. While not a perfect match, it's remarkably close. The slight synthetic edge is noticeable but forgivable considering the value. If you want the most hyper-realistic, luxurious version of this scent profile, the original is worth the splurge. Ideal for those who like to curl up with a book and a glass of something warm. ### Performance Reality Check Longevity is decent. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin. Projection is moderate for the first 2 hours, then it settles into a comfortable skin scent. Don't expect to fill a room, but it creates a nice personal bubble of warmth."

"### The Scent Profile Camp Fire by Paris Corner attempts to replicate By the Fireplace, and achieves approximately 89% accuracy. The opening presents a noticeable pink pepper note, sharper than the original's smoother clove and orange blossom blend. There's a distinct synthetic edge here that dissipates within the first 15 minutes. The heart showcases the promised chestnut and guaiac wood. The chestnut is present, but lacks the nuanced, slightly caramelized sweetness of the original. The guaiac wood offers a smoky facet, but reads a bit more linear. Juniper provides a slightly camphorous lift that wasn't present in the original. The base aims for cashmeran and vanilla, creating a comforting warmth. Peru balsam adds a resinous depth but is less prominent than I'd prefer. ### Is it Worth It? Camp Fire offers a reasonable approximation of By the Fireplace . The synthetic opening and slightly less complex heart are trade-offs for the lower price point. If you enjoy the concept of a smoky, sweet fragrance and want an affordable option, this is a worthwhile purchase. The original offers superior ingredient quality and a smoother, more refined experience. If you are very sensitive to synthetic smells, steer clear. If not, this is an excellent value alternative. ### How Long Does it Last? Longevity is moderate; expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. Sillage is arm's length. This isn't a powerhouse."

"### Conclusion This is a solid clone . If you enjoy By the Fireplace but find the price prohibitive, Olfactory Bonfire is a worthwhile alternative. However, be aware of the slightly synthetic feel, especially in the guaiac wood and cashmeran. It's a good fragrance for cozy evenings, but not a perfect replacement. If price is your main constraint, you will be happy. ### Olfactory Experience Olfactory Bonfire opens with a pink pepper and orange blossom accord. The clove is present, but more subdued than in Maison Margiela's By the Fireplace. The heart focuses on a sweet, slightly lactonic chestnut note, typical of the original. Guaiac wood attempts to bring the smoky element, but the synthetic edge is more pronounced here. Juniper adds a faint, slightly green counterpoint. The drydown is where it deviates most. Cashmeran dominates, creating a fuzzy warmth. Vanilla is dialed up, making it sweeter. Peru Balsam offers a resinous base. Overall, I would rate it around 85% similar. The difference lies in the smoothness and complexity; this is less nuanced. ### Longevity & Projection Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. It's noticeable, but not overpowering."

"### Conclusion If you're looking for a By the Fireplace experience without the hefty price tag, Camp Fire is a solid choice. The synthetic edge in the base is noticeable if you're really looking for it, but most people won't pick up on it. This is a great option for cozy evenings and casual wear during the colder months. Buy it if you like sitting by the fire, but don't have one. ### The Scent Profile Camp Fire by Emir's Factory Edition aims for By the Fireplace, and gets pretty darn close. The opening hits you with that familiar pink pepper and a slightly brighter orange blossom than the original. There's a clove note that’s a tad more prominent, giving it a touch of spice upfront. The heart is where it truly shines. That roasted chestnut vibe is there, blended with guaiac wood. It's cozy and comforting, although you can tell it's not quite as smooth around the edges as the MMM offering. The drydown brings vanilla and cashmeran forward. I'd say it’s 85% similar, the main difference being a slight synthetic twang in the base that the original avoids. ### Wear time & Sillage Longevity is surprisingly decent. I get around 6-7 hours on my skin, with moderate projection for the first two hours before settling closer. It's not a room-filler, which, honestly, is a good thing for this type of scent. Perfect for personal enjoyment."