WHAT I SMELL:  Miriam’s opening is comprised of sweet bergamot and light aldehydes which are quickly met with warmed geranium.  Immediately, Miriam feels old school with a distinctive make-up, lipstick and violet laced presence.  I was expecting the opening to be lighter and more powdery. Instead, it’s a smooth almost honeyed mix of florals accentuated at first by violet, but then with rose and jasmine.  Suprisingly restrained, the perfume provides an aura of self-assuredness and strength, while maintaining its femininity. Even though it feels nostalgic, there’s nothing sweet or innocent in the perfume.  After around 10 minutes, a deeper projection of sandalwood and what feels like a tinge of civet, continues to bring a more woody confidence to this beautiful perfume.  After 20 minutes, Miriam begins to project.  The warmth of the opening, moves toward a dry and powdery mix of lavender and orris root.  In fact, when sniffed, the dryness pulls the wet out of my throat and nose.  In the end, you’re left with a powdered puff of violet laced haze of a perfume.  And even though there’s a quiet confidence in Miriam that is all woman, there’s no messing with this in control no-nonsense beauty.

From the Tableau de Parfums website:

Miriam references the heady, diffusive fragrances of the thirties and forties.  It is vintage in spirit but with a contemporary character.  A fragrance constructed in the tradition of classic perfumery, Miriam is the kind of fragrance they don’t make much anymore.

Notes: bergamot, sweet orange, geranium, violet blossom, rose, jasmine, ylang, violet leaf, lavender, vanilla, orris root, sandalwood.

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  A 1940’s Joan Crawford; in-between all woman and all out dame.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE MIRIAM: nostalgic, confident, captivating

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MIRIAM: Bonkers About Perfume, EauMG, Persolaise

BOTTOM LINE:  The sample has been sitting on my office desk for a few days now and when I walk in the room, the fragrance lingers within the confines of the room.  It reminds me of my mother when I was a child when I would walk in my parents bedroom and I could still smell the powder and the lipstick from the evening before.  Miriam is like a lovely dream from the past.  Recently I reviewed Chanel’s Misia which has a similar makeup vibe; Miriam is much more my cup of tea.

• Bone Rating: 4.5 out of possible 5 bones
• Scent: Floral Aldehyde
• Nose: Andy Tauer
• Classification: Feminine
• Expense: $165 for 50 ml Eau de Parfum and $40 for 7 ml purse spray (I love that option!)