Quick Verdict

By the Fireplace edges out Born in Roma in my book, but only if you want a truly distinctive, moody scent. Born in Roma is a safe, sophisticated choice for everyday glamour, while By the Fireplace is an experience: woodsy, sweet, and smoky. If you’re after compliments and versatility, go Born in Roma. If you want a signature scent that smells like a memory, go By the Fireplace.

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Scent Profile Compared

The two perfumes couldn’t be more different. By the Fireplace opens with a burst of pink pepper and orange blossom, but within minutes it settles into its signature: a warm, smoky chestnut accord with clove oil, cashmeran, and guaiac wood. It’s like sitting by a bonfire in a cashmere sweater, sweet but not cloying, with a real campfire smokiness.

Born in Roma is a floral amber gourmand. Top notes are bright bergamot, blackcurrant, and a touch of pink pepper. The heart is jasmine and gardenia, very feminine and lush. The base is vanilla, tonka bean, and a soft white musk. It’s sweet and creamy, more grown-up than a typical fruity floral, but far safer than By the Fireplace. Where By the Fireplace is a photorealistic scene, Born in Roma is a polished red-carpet scent.

On the dry-down, By the Fireplace retains its smoky sweetness but becomes softer, with the cashmeran and musk warming up. Born in Roma’s jasmine and vanilla linger, becoming powderier and more intimate. If you like unique, challenging scents, By the Fireplace wins. If you want something pretty and inoffensive, Born in Roma.

Longevity and Sillage

By the Fireplace has moderate longevity, I get about 4-6 hours on skin, longer on clothes. The sillage is moderate to soft; it’s not a beast mode perfume. It projects for the first hour, then becomes a skin scent. Born in Roma lasts similarly, around 5-7 hours, with slightly better projection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that people will smell from a few feet away for the first two hours, then it settles closer.

Neither is a powerhouse. But By the Fireplace’s softer sillage fits its cozy vibe, while Born in Roma’s moderate projection makes it ideal for office or dinner. If you want lasting power, reapply By the Fireplace after lunch; Born in Roma holds up a bit longer.

Best Occasions and Seasons

By the Fireplace is strictly a cold-weather scent, autumn and winter. It’s perfect for: evenings by the fire, holiday parties, intimate dates, or whenever you want to feel wrapped in warmth. It’s too heavy for summer or daytime office. Born in Roma is more versatile: it works for day or night, spring through fall. It’s a great date night or going-out scent, but also subtle enough for work if you go easy on the sprays. In winter, it feels warm; in summer, it can be a bit heavy, but many wear it year-round.

My rule: Wear By the Fireplace when you want to be unforgettable and moody; wear Born in Roma when you need a reliable, sexy scent for any occasion.

Price and Value

Both are designer-priced, but By the Fireplace often feels more unique per spray, you’re paying for a concept. Born in Roma is a more standard floral amber, so you pay for quality but not novelty. Check current prices on Amazon or Sephora to see which fits your budget. By the Fireplace is sometimes cheaper for the 100ml, but Born in Roma has more frequent sales. Neither is cheap, but both deliver on quality. If you like signature scents, By the Fireplace offers more value for its distinctiveness. If you prefer a versatile workhorse, Born in Roma is better value per wear.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy By the Fireplace if: you love smoky, woody gourmands, want a conversation starter, live in a cold climate, or prize uniqueness over versatility. It’s a masterpiece of atmosphere.

Buy Born in Roma if: you need a date-night staple, want something that pleases almost everyone, or prefer a classic floral-amber combo. It’s safe but stunning.

If you can, own both. But if you’re choosing one: By the Fireplace for the bold, Born in Roma for the classic.