Miller Harris: Étui Noir
We’ve had a streak of unseasonably warm days in Colorado with the temperature over 60 degrees in the afternoon. It feels therapeutic to sit outside and soak in the sunshine after a long, dark winter. I’ve also been pulling out some lighter, more warm weather scents too. I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about Miller Harris Étui Noir before the warm weather is here for good though. It does wear beautifully on these mild days and I’ve worn it at least two to three times a week, for about three months.
Winter can be challenging for me with its short days and long nights. The sun setting at 4 o’clock, or an overcast, snowy day can really alter my mood. It feels like the coldness seeps into my bones and stays there until the first spring birds start singing. I have learned to appreciate Winter a little more this year, much easier given that I am not commuting 30 miles back and forth to work. Anyone who drives in the snow during their commute will be the first to tell you how unglamorous winter snow is. Snuggling under a blanket during Winter is much more satisfying than when it’s 100 degrees outside. Hot coffee is even more appreciated when it’s a frosty morning. And the joy of not having to go anywhere when it snows has not escaped me.
I keep reaching for Étui Noir because I am seeking comfort in any way I can. I can’t imagine I’m the only one who would like would like to hug my best friend, or go into a store and not spend the whole time dodging other shoppers and making sure there’s enough space between us. Étui Noir is very calming for me to wear and very cozy too. It’s complexity keeps me thinking about it all day as I wear it, and takes my mind of the monotony of days at home. It’s intellectually stimulating, but comforting all at the same time.
Étui Noir has notes of vetiver, incense and leather, but has sunny tangerine and bergamot in the top. The cashmere woods smells sweet and whipped cream like, which is the addictive part for me. (Thanks to my friend Suzy for helping me figure out how to describe cashmere woods!) It’s the smell of freshly whipped cream, that someone has added vanilla bean paste too, giving it a slightly spiced scent. The incense helps intensify this deep spicy scent and the vetiver adds some smoke. The leatheriness of this is made so much more complex with these additional notes. It’s one of those fragrances that where I keep sniffing all day, and getting a different note every time.
This is difficult to get ahold of in the US. I have found a couple of retailers that will ship it to me here, but with outrageous shipping cost. It’s completely understandable why the shipping costs are so high, but I really want to add a full size bottle of this to my collection! If you live somewhere where Miller Harris is easily accessible and you are looking for a new perfume, I would highly recommend getting a sample of this! Miller Harris has become one of my favorite perfume brands over the last year and I urge to check out more of their fragrances!
