all stores I have seen the 2.5oz size, it is always $135. where did $85 come from. is this a knockoff?

The item is 100% authentic. The retail price is $135.00 however we are not a retail store. We only sell online and do not have the overhead of a retail store therefore we are able to sell at a discount as do many others on Amazon.

what is the smell like??

Barbara Herman describes this as a complex sweet floral drying to woods, balancing fruit and white florals.I find this to be an accurate description. It is well rounded and subtly combined. There is an old world softness to it. The gardenia is subtle but there at the heart.Too feminine for my tastes, but nonetheless a very nice floral bouquet.Karo Karounde, Marigold, Peach, MaceCoriander, Jasmine, Gardenia, Rose, Heliotrope, Carnation, YlangCedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Moss, Musk, Amber, Vanilla, Tonka

Does this smell like real gardenias?

It’s amazing! I’ve personally ordered it many times

does this smell lkie real gardenias and what perfume would you compare the scent to?

This perfume has a luscious but not overpowering regal scent of its own Sorry it's incomparable to any other I know. But when worn in combination with the body cream it gets lots of recognition from others and bestows upon me a scent of elegance Not a heavy or wispy scent but one that is rich and mellow.