Issue Twenty-Four

A Different Dance

On this beautiful Saturday, we’re wishing you a very, very happy last day of February! We hope you’ve made it through with your sanity and serenity intact. A major shift is now upon us: meteorological spring starts tomorrow, clocks spring forward next week and the spring equinox begins on the 20th. Issue Twenty-Four is here to aid in this transition, with ideas for brightening your world and lifting your spirits as we look to the sun. It’s about happy stuff: a soft, thick cotton turtleneck the color of freshly fallen snow, a swingy fringe jacket, a simply perfect pair of blue jeans, an incredible push-up bra. A deep soak in a rosemary bath, an amethyst-hued hurricane alight on your table, a beautiful blanket on your bed—these things refresh and revive us. They point us in a new direction. They energize us for a new season. Let’s dance to a whole new rhythm.

Elizabeth McGovern and Sean Penn, March 30th, 1984

It moves with you and the wind. A FRINGE JACKET is feeling as right as rain these days, whether you’re in a mountain town or slick in the city. Wool versions from Doen, Rails and Toteme are cocooning, cozy and cool, especially when worn with black jeans and a black sheer ribbed underlayer. Suede styles from RIXO, Stetson or Muzungu Sisters can be thrown over just about anything, from relaxed khakis and a white tee to a slinky mulberry silk slip dress.

Light-as-air, it is the vision of comfort. A HOWE EIDERDOWN is the perfect layering piece as we look toward spring. Originally a Victorian invention, eiderdown quilts (800 sailed on the Titanic!) were designed to be layered on a bed over a top sheet and blankets. Hand-stitched in the English countryside, Howe’s is filled with duck feathers and down, is available in a variety of the London-based company’s beautiful textiles including ticking stripes and paisleys (and bespoke versions), and is finished with velvet piping. Small and large sizes are available.

Thanks to a certain TV series, there’s been a lot of chatter this month about the jeans Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy preferred—and for good reason. Designed in 1969 to fit over cowboy boots with a zip-fly and a flattering shape, LEVI’S 517s are, and have always been, excellent. Mrs. Bessette-Kennedy wore the ‘90s iteration of this style, which hugged the waist and thighs and flared subtly at the bottom (like this pair and this pair). Levi’s also still sells the 517 in size 28 and up (take your normal waist size and go for the non-stretch). And if you’re looking for similar shapes, we bought Gap’s High-Rise 90s Slim Straights last week and haven’t taken them off since. Veronica Beard’s button-fly Daniela Straight Leg is equally untakeoffable and gives major ‘90s vibes, too.

Its deep warming scent envelops the soul. We’re wild for everything ROSEMARY at the moment: Allpa Botanicals organic Shampoo, Conditioner and Rosemary Hair Oil from Ecuador stimulate hair growth and smells truly divine, Susanne Kaufmann’s Oil Bath for the Senses relieves achy, tired muscles, Flamingo Estate’s Tuscan Rosemary candle is deeply calming and Health Ranger Select’s Colloidal Silver Rosemary Mouthwash is naturally antibacterial. And don’t forget to put whole springs of rosemary (plus copious amounts of butter) underneath a chicken’s skin and roast it, à la Jamie Oliver.

With every adventure, it gets softer and more supple. A BOTTEGA VENETA CABAT TOTE is one of the few designer bags we feel is worth the investment. First introduced in 2001, the craftsmanship is second to one, the shape is eternally useful (especially in size small) and the Italian house’s signature intrecciato leather weave promises this bag will only get better with age. These days, the prices for new ones are downright shocking, which is why we recommend scooping up vintage versions, which are available in the best colors (navy, purple, black, russet) for a fraction of the price and are already on their way to patinated perfection.

When you need a mood boost, look no further. Forget surgical intervention, there’s no better tool for creating dangerously good cleavage than the SKIMS SUPER PUSH-UP BRA, which lifts and sculpts with alarming might. Try it with a deep v kaftan and thank us in the morning.

They cradle your feet like a warm blanket. A shearling-lined flat is a true luxury, and one that’s made for the bone-chilling months ahead. For early mornings they’re the cutest slipper, for school drop-offs and dinners they’re cozy-chic. And after a long day of skiing, these beauties from Ancient Greek, Le Monde Beryl and Alaia will feel like floating on a cloud.

Shining bright, they are a happy reminder of sunnier days ahead. We’re craving little jolts of color at home, like these hand-blown AMETHYST GLASS HURRICANES from KRB, a special little design boutique in Manhattan. We’re also loving these affordable Mid-Century antique versions from the Morgantown Glass Company in West Virginia, including these scalloped sets on Chairish and eBay, this three-piece set, these hurricane bases (great for votives or pillar candles) and this vase, which works beautifully with a candle or two bunches of Purple Dream tulips.

It is sparkling snow as far as the eye can see. A classic WHITE TURTLENECK is a wonder. When you wear one, it says: I have style, but don’t give a damn about style (and I can probably ski). Whether tucked into a great pair of jeans or peeking out from under a lovely wool sweater, this simple cotton chemise is New England nostalgia and wholesomeness all in one. So go ahead and pull one up over your chin from Frances de Lourdes, Garnet Hill, Organic Basics or L.L. Bean. And while we’re on the subject of turtlenecks, you know what’s also great? A sleeveless black turtleneck, which goes swimmingly with a swipe of what just might be The New Black Honey.

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As always, all of our illustrations are original and hand-drawn in ink by Courtney Broadwater.

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