Issue Twenty-Two

Lighting Up

Hello, everyone! We hope you enjoyed getting to know us a little better through our personal letters (if you missed them, meet Aaron, Courtney & Alexa!) The Perfect was born out of our desire for a quiet, joyful space where only exceptional and unexpected items are put forth (don’t give me twenty black stretchy pants, give me the perfect pair and also for less). But there’s another element to what we do here that is less practical, and that’s the choosing of things we’ve loved since childhood, often inspired by our mothers. Not only are these things beautiful in one way or another, but they make us feel good. They bring us back to a warm memory and to a simpler, more innocent time, something we’re especially craving now. Our vintage capsules—old Nantucket reds and baskets, Lacoste tennis sweaters, rugbies, beat-up boat and totes—are driven by emotion and our latest is no different: a curation of reworked Pierre Deux bags, clothing and home accessories from the Provençal-inspired brand that loomed large in the 90s—and in our teenage hearts.

As the days get darker and colder, we’re also craving warmth of all sorts, whether it’s illuminating a chamberstick during your paper and coffee routine, lacing up a pair of really (really) cozy booties, or sipping from a high-end nip (fire in the belly!)

We’ve also got ideas for holiday houseguests (there’s one thing your guest room shouldn’t be without) and holiday dressing (collar necklaces and effervescent cashmere are calling!) plus the make-ahead martini and saltwater cure you’re going to need make it through the next six weeks.

Now go light your Mercury retrograde protection candle (hang in there, it’s the last one of 2025) and have a light filled November.

The Perfect’s reworked vintage Pierre Deux tote worn with Old Stone Trade’s tuxedo kilt in NYC.

Credit: Thomas Slack for Old Stone Trade

Its soft cotton quilt and flower print are a reminder of sunnier, simpler times. Introducing our reworked collection of vintage PIERRE DEUX, an American brand that imported block-printed fabric from the South of France and fashioned it into everything from bags and clothing to home accessories and textiles. Founded in 1967 by the late Pierre Moulin & Pierre LeVec (the two Pierres!) in New York City’s Greenwich Village, the partners started their business on Bleecker Street selling antique French furniture and a small selection of pieces made with fabric from Souleiado, the Provence-based family-owned textile house that specialized in Les Indiennes, a colorful block-printed cotton textile that arrived from India to France in the 17th-Century. It was first made popular by stylish aristocrats in Louis XIV’s court (including the writer and 1600s trend-setter Madame de Sévigné) and later became all the rage in late 20th-century Manhattan and beyond. The two Pierres ultimately opened 22 boutiques around the world, all of which emanated French Country style. In 1989, the couple retired from the business selling off most of the company, and moved to a farm called Calendar House(!) in upstate New York. You’ll be able to shop our entire collection—totes, duffels, ceramics, pewter, ornaments, throw pillows, lampshades, desk sets, bar accessories and more—in-person on December 3rd and 4th at Old Stone Trade’s Studio in New York City (request an appointment here).

Through chills and frost, they are a warm and comforting constant. It’s officially cozy boot season. And this winter, a very chic HIKING-CONSTRUCTION-BEAN-BOOT HYBRID has emerged that’s equal parts chic city and hard-wearing country. Le Monde Beryl’s Dolomite boot is shearling lined, comes in understated brown and black suede and gives you a nice height boost with an inch-high sole. Loeffler Randall’s Remy lug boot has tech-y green hiking laces and a half-inch sole. And our perpetual favorite, Penelope Chilvers’ Florist boot is a true snow shoe made from army green waxed cotton with a shearling and wool lining and a thick recycled rubber sole that has major traction for mountain hiking…or just watching the kids ski races. We love any of these with a cropped knit pant and some toasty red cashmere-merino socks from Bombas, Maria La Rosa, Falke or Paul Stuart.

Sitting peacefully on a bedside table, it encourages quiet evenings and meditative mornings. With the holidays—and family house guests—approaching, we’d like to suggest an item every guest room needs: a spiffy WATER CARAFE AND GLASS SET. Resting atop a tray on a chest of drawers or beside the bed, a little jug of (the best) mineral water with an accompanying drinking vessel is an elegant sliver of old-fashioned hospitality that we should all employ. Place it on a lovely small tray (!) or even a beautiful starched piece of linen and fill it up daily for your visitor. We love this delicate set (above), which is handblown and engraved in Cairo’s City of the Dead from downtown NYC boutique owner and designer William White; West Elm’s simple recycled glass set; Nason Moretti’s blue Murano glass set; and this swirly gold leaf French Art Deco trio that comes with its own tray!!

Coiled around one’s neck, it is the epitome of protective powerful glamour. We’re crazy for COLLAR NECKLACES right now. Yes, they were on the runways for spring (hello Celine and Chanel), but this regal style is also supremely classic, a favorite of fierce women like Diana Vreeland and Elizabeth Taylor. Their favorites came from Bulgari, specifically the Italian house’s Monete Coin, Serpenti and Tubogas styles. But there are also an abundance of affordable options like Aurélie Bidermann’s snake necklace; Veronica Beard’s Tubogas interpretation; Dorsey’s gold link collar; Lizze Fortunato’s baroque pearl strand; and Roxanne Assoulin’s oversized chain. Layer one casually over a sweater with jeans, partially conceal one with a crisp Alex Eagle tux shirt and suede or vegan leather leggings or don one with a black one-shoulder cocktail dress ala Babe (we love this one from Toteme and this highly festive one from Rosie Assoulin).

In the quiet blue darkness of the early morning, it is a peaceful beacon. Lighting candles in the wee small hours has long been a Swedish tradition in winter, where daylight can last less than seven hours. Why not try reading the paper (a real paper paper) by candlelight with a steaming cup of mycotoxin-free coffee as we welcome the cold season? Enter the CHAMBERSTICK, a portable single-candle holder of ancient design which features a wax-catching dish and finger loop for carrying. We love versions from Svenskt Tenn, Garrett Wade and these vintage Swedish Skultuna chambersticks. And if you’d like a sleeping cap and silk nightshirt to complete the look, who are we to judge?!

Textured and effervescent, it reminds one of fluffy snow or freshly-poured Champagne. A BRUSHED CASHMERE SWEATER is one of those pieces that gives a little bit extra during the holidays, whether you go 50s-cocktail-party-style (with a brooch and kilt, please) or 90s-angst with ripped jeans, Converse and a white tee. We’re loving this very Kurt Cobain v-neck cardigan, mock turtleneck and tee from Naked Cashmere, who comb their cashmere using a meticulous Japanese technique that yields a cloud-like softness that blooms over time, getting better (rather than pilling) with age. We’re also into this Empire Records-esque cropped sweater from Eileen Fisher; this oversized crewneck from Aritzia (they make high-quality knits, btw); and J. Crew’s women’s rollneck and men’s crewneck (we order a size small).

A shot from the salty depths, it instantly revitalizes. QUINTON’S SEAWATER HYPERTONIC DRINK helps the body hydrate, reduces muscle cramping, prevents lactate buildup, enhances nutrient absorption, recovery and more. Founded in the 1800s by René Quinton, a French biologist who promoted the therapeutic properties of seawater in the late 1800s, Quinton extracts water from protected plankton-rich ocean blooms off the coast of France, cold filters it and reduces its salinity to create their 20 ML packets of isotonic marine plasma—rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium—that have a mineral composition very similar to what you’d find in the body (in sweat, blood plasma, tears). Take one sachet before strenuous exercise, during and after for energy, hydration and recovery. They also make a Skin Health spray which consists of 100% hypertonic seawater and is said to help with ailments such as eczema—a soothing solution if ocean swimming is not part of your winter routine.

In the quiet hours after bedtime, its golden glow reminds one of summer’s past. Missing August’s long beach ambles? A SCALLOP SHELL NIGHT LIGHT is a wonderful reminder and one of our all time favorite things. A simple rig consisting of a plug, bulb and front switch topped with a nicely scrubbed Nantucket Bay Scallop shell is one of the coziest things you can throw in a bathroom, nursery or bedroom. Also a small PSA that the season for Nantucket Bay Scallops—the smallest and most succulent of all mollusks—is upon us. Text Ted at Nantucket Seafoods to place your order (508-221-1551). And for our favorite scallop recipe, consult Issue Three.

A small bottle that brings a large amount of joy! May we introduce BIG DICK’S BANANA, a new small-batch banana bourbon straight outta Providence, R.I. Crafted from only three ingredients— sugar, whiskey and banana extract—this exceptionally-named and seriously delicious spirit (think bananas foster) comes only in nip size and is therefore a much healthier choice than a formaldehyde-y Fireball this holiday season. The label’s felt finish and pretty graphics make it our #1 hostess gift for festive fêtes: just circulate a few at the end of a dinner for a group tasting or uncap one for your host at cocktail hour. Order a 12 pack and you’ll be set on housewarming presents for the season…

@food52

Food52 on Instagram: "Our favorite way to keep In Good Spirits …

…and for at-home merriment, how genius is this MAKE-AHEAD MARTINI hack from Food52’s cocktail guru Noah? Simply pre-mix, transfer into a glass milk jug and store in the freezer for future happy hours. And when it’s time to pour, our strongly preferred martini glasses (which should live in the freezer, too) come from Porta, Ichendorf and Lobmeyr.

CHEERS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS (only six weeks till xmas…SOS)

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

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