A Case for Comfortable Shoes

Hi friend,

Rough times call for easy television. That’s our explanation for why people seem to be falling head-over-heels for the new Netflix romcom Nobody Wants This. That, and the Adam Brody of it all.

This is fluffy, romantic, escapist viewing. It goes down so easy in fact, that Vulture’s reviewer worries its “exceptional smoothness” warrants “some deeper interrogation.” 

Some writers are interrogating the show — specifically, how it portrays Jewish women. We’ll add in a complaint about how 44-year-old female leads don’t seem to be allowed to age the same way that their 44-year-old male counterparts do.

But: If you are or were a Brody fan, this show is for you. He is the highlight of the thing, and we’re not just saying that because we were young and impressionable during The O.C.’s run. He’s a grown-up who talks about his feelings and isn’t trying to play relationship games. As someone accurately Tweeted, “House parties are back, Adam Brody is back, yearning is back, I’m gonna buy a rugby shirt, this is about to be the most 2004 ass fall you’ve ever seen.” (Regarding rugbys, we want this one.)

Joshua Jackson, another gently aging aughts heartthrob, also has a new series – though ABC’s Doctor Odyssey appears so absurd as to be unwatchable. At best, it’s “entertainingly dumb.” It’s a Ryan Murphy production; he plays a doctor on a cruise ship. But again, this is content that goes down easy.

Speaking of ease, this week we went shopping for comfortable fall shoes. Ones that are a step up from gym sneakers, but with the same wearability. Scroll on for that, plus: a big new book, a must-watch documentary, and more.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

It’s been more than a decade since the concept of “normcore” rocked the fashion world, leading to a rush on New Balances and a desire for looser denim. But, as the pendulum swings back to a more sophisticated look, a question arises. What sort of shoes can you wear this fall if you crave the ease of sneakers, but want to look a little more put-together? The answer may still be sneakers, but with a lower profile and in a more luxurious fabric, as demonstrated by Miu Miu and Dries. See our picks below; we threw in a Moc and a few Wallabees, too, for a still-very-comfy shoe alternative.

• These remain a compelling alternative to Adidas Gazelles. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers, $108.

• Love the simplicity of this pair. Vans Suede Shoes, $55.

• A fun pop of pink. Nike Killshot 2, $67.97.

• This brown style is selling out all over the place. Converse Chuck 70 Sneakers, $85.

• So good, from the retro shape to the colors. Autry Reelwind Sneakers, $195.

• An appealing un-branded suede pair. Asos Downtime Soccer-Style Sneakers, $40.

• A new favorite. Gola Torpedo Sneakers, $110.

• This French brand is a good source for pieces that feel special. Vanessa Bruno Farrah Low-Top Sneakers, $198.

• This might be the year that we finally splurge on these soft leather Mocs. Minnetonka Women's Moosehide Classic, $89.95.

• The release of Jaime Haller’s now-sold-out Chukka has us turning our eyes to this similar classic style. Clarks Wallabee, $150.

• Very well made; the sort of thing you could wear all day without complaints. Freda Salvador Willow Wallabee, $325.

Shop the Story

What’s surprising about this list of Amazon Prime perks is just how many of them we were unaware of. The guide details 10 member benefits that more people should know about (it’s from a website entirely focused on consumer deals and savings). We have to say: It’s genuinely helpful! Click through for all the information. #partner

TO STREAM Patrice: The Movie (now on Hulu) is a documentary, a rom-com, and a cry for political change. Starring the exuberant Patrice, it lays out why people in the disability community who rely on government benefits find they cannot afford to marry – or even cohabitate.

TO READ The legendary Ina Garten has penned a memoir. In Be Ready When the Luck Happens (here on Bookshop, and here on Amazon), she traces her tough upbringing, her more than 50-year relationship with Jeffrey, and her career pivot from a U.S. government job to the food and TV industries. We love how she built a life for herself that is warm and safe; the complete opposite of her childhood.

TO TRY This “pizza” oil was a recent Whole Foods impulse purchase before a pizza party with friends and it was much better than we anticipated – fresh, herbaceous, and spicy. In addition to pizza, we like it on everything from eggs to pasta dishes.

TO LISTEN We enjoyed this podcast episode of Under the Influence that weaves together the rise of social-media influencer House in Habit with RFK Jr. and his recent sexting scandal. It’s like listening in to a conversation between two skeptical friends who actually know what they’re talking about.

A nostalgic look at Fashion Week (and early fashion blogging). • Stevie Nicks released a song about abortion. • A science-based explainer on inflammation. • Sassy’s Jane Pratt launched a Substack (here she is writing about menopause body-odor issues). • Kudos to Reformation for casting “Prancercise Lady” Joanna Rohrback in the ads for Ref’s Hoka sneaker collab. • An investigation: “What is it with Gen X women and Donald Trump?”

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