A Seasonal Shift

Hi friend,

“Two’s a trend” is a lazy media adage that means, essentially, if there are two or more of something, that constitutes “a trend” you can write about. We’re not above it.

Take two new TLC reality shows featuring massive families. First up is The Baldwins, which premiered Sunday and features Alec, his wife Hilaria, their seven kids, and their many pets. It’s uncomfortable viewing. Vulture says it’s “grimmer than you imagined,” writing that the pilot, “is one of the darkest and most bizarre hours of television to appear in recent memory.”

Variety’s review makes it sound strange and sad, too. Of Alec, they write, “In the presence of his children, it’s clear he’s trying to keep things light. And speaking to the cameras, an endlessly voluble star seems choked-off. In conversation with Hilaria, the actor recalls a recent conversation with a friend in which he said, ‘I’m happier when I’m asleep than when I’m awake.’ The anecdote sits there, painful and unsightly.” Ugh! 

TLC’s second new entry in the genre – Big Family, Big City – debuts tonight and is arguably more interesting. It features a family who first went viral on TikTok, the de la Mottes. As The Cut explains, they moved to New York City so their 11 children could take advantage of its classical music education offerings. Aside from the voyeurism of watching how such a big family functions, particularly in a city like New York (extensive meal planning, and making the kids busk on street corners for rent money), there’s a culture clash element to the show. The de la Mottes are evangelical and are now raising their “G-rated” family in a town they describe as “R-rated” and full of “temptations.”

Big Family, Big City hasn’t even aired yet, but judging from the reception to teaser clips like this one, it’s going to be controversial in its own way. 

Also on the horizon? Jacket weather. Scroll on for our favorites, plus a funny new show and more.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

If you squint, you can see it approaching: That brief period where a jacket is seasonally appropriate. As jacket-lovers, we have more than we need to meet this moment — but we couldn’t help but browse the best new ones out there. Our favorites, from the still-popular trench to bombers to suede to animal-print, are below (plus, a few consignment finds).

• This animal-print blazer-jacket hybrid is bound to sell out. & Other Stories Single-Breasted Wool Blazer, $249. Size XS to L.

• A fun spin on the classic. Eloquii Denim Belted Trench Coat, $114. Size 14 to 32.

• A bit easier to wear than all the fringed suede styles we’ve been seeing. Rails Hugo Fringed Stretch Wool Coat, $318.40. Size XS to XL.

• The shape reminds us of this pricey Jacquemus style. Cos Technical Hooded Parka Jacket, $150. Size XS to L.

• Suede jackets like this will be everywhere this spring. Massimo Dutti Short Suede Jacket, $490. Size XS to L.

• Cute, warm, and on sale. Madewell Bomber Puffer Jacket, $150. Size XXS to XXL.

• Dramatically oversized. Pixie Market Oversized Trench, $229. Size: One Size.

• A great buy. Max Mara Wool Long Pinstripe Coat, $300. Size 10.

• How extremely adorable. Sézane Clyde Gingham Trench, $350. Size 0 to 16.

• Not functional, but so pretty. Nanushka Silk Duster, $360. Size S.

• This is a lot of look, but also, very cool. J.Crew Rain-or-Shine Trench, $129.50. Size XXXS to 3XL.

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TO READ We cannot wait to get our hands on Ada Calhoun’s Crush. Out today (here on Amazon, and here on Bookshop), it’s about a middle-aged woman trying to reconnect with her sexuality – and what happens after she develops a marriage-threatening crush on a college friend.

TO TRY We love this service for high-quality, ethically raised meats; wild-caught seafood; and organic chicken delivered straight to your door. It’s an easy way to make sure our fridge and freezer are always fully stocked, and the prices are very reasonable. And just for our readers, they’re offering a free ground beef with every order for the life of the membership – click here to give it a try. #partner

TO STREAM Finally, a show that’s not about being a spy or solving a murder. In Netflix’s new comedy series Running Point, out Thursday, Kate Hudson plays a “nepo crone” who’s appointed the president of her family’s basketball franchise and has to deal with all the challenges and drama that ensue. Her character was inspired by Los Angeles Lakers exec Jeanie Buss.

TO LISTEN Monica Lewinsky has a new podcast, and it kicks off with her being interviewed about the scandal that derailed her life. It’s interesting to hear her reflect back on that time almost 30 years later.

TO SNACK Last month, we tried a new-to-us apple – the goldrush – and it was superb; crisp, tart, and sweet. We found them at a local farmers market, so keep an eye out. In other snack news, we accidentally bought these salt-and-pepper pistachios at the grocery store thinking they were just salted, and were surprised by how good they were. Crunchy, salty, and a tiny bit spicy.

“Women have a higher risk for long covid. Estrogen may play a role.” • What is “Ozempic microdosing?” • Workplace ageism is impacting Gen X. • The Heritage Foundation is targeting Prince Harry, because for some reason that’s a priority for them. • This story of attending this week’s Luigi Mangione hearing features incredible illustrations.

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