Have You Heard This?

Hi friend,

What’s the point of owning a stunning, multi-million dollar Brooklyn brownstone — outfitted with fantastical fixtures, breathtaking wallpaper, and luxurious carpeting — if you’re miserable and your husband is a dirtbag?

The saying is true: You never know what’s going on behind even the most beautiful closed doors. We should have known from the awkwardness of their Architectural Digest house tour, published a mere two years ago, that David Harbour and Lily Allen’s marriage wasn’t going to last. Something was amiss, but we were distracted by real estate jealousy. And now, Allen has gone beyond airing their dirty laundry — she’s staged a full-on exorcism of that phase of her life in an autobiographical-sounding album, West End Girl. 

West End Girl dropped like a bomb on Friday. Has there ever been a divorce album like it? The only comparison we can think of is Beyoncé’s Lemonade, but that couple is still together. Over 14 tracks and 44 minutes, Allen narrates the betrayal diaristically, starting with the purchase of the house (now on the market for $8 million); her discovery of text messages between Harbour and “Madeline;” visiting his West Village “pussy palace” stocked with sex toys, condoms, lube, and letters from other women; and all the sacrifices she made for him, including changing her immigration status, getting a facelift, and agreeing to an open marriage. As The Guardian notes, “It appears to pick through the collapse of Allen’s second marriage so unsparingly, with such attention to vivid, grubby detail, that you have to assume the lyrics were reviewed by a lawyer.”

The lyrics are so salacious that the actual music almost feels secondary, but this burn book has some bops. In addition to “Pussy Palace,” we are partial to “Beg for Me,” which samples the classic early aughts hit “Never Leave You” by Lumidee – a charming millennial reference. And “Nonmonogamummy” might just be the new anthem of a very niche audience: the 40-something woman for whom uneven non-monogamy ended in heartbreak.

Narrating the wreckage of her life had to be painful, but it did make for great art. It’s also given us all something to talk about that isn’t the news!

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

It’s not quite the holiday season yet, but it’s close. This is when we start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner and the other family-and-friend gatherings that are on the calendar. And when you don’t want to skew too fancy, but still want to look nice, what do you turn to? A pretty shirt. Here are 15 options in cotton, lace, and silk, including one from a cool (and affordable) new designer collaboration.

• Love this simple red poplin style. Brooke Callahan Scoop Top, $145. Size XS to XXL.

• The extra volume makes a statement. Banana Republic Cotton Balloon-Sleeve Shirt, $120. Size XXS to XXL.

• Very elegant. Me + Em Layering Blouse, $225. Size 0 to 14.

• A cute cropped option. H&M Lace-Trimmed Cotton Blouse, $40. Size XS to L.

• This could work for many different scenarios. Faithfull Gaia Striped Cotton-Poplin Blouse, $170. Size XS to XL.

• A lovely, lace-adorned style. Sézane Faria Shirt, $145. Size 2 to 14.

• Expensive, but the floral embroidery is stunning. Sea Francis Top, $375. Size XXS to XL.

• Just the right amount of sheer. Anthropologie En Elly Velvet Scallop Top, $98. Size XS to 3XL.

• A dreamy printed silk option. Maison Mayle Val D’Isere Blouse, $372. Size 0 to 10.

• Will this collection sell out quickly, or are people unaware of who Anna Sui is? Old Navy x Anna Sui Button-Down Applique Top, $50. Size XS to 4XL.

• Relaxed, but still elevated. ONS Crinkle Button-Up Blouse, $188. Size XS to L.

• Chic! Frame Striped Silk Crepe de Chine Shirt, $225. Size XS to L.

• ​​Unexpected and cool. Citizens of Humanity Anika Cotton-Silk Top, $238. Size XS to L.

• A bold pink, for those who aren’t afraid of color. Argent Matte Silk Satin, $145. Size XS to XXL.

• This ruffled plaid one checks a lot of boxes. Dôen Hardy Top, $298. Size XXS to XXL.

Shop the Story

TO STREAM Tessa Thompson plays the great anti-heroine Hedda Gabler in a new film that’s out tomorrow on Prime Video. Fun twist: her love interest in this update is a woman. Also out tomorrow is Apple TV’s new thriller Down Cemetery Road, which features Ruth Wilson stumbling into a major coverup and an unlikely partner in Emma Thompson, who plays a private investigator.

TO GET We love the look of a pointy-toe pump, but have a hard time accepting discomfort from our shoes. That’s why we love this woman-led footwear brand, which specializes in shockingly wearable heels. We specifically want this polished block-heel style, but we also love these sexy suede kitten heels and these chic black ankle boots. All are made with cushioned support and of soft, high-quality leather. Check out the whole line here. #partner

TO READ The new book Smartphone Nation (Bookshop, Amazon) is a practical guide for parents on how to navigate digital life and coexist with technology in a healthy way. We’ll take all the help we can get, tbh.

TO TRY Have you heard of Asian Pilates? It’s a surprisingly effective, slow-and-steady movement practice inspired by Eastern wellness traditions. Reverse Health has designed it specifically for women 40+, blending gentle Pilates with mindful movement to build strength, flexibility, and balance. Take the quick five-minute quiz to get your personalized 28-day plan. No equipment, just small, consistent shifts that help you feel stronger, looser, and more energized in your own body. #partner

TO MAKE We have never been steered wrong by an Adeena Sussman recipe, which is why we’re bookmarking this crunchy salad to make tonight. Honestly, cabbage-based salads are slept on!

What to know about the dramatic headlines on perimenopause, hormone therapy, and health benefits coming out of the recent Menopause Society conference. • One of The Row’s most vocal fashion fans posts a public breakup letter to the brand. • A documentary on ‘90s fitness phenom Susan Powter (“stop the insanity!”) is coming. • “Luxury pumpkin porches are the latest trend in holiday decorating.”

Way Day only comes around a couple of times a year and, thankfully, it landed right when we are staring down house guests and holiday dinners. We are using the up to 80 percent off plus free shipping as motivation to finally give the guest room the new sheets it’s calling for, upgrading our tableware to look like we have it together, and grabbing new cookware that can handle everything from a big roast to a late-night grilled cheese. It is a short window; so check it all out here, the sale ends tomorrow. #partner

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