Isn't It Early For This?

Hi friend,

One reaction to scarcity is pursuit of abundance, or at least to pop-culture portrayals of abundance. Perhaps this is why classic holiday films like Trading Places (on Paramount+), Home Alone (Disney+), The Family Stone (Peacock, Hulu), and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (HBO Max) popped up so early on streaming services this year. It’s also why Gen Z is dreaming of a Ralph Lauren Christmas, which sounds like the cousin of Nancy Meyers Christmas. The idea is “‘90s holiday opulence” with a cozy feel and over-the-top (yet not kitschy) decor. It’s heavy on roaring fireplaces, tartan accents, and other touches associated with financial security.

Yes, somehow it’s already crunch time for the holidays and, amidst the chaos created by the longest government shutdown of all time, people are trying to nail down their travel plans. If you’re hosting, you might be checking to make sure you have enough table settings and chairs, and/or planning a menu. Just in time, millennial food guru Alison Roman is back with a new cookbook, Something From Nothing (Bookshop, Amazon). In it, she promises “100 deceptively simple, casually stylish, impossibly delicious recipes that make the most of your pantry” including tips and tricks for last-minute dinner parties. 

We’re in search of cozy comfort — no wonder velvet and corduroy is everywhere right now (below) — but reality feels dreary, a mood is perhaps summed up most aptly by Aimee Mann’s new cover of The Carpenter’s melancholic “Rainy Days and Mondays.” 54 years later, and those lyrics still hit.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

Thick, luxurious fabrics like velvet and corduroy are always appealing during colder months. They’re warm, festive, and perfect for low-key holiday events like dinners or work parties. On our list: the most amazing coat, plus pants, tops, dresses, and more.

• A pretty, party-ready layer that looks high-end. Asos Quilted Embroidered Velvet Jacket, $129. Size XS to L.

• How cute are these? Mango Wide-Leg Corduroy Jeans, $90. Size 0 to 14.

• A chic tailored vest is a good night-out option. Madewell The Nolita Vest, $128. Size 00 to 16.

• Love this. Maria de la Orden Carnot Coat, $482. Size 34 to 42.

• These pants come in a cool shape and color. Apiece Apart Meridian Pant, $365. Size 00 to 16.

• A simple and elegant option. Cos Asymmetric Velvet Top, $129. Size 2 to 14.

• These have a bit of a ‘70s vibe. & Other Stories Flared Corduroy Trousers, $129. Size 0 to 14.

• Kind of eccentric, but we’re into it. An An Londree Velvet Fringed Top, $158. Size XS, S, M.

• An adorable, and warm, little puffer-bomber. AE Cropped Corduroy Bomber Jacket, $155. Size XXS to XXL.

• The artsy handle on this bag is almost like jewelry. Topshop Velvet Top-Handle Bag, $70.

• Corduroy cargos shouldn’t work, but these do somehow. Citizens of Humanity Marcelle Corduroy Wide-Leg Cargo Pants, $248. Waist size 23 to 32.

• Just really pretty. J.Crew Cora Lady Jacket, $242.50. Size 00 to 24. 

• A pricey, but gorgeous, party dress. Sea Alberta Dress, $425. Size 00 to 16.

Shop the Story

Hosting season is creeping up, and Ruggable is our favorite low-lift way to make a room look pulled together fast. Their pretty rugs are washable, easy to swap in, and available in a multitude of styles. We have our eyes on this runner, which makes any entry or hallway feel polished; this festive doormat; and this cushy, slip-resistant bath mat.

The best part is how you can toss them all in the wash if things get messy, then lay them back down — no stress if someone spills. Check out the many rugs that are 25 percent off, and available to arrive before Thanksgiving, here. #partner

TO STREAM Welcome back, strung-out Claire Danes. In the series The Beast in Me (on Netflix Thursday), she plays an author obsessed with a neighbor who may or may not have killed his wife. On the sunnier side, Palm Royale makes its return for a second season on Apple TV tomorrow.

TO TRY When the calendar fills up, this clothing rental service keeps you out of the panic-buying spiral. It allows you to rotate in beautiful clothes from great brands every month. You share your style, and get a personal closet built for you using smart tech and real stylists. It’s like borrowing from a stylish friend who always has the perfect thing. Plans start at four items a month and go up to unlimited, and you can pause at any time. Use code GLORIA for up to 60 percent off your first month plus two bonus items. The unlimited plan is also $99 right now. Try it here. #partner

TO LISTEN Wally Amos, the Black businessman behind Famous Amos cookies, was a self-made phenom who lived his life in pursuit of happiness. That wasn’t always easy on his kids, as his daughter explains in a new podcast about his life, Tough Cookie: The Wally “Famous Amos” Story.

TO MAKE We just brought home some brussels sprouts, and now we know what to make with them: this crunchy, herby salad. We’re going to test it out now to see if it should be added to the Thanksgiving Day menu.

TO TRY Arouse the whole you with this FDA-registered vibrating ring for women. It adjusts to your vulva shape for distributed external stimulation and magnified sensations everywhere you want them. Even better? It’s 30 percent off and take an extra 15 percent off with code H4PPY15. #partner

The FDA has removed the black-box warning on hormone therapy. • The only review of All’s Fair you need to read. • “I went to an adult sleepaway camp in my 40s. Surrounded by women in their 60s and 70s, I found role models for aging.” • On watching your kid prep for her Bat Mizvah. • These stories women share about being in relationships with sports-betting addicts are…yikes.

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