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“I kept thinking, ‘is this going to get cheesy?’ And it kept surprising me by deepening and deepening and being just…so much more. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, in a way. Then I just totally fell for it and was 100% in.” That’s Jennifer Garner explaining why she decided to executive produce and star in the new series The Five-Star Weekend, adapted from the Elin Hilderbrand novel of the same name. It’s also an accurate review of the show.
At this point in our lives, we’re accustomed to being served schlock, especially on TV. Which is why the most interesting thing about The Five-Star Weekend is how it isn’t schlock. All the ingredients are there: An enormous and immaculate beach house on Nantucket, a handsome love interest played by the perfectly graying Timothy Olyphant, and a mysterious guest with a terrible secret. But at its core, the series is about five women — all played by superb actresses — in the midst of midlife crises. (Chloë Sevigny’s salty townie, in particular, goes far in tempering what could have been overly saccharine.)
It’s been a year since the surprise smash hit The Hunting Wives debuted, and although the gun play, full-frontal nudity, and general absurdity puts that show in its own category, there are some similarities between it and this new series. Both feature underused, talented middle-aged actresses doing the most with the source material; a bingeable, quick-moving plot; and the foregrounding of women’s narratives. These sorts of shows are extremely popular despite critics’ inability to join in on the fun. A sign, perhaps, that we should create more of them?
Bye,
Your friends at Gloria
Image via @lavestelaveste.
Bold, juicy, United Colors of Benetton-esque shades are always popular come summertime, but even more so this year. Maybe people are craving the little bit of joy that a purple dress or a lime sandal can bring, or maybe this is all inspired by Dario Vitale’s all-too-brief color-on-color vision for Versace. No matter its origins, we’re into it. Below, a few of our favorite roygbiv finds to perk up your everyday basics.
A pretty lace-trimmed tank in a fun color. Old Navy Asymmetrical Lace-Trim Cami Top, $24. Size XS to 4XL.
Contrasting shades make a simple pair of flops more interesting. J.Crew x TKees Thong Sandals, $95.
These are cool, and they also come in red. Mango Low-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $70. Size 0 to 14.
Silk turns a camp shirt into something you can wear out. Comme Si Notched-Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt, $350. Size XS to XL.
If you want to try the trend, but not spend a ton. Gap Jelly Flip-Flops, $15.
A great fit, which is why they’re selling out quick. B Sides Charlot Split-Hem Jeans, $385. Waist size 24 to 32.
We like this spin on the summer’s most-popular short. Asos Runner Short, $38. Size XS to L.
The perfect tee, now in an appealing new bright. Leset The Margo Tee, $78. Size XS to XL.
This polka-dot scrunchie is so cute, but this set is a better bargain if you’re stocking up. Susmies Mati Scrunchie, $23.
These low-rise silk pants are both relaxed and sexy. Pointe Milou Le Pant, $250. Size XS/S and M/L.
We like the cut of the sleeves on this soft, light tee. BDG Short-Sleeve Tee, $19. Size XXS to XL.
A luxe silk caftan (pictured above) can be worn so many ways, and to so many places. La Veste Vespa Silk Kaftan, $385. Size XS to XL.
Shop the Story
J.Crew x TKees Thong Sandals, $95
Comme Si Notched-Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt, $350
Susmies Mati Scrunchie, $23
La Veste Vespa Silk Kaftan, $385
Leset The Margo Tee, $78
Gap Jelly Flip-Flops, $15
When the weather heats up, we're all for a simpler skincare routine, and Philosophy has long been one of our go-to brands for gentle essentials. We like this new cleansing balm which breaks down sunscreen, makeup, and the day's buildup; or this everyday cleanser for a fresh clean that doesn't leave skin feeling stripped. A few times a week, this exfoliating wash adds a gentle polish, and this moisturizer keeps skin hydrated but not greasy. It's an easy routine that covers everything your skin needs during the summer. Shop it all here. #partner
TO WATCH Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham are action heroes in the silly new caper Ride or Die, streaming tomorrow on Prime Video. Meanwhile, this new Apple series looks good but intense.
TO TRY We've been obsessed with Nuts.com ever since a family member introduced us to it years ago. The nuts are incredibly fresh, and the selection of non-nut snacks and sweets is unbeatable. Right now, new customers can mix and match four or more of their bestselling nuts, chocolates, dried fruit, trail mixes, and other snacks to get 20% off plus free shipping. It's a great way to stock the pantry or keep your desk and beach bag supplied all summer. Shop it all here. #partner
TO READ As with childcare, eldercare is one of those issues that looms quietly in the background of our lives until we are pressed directly into its chaotic, stressful, expensive, and under-resourced center due to family circumstances. This sort of personal experience drove author Lucy Schiller to investigate the state of elder care in her new nonfiction book Aging Out: An Exploration of Caregiving, Community, and How Americans Grow Old.
TO COOK We tested this sheet-pan cilantro-lime chicken breast recipe last night, and it was everything we wanted it to be: quick, easy, delicious. There is a lot of pan sauce, so it’d be good over rice.
A theory of why Epstein and the men in his circle so often dined without women. • Explaining perimenopausal headaches. • Can “terminal lucidity” help us better understand dementia? • A helpful rundown of the cyclosporiasis issue currently plaguing our nation.
Image via @islafisher.
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