Autumnal layers of clothing are here! Some are on great discount as well. A delightful new film that is joyous, playful, and a feel-good opportunity. Novels of reflection on how life unfolds and where it leads up, a favorite British sleuth is back, a memoir from a trailblazer, a book from a brother of a beloved Princess, the white castle-of-a-tent gets a new judge and the baking begins and a reboot of a 90s favorite comedy returns. All of this and still, there is more!

Books

—Proof of Progress: A Novel by Elizabeth Castellano 

This just looks interesting and could be quite fun if reflecting back on our life and all that brought us to where we are today captures your attention. Maria Astorini, a once popular character actress and and late-night talk show darling “whose manuscript is thirty-seven years overdue”. Proof of Progress is the telling of her finally writing that memoir—”and [sharing] the life moments that led to its delay.”

“The B-list actress has survived deaths, divorces, a famous mother, a Hollywood blacklist, a string of public embarrassments, an aging face, financial ruin, an empty nest, a difficult best friend, and a worldwide pandemic. Now, she’s back and bigger than ever. A small, unexpected role has heightened her celebrity status and propelled her, at age sixty-five, into the limelight.”

—An Unexpected Life: A memoir by Gloria Steinem

Speaking of memoirs, this one is the real deal. In her final memoir, Gloria Steinem “shares her years living in India, learning from the nonviolent movement there, and her travels around the world advocating for women’s rights. Along the way, she honors the people who influenced her most, including trailblazers, writers, and thinkers who expanded her understanding of power, community, justice, and solidarity.” The Unexpected Life will be released this coming Tuesday. My copy is preordered, and I am wanting to pick up previous books she has published, especially Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem.

~Watch Gloria Steinem’s never-before-seen interview with the NYTimes, not to be shown until her death.

—Yoga 365: Daily Wisdom for Life, On and Off the Mat by Susanna Harwood Rubin

At the yoga studio I attend for my weekly class, I found this book on the table where the various teachers keep their accoutrements. I began perusing through Yoga 365 and quickly came upon entries that spoke to me. I think this would be a wonderful daily meditations read, and small in size to be easy to carry anywhere.

British Finds

—Anita Brookner: Art and Life by Hermione Lee

I am currently reading a biography written by Hermione Lee who has rightfully earned the respect of being an acclaimed biographer (I share the book in September’s A Cuppa Moments), so when I learned of her latest biography, this one focused on British writer and art historian Anita Brookner, I took note.

—The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum

Opening on Monday (September 21st) in London, this new exhibit (free to the public) will offer “a concise history of the Burberry trench coat from its origins as practical outerwear and military attire to a world-renowned icon of fashion, rooted in a contemporary British sensibility and celebrated globally.” Learn more about the exhibit in Justine Picardie’s review shared in Country Life earlier this week.

—The Great British Bake-Off, Channel 4

Folks, the wait is nearly over. On Tuesday, the bakers along with the judges and their new much publicized new judge Nigella Lawson step into the tent to show us what they can do with the clock ticking. Premiering this coming Tuesday, September 22nd on Channel 4 in the UK and Friday September 25th on Netflix here in the States, the Great Great Bake-Off is back. Meet the bakers and get ready for what sounds like a roaringly good time. Have a look at the teaser below.

—Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel: The New Miss Marple Mystery by Lucy Foley

Miss Marple fans! (are you a kindred spirit of Miss Marple? Read this post to find out.) A new mystery to be deftly solved by the savvy and unwaveringly calm Miss Marple is “set high in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel” in Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.

“Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice. And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple. When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again.”

—Swan Song: Diana, my sister by Charles Spencer

Much talked about for months now is Princess Diana’s broth Charles Spencer’s new book about his sister. In Swan Song, Charles shares what is being described as one of the most intimate and loving pictures of his childhood growing up with Diana. “Charles and Diana, the youngest Spencers, were inseparable – secretly calling one another Duch and Carlos. As each other’s closest confidantes, they roamed the family estate, endured extremely challenging boarding schools, survived terrifying nannies, and helped each other through the agony of their parents’ divorce.”

He then describes how everything changed when she began dating then Prince Charles, and she then became a global icon. Certainly this will be a book many will be curious to read.

—Through the Windows of an Ordinary House: A History of England by Ian Mortimer

A unique approach to sharing England’s history, from the window of one house, and the many families who have inhabited said house over the centuries. “This book tells the history of England from the point of view of the people who lived in Mearsdon, the house in Moretonhampstead on the edge of Dartmoor, where the historian Ian Mortimer now lives. The house is documented from the thirteenth century but through a judicious use of archaeological and written evidence, it has been possible to describe daily life locally from the coming of the Saxons in the seventh century to the present day.

“Ian Mortimer blends the broadest national history with the most intimate local events and domestic situations. In so doing, he acquaints us with those who inhabited the building – from the first known owner, a thirteenth-century priest, to his own family living there today. Along the way he illustrates important social changes – such as the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, the Reformation, the discovery of the New World, the Industrial Revolution, and the two world wars – through the experiences of the inhabitants of the house and their neighbours in deepest Devon.”

Film

—Sunny Dancer

Being released in theaters today after first premiering back in February, Sunny Dancer tells the story of Ivy, a 17-year-old who is conquering cancer. Yes, conquering, not battling. I love the verb choice chosen by the film’s synopsis, and it really does set a different tone. “Ivy’s parents sign her up to spend her summer at what she calls ‘chemo camp’, where she manages to find unexpected friends in a group of misfits and has a summer she’ll never forget.” Have a look at the trailer below. It looks like an absolutely delightful film and a reminder to live fully now, no matter what, or if we have a diagnosis that challenges us in ways most will never have to endure.

Francophile Find

—Pòlene Cyme Raffia Bag, many colors (leather as well)

While summer may be heading out the door and not returning for another nine or so months, this is a tote of pristine quality to have ready to grab when the warmer months return. Also available in a complete leather construction for a year-round tote, this is an ergonomic design to ensure comfort and ease when putting the bag over your shoulder while also giving ample interior space.

—Sandro’s Rhinestone Argyle sweater, black

A timeless sweater with a touch of ‘rhinestones’ dancing through the design (the white dots). A wool-cashmere blend, wear for warmth and style.

—Soeur’s Luth T-Shirt, Anthracite Grey Crêpe jersey

Another piece to use in layering and with a variety of styling solutions. With a lightweight fabric, this wrap top can comfortably be worn under or over the top of all sorts of other separates.

Shopping

—&Other Stories’ Brushed Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, two colors

—Anthropologie’s Large Parter Leather Bag, three colors (three sizes)

In last week’s Outfits of the Month post, I shared (and shopped) for Andy Sach’s messenger bag, and while that exact style is no longer made, this one is similar. Slightly less in size and in price too. Seen here in Chocolate, but black is also available.

—Boden’s Collared Cable Knit Sweater (100% wool), two colors

The texture of a cable knit is what keeps this style timeless. It adds depth and style, and nothing else is needed to finish the look unless it is your signature to do so.

—COS’s Merino Wool Turtleneck Top, many colors, two prints

Speaking of layering pieces, this is a great one. Super fine-knit, whether in a solid or an argyle design, wear under a blazer and everything looks pulled together and you will be both warm and stylish without the bulk.

—Quince’s Featherless Quilted Packable Puffer Jacket, many colors

Getting ready for chillier evenings and days. This quilted cropped jacket is one for that middling season of chill.

—Rag & Bone’s Friends & Family Sale

Enjoy at least 25% off everything and some even more, such as this poplin blazer below.

~SHOP THE SALE:

—Reformation’s Veda Cole Low Waist leather maxi skirt, three colors

Television

—Best Medicine, season 2

You may remember Liz Tuccillo, best known as a longtime writer on HBO’s Sex and the City and for co-writing He’s Just Not That Into You. Well, Best Medicine is her brainchild, and after a very successful first season, it is back with Josh Charles starring as the brilliant surgeon who leaves Boston to become a doctor in the small town where he spent his childhood summers. “Despite his medical skills, his rude manner alienates locals as he battles hidden phobias and struggles with personal connections.” Have a look at the trailer below, and look for season two to premiere Tuesday, September 22nd.

—A Different World, Netflix

I thoroughly enjoyed the original comedy Different World that debuted back in the early 90s. Set at the fictional Hillman College, it returns on September 24th. This new version centers around the daughter of the leads of the original series, Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. Their daughter, Deborah Wayne (played by Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon, leading actress in Hell’s Kitchen in 2024), is beginning her freshman year and doing her best to get out of her parents’ shadow. Some of the same producers of the original, such as Debie Allen, are also producers of the new series, so I do look forward to watching. Have a look at the trailer.

—And a worthwhile new tv series from a much-loved writer and creator is shared in this week’s Ponderings . . . post and it premieres next week!

The monthly post for Premier members is a more intimate This & That post ➡️ the Ponderings… post. Since 2019, this monthly post shares musings dancing about in my mind, discoveries that have me asking myself, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”, and more personal sharings about skincare, clothes, pup details (items, wellness, etc.), travel, and my life journey, as well as considerations of the details that eventually become a part of the various home projects at Le Papillon.

September’s Ponderings shares 9 ponderings that include considerations of details of the décor in the guest bedroom project, a skincare item I am loving, clothing I loved wearing this summer and spring and want another piece to ensure I always have one on hand, life journey questions, a new show that looks fantastic, and still more. And it all begins by the pondering that is now answered about this brilliantly tall sunflower found in my garden @lepapillongarden .

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The sun and the rain arrived this week, and it really does feel as though autumn is saying hello. The Autumn crocuses have forced their way up above the ground and are now sharing their beautiful violet color, the leaves of trees are beginning to turn red, yellow and brilliant orange, and I am trying to soak it all up as it seems to have switched in the blink of an eye.

I hope your week has gone well, and you are savoring sunflowers, the late summer’s warmth, and everything else this time of year shares to prompt a smile. I want to thank the many readers who have begun to share photos and videos of their copy of Savoring the Sojourn. Thank you for taking the time to capture all that you have.

This weekend will find me slowing down, taking a deep breath, pottering about in the garden – adding a few new plants that arrive today, and generally just finding a regular rhythm, which I didn’t realize (but consciously sort of did, yet didn’t?) I haven’t really had for about two or three years now. With the space opening up in my schedule that had been given to the book, I’m doing my best to set a slower pace, and immediately feel the need to fill it. The transition with any shift takes more intentional effort, but eventually it will become more habituated as I find what works best – marrying challenges (projects) with nourishment (rituals and ease). Each of these processes is explored in depth in my new book, as well as when to expect such shifts to occur and why they are happening, and, this is the reassuring part, it is completely natural, but foreign to us if we aren’t sure why we are feeling either emotional exhaustion or a need for stimulation. Awareness is key, and when we have that, we can be exhilarated by these shifts rather than fearful of or frustrated by them.

Now, let’s get to the weekend, and I wish you one filled with reading that whiles away time without you noticing, activities that hold you in the present, and oodles of everyday moments to savor. Below are a few links and one video to explore that I thought you might enjoy. Until Sunday, bonne journée.

~Home Tour of the Week: This historical apartment in Paris. First, check out the parquet floor, then the art and sculptures, and don’t forget to oogle at the La Cornue range. [Vogue Living]

~Fall events and festivals to enjoy in Provence. [Perfectly Provence]

~The best places to see the autumn leaves in the UK [CNTraveller]

~From Celine Dion’s return to the stage this past weekend in Paris to all the other cultural events not to miss in Paris this Autumn, this is the list to check out. [Frenchly]

~Forbes shares a list of the 50 most influential books according to top creatives, founders, and thought leaders.

~Learn all about the grand estate where the Great British Bake-Off is filmed. [House & Garden UK]

~A second one! Home Tour of the Week: Get a close-up look at Annie Meyers-Shyer’s kitchen, pantry, and all the details. Her book The Oak House, which she entirely renovated (shared in last week’s T&T), was released on September 15th. [Homes & Garden UK]

~Happy to learn about the return of Signora Volpe. Yep, season 3 is coming in October (I will be sure to include it in a future T&T on the week of its premiere). Have a look at the trailer below. A thoroughly fantastic murder mystery series starring Emilia Fox.

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~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: September 11th

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