The return of a popular new British caper series, two new movies starring Helen Mirren, a new book that reads like an intriguing piece of fiction, but is actually a true story, a couple of newly released novels both set in England, a book about olive oil and everything you have ever wanted to know about EVOO, as well as a new documentary series to inspire you to live a long and healthy life, clothing finds to prep us for the fall season and TSLL’s Annual Fall Shopping Guide, a canvas tote company I found and readers have asked about, plus much more!

Books

—Flirting with Danger: The Mysterious Life of Marguerite Harrison, Socialite Spy by Janet Wallach

Now this book looks to be a great read that will enthrall, hold one’s attention and, did you know, it’s true! I learned about this book while reading The New York Times Book Review and immediately wanted to share as I am also searching out my own fall reads to begin to dive into. This one is on my list!

“Born a privileged child of America’s Gilded Age, Marguerite Harrison rebelled against her mother’s ambitions, married the man she loved, was widowed at thirty-seven, and set off on a life of adventure. Hired as a society reporter, when America entered World War I she applied to Military Intelligence to work as a spy.” I am in! Ready to read most definitely!

—The Olive Oil Enthusiast: A Guide from Tree to Table, with Recipes by Skyler Mapes and Giuseppe Morisani

For fellow foodies! This book just looks, well, delicious. Having EVOO on my stove top (next too) is a must, and I am forever refilling my ceramic canister as I use it all of the time. Released earlier this month (August 15th), “The Olive Oil Enthusiast is a clear, approachable guide to the world of olive oil, starting with a walk through the olive groves during growing season to harvesting the olives to the milling and production processes. There are tips for shopping for, tasting, using, and storing olive oil. Mapes and Morisani also include twenty recipes for dishes that showcase olive oil, such as Crocchette di Patate (fried potato croquettes), Pasta Aglio e Olio (pasta with garlic and olive oil), Olive Oil Brownies, and tasty Bruschetta.”

—Stories of Books and Libraries by Jane Holloway

Bibliophiles, what better way to begin fall reading than to curl up with a book about books and libraries. A collection of stories each of which involving books and libraries in some way. Dive in with whichever story catches your eye first. Here is a taste: “The characters in the delightful stories collected here range all the way from the ink-stained medieval monks in Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose to the book-besotted denizens of Ali Smith’s Public Library and Other Stories. In these pages readers are invited to enter the interior lives of librarians in Lorrie Moore’s “Community Life” and Elizabeth McCracken’s “Juliet” and are ushered into a host of unusual libraries, including the infinite rooms of Jorge Luis Borges’s “The Library of Babel” and a secret library in Helen Oyeyemi’s “Books and Roses.”’

British Finds

—The Chelsea Detective, season 2 premiere, AcornTV

A BIG thank you to TSLL reader Michelle for bringing this much-anticipated British caper series release to my attention. Adrian Scarborough stars as DI Max Arnold and returns in the second season of The Chelsea Detective, set in Chelsea in London, and this season he has a new partner. Look for the first episode of the new season to air on Monday August 28th on AcornTV, and below is a quick peek of what the season has in store.

—The English Experience: A Novel by Julie Schumacher

Released on August 15th and the second book in the Dear Committee Members trilogy (check out the first book in the series that received rave praise from critics), The English Experience centers around “Jason Fitger, who may be the last faculty member the dean wants for the job, but he’s the only professor available to chaperone Payne University’s annual ‘Experience: Abroad’ (he has long been on the record objecting to the absurd and gratuitous colon between the words) occurring during the three weeks of winter term. Among his charges are a claustrophobe with a juvenile detention record, a student who erroneously believes he is headed for the Caribbean, a pair of unreconciled lovers, a set of undifferentiated twins, and one young woman who has never been away from her cat before.” Looks like this experience abroad will be anything but ordinary.

—An Entertaining Life: Designing Town and Country by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen

Bunny Williams writes the foreword for a décor book that joins two of the world’s most celebrated designers, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, as they share the inspirations and stories behind their life and work in London, the English countryside, and beyond. Released this past May, if you are looking for inspiration for living, entertaining and decorating, there is ample supply in An Entertaining Life with 250 photographs “featuring guest rooms, an office, and formal gardens, the duo’s home in West Sussex is more than simply a weekend escape. It is the perfect space for a combined lifestyle of relaxing, entertaining, and working. The London apartment, too, is witness to many a stylish dinner for clients and friends, characterized by an infectious delight in ever-changing table-settings. A selection of recipes is included to accompany entertaining-related stories.”

—Pom Pom London’s Mayfair Crossbody bag (many colors)

I came across this crossbody bag (or shoulder bag) and quite liked the modern touch of the strap, but also functionality and timeless style as well. The Mayfair bag is available in a wide array of colors, in both the bags and the straps. Peruse them all here.

—Sarah Raven’s Garden Cookbook

Gardening expert Sarah Raven is releasing a revamp of one of her most popular cookbooks both in the UK and world-wide next week, and I wanted to bring your attention to it as it looks delicious. Available on August 31st (shop Amazon UK), this release is a “repackaged edition of Sarah Raven”s Garden Cookbook – a modern classic celebrating fresh ideas, inspiration and deliciously simple recipes for eating seasonally.Taking us through the year in six seasonal chunks of two months each, Sarah Raven highlights the best vegetables, fruit and herbs grown in the UK. For each one, there are hosts of simple yet inspiring recipes – over 450 in all.”

—The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann, book #1

Being released on Tuesday, August 29th is a new murder mystery series that revolves around Agnes Sharp. A popular theme as of late, to center series around seniors living in assisted living homes in the English countryside, Leonie Swann’s Agnes and her crew are anything but boring and most definitely curious to solve the crime of murder that appears to have landed in their laps.

Films

—Golda

Much has been talked about the film Golda, and while critics are not raving about it yet, anything starring Helen Mirren will have me going to the theater. Being released today, Mirren stars as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, and the film centers around the 19 days of extreme tension during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. “Faced with the potential of Israel’s complete destruction, Meir (Mirren) must navigate overwhelming odds, a skeptical cabinet, and a complex relationship with US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (Liev Schreiber), with millions of lives in the balance. Her tough leadership and compassion would ultimately decide the fate of her nation and leave her with a controversial legacy around the world.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—White Bird

Helen Mirren is everpresent in the theaters this weekend with her second film being released this weekend as well, titled White Bird. From the author of Wonder, also turned into a movie, is White Bird, the book that is based on the book of the same name. White Bird, a title that brought to the forefront the power of kindness has now been adapted into a film. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters now.

Music

—World Music Radio, Jon Baptiste

The musician much of the general public came to recognize as the band leader of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show and went on to win best album at last year’s Grammy’s, Jon Baptiste continues to share his talent and his determination to foster unity through the power of music. His new album, World Music Radio was released earlier this month and critics are already enjoying it. Watch Jon’s interview on Amanpour and Company about what this album is all about.

Shopping

—La Ligne NYC, The Val Jean

Next Friday TSLL’s Annual Fall Shopping Guide will be released, but until then, a taste of some of the new collections now available. La Ligne’s Val Jeans come in 30 3/4″ inseam and offer the chic ankle-length hem that looks so good in early fall and spring. In a dark denim, this is a wonderful piece for a fall capsule wardrobe if you don’t already have a similar pair, and this pair is available for fewer than $200.

Shop The Val Jean (more washes available).

—Boden’s Pointelle-sleeve cardigan, camel (more colors available)

Cotton and wool blend, this hip-hitting cardigan offers a bit of style, as well as classic timelessness.

Add some extra savings with promo code H3H1.

—Mary Lake Thompson Canvas Totes

Last week a reader asked about where I found a canvas tote she saw in my Boot & Basket room (shared in this post, 10 French Décor Details Included into My Home) that included an illustration of a beach bike, and as I picked it up on a trip to San Francisco a couple of years ago, I wanted to remind myself as well. Offering oodles of designs on a classic (and sturdy) canvas tote, Mary Lake Thompson is where you will find them all for $22. I have handpicked a couple below, but there are many, many more.

—Me + Em Italian Bouclé Military Crop Jacket Cream

One trend to pay attention to this fall is the bouclé jackets. As included in an article I share below about the 10 trends Parisians are keen to welcome into their fall wardrobes, a bouclé jacket, the classic, yet slightly updated for a modern look, is one you will see frequently in collections and Me + Em are already on it.

—Vanessa Bruno Raffia sandals, on sale (four styles)

Officially, summer isn’t quite over yet, and while we may not be thinking about purchasing sandals to wear, now is a great time to look ahead to next year. Savings are quite nice on these raffia sandals if the style speaks to you.

Television

—Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, Netflix

Being released next week on August 30th, the series inspired by the books written by Dan Buettner focuses on the Blue Zones and what he has discovered over 20 years of exploration and research. And in fact, he will be releasing a new book to correspond with the premiere of the series next week as well – The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer. Check out the trailer to the series below.

Explore the book here.

First, let me begin by thanking you, the readers of TSLL for supporting the respite I took these past four days. It was powerful, needed and deeply savored. As well, my closets and garage have never been so clean and organized. In fact, I was journaling Wednesday evening and realized, this is the first time in Le Papillon, but really, ever, where I have been both settled and loving where I am as well as have all of my ‘stuff’ situated, edited and know what is where. The feeling is amazing.

Rest assured, I did rest, and with the mental space, ideas that had been teasing forward to the front of my mind over the past few months finally had some time to fully grab my attention. 🙂 Of course, I enjoyed popping out into the garden, and the dahlias are beginning to shine. Case in point is the Kelvin Limelight yellow dahlia you see above. It is quite large in size and looks dazzling in the garden at the moment. I walk outside in the evenings and mornings just to take a long look at it. 🙂

As well, I took time this week to organize and assess my luggage and carry-on, including my travel tote for my upcoming trip to England, and needless to say, just doing that has me even more eager to hop on the plane. I cannot wait!

All of the giveaways for French Week are en route and will hopefully arrive early next week. If you are a winner, please do feel free to share with us either on IG (tag @thesimplyluxuriouslife) or directly with me. It is always a treat to see TSLL readers enjoying what has arrived.

And with that, the weekend is here! The final weekend in August, which is hard to believe, but true. The month seemed to have zoomed by, but some awesome content is coming your way in the next couple of weeks, beginning with TSLL’s Annual Fall Shopping Guide (explore last year’s here) being released on September 1st (next Friday), A Cuppa Moments w/Shannon for TOP Tier Members where I will take you with me (and Norman) to the Swan Island Dahlia farm in western Oregon, the new season of the podcast on September 5th and the premiere of the sixth season of the cooking show on Saturday September 9th. Much to come, and I am looking forward to bringing it your way. ?

I hope you had a wonderful week and are looking ahead to a weekend that makes you smile just thinking about your plans. Below I have gathered up articles and a couple of videos I thought you might enjoy. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée.

~10 French Approved Fashion Trends for Fall [Leonce Chenal]

~Une Vie Parisienne in NYC, to be culturally transformed, such a shock to return to the states [HiP Paris]

~Why motivation follows actions, not the other way around [LifeHack]

~Thank you Edel for sharing this article with me and TSLL! Why the French take every August off work – and what it means for visitors [The Telegraph, UK, subscription required]

~As the season finale of And Just Like That aired yesterday (how great was the last episode! Loved the dinner party scenes, especially the round-table response), an ode to the bakery that came to fame during the SATC years – Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding recipe. [NYTimes Cooking]

~And speaking of AJLT, it has been renewed for Season 3! [Variety]

~The cover of Vogue‘s September issue dons the four supermodels that coined the phrase in the 90s – which prompts the question: Do Supermodels Age, or Just Get Airbrushed? [NYTimes]

~A thoughtful read that reminds us how curiosity and a growth mindset can bridge divides and heal insecurity [NYTimes]

~I concur completely with the article – there are so many benefits to be savored spending time alone in public for introverts [Introvert, Dear]

~How to stick to long-term change [Zen Habits]

~Rustic cottage garden ideas – 7 tips for creating a stunning garden on a budget [Middle-sized Garden]

~The daily habits of happiness experts [Time]

~Rick Steves’ best tips for how to pick a restaurant on vacation [Travel + Leisure]

~It’s coming! Season 2 of The Gilded Age, on October 29th. The official trailer was just released yesterday. Have a look.

~Explore last week’s This & That: August 18, 2023 — French Week!

Nearly every find this week is French-inspired, so Francophiles, this is your post to savor! Three delicious and beautiful cookbooks, books of all genres, travel, décor, mystery and more. Two cooking schools to keep in your hat if you have always wanted to take a proper cooking class (English speaking), both recommended by Patricia Wells, a French film from a couple of years ago now available on Netflix that looks like a fun watch. French décor and linen companies to definitely know and shop for adding a luxurious French touch to your home, and if you love to paint, I have a French painting class that is a must-enroll. Plus, much more. 

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse and sometimes welcome into your life mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in today’s post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.