The fall season has begun, and that means new series premiere – a new French series too, and the return of favorite series. Also, three new films premiere this week that run from light-hearted, to serious to playful and contemplative. Also, clothing finds, those quintessential essentials that both finish a fall ensemble, but also lift the outfit to effortless chic. Two new books take us to Paris, and if you are looking for colorful, fun yoga pants, I have found the brand you’ve been looking for. All of that and much more to peruse and explore. 

Books

—Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil Saki

Released this past week, a book to provide hope and perhaps shift our mindset in a constructive manner for healthier connections with all people we cross paths. Jamil Saki shares in Hope for Cynics that while “cynicism is an understandable response to a world full of injustice and inequality, in many cases, it is misplaced. Dozens of studies find that people fail to realize how kind, generous, and open-minded others really are. Cynical thinking deepens social problems: when we expect the worst in people, we often bring it out of them. 

“We don’t have to remain stuck in this cynicism trap. Through science and storytelling, Jamil Zaki imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful skepticism—thinking critically about people and our problems, while honoring and encouraging our strengths. Far from being naïve, hopeful skepticism is a precise way of understanding others that can rebalance our view of human nature and help us build the world we truly want.”

Jamil Saki reminds us to live more mindfully, and when we do, so much more good and reason to celebrate, savor and connect is well within our proximity.

—The Instrumentalist: A Novel by Harriet Constable

For lovers of classical music, Italian history and specifically Vivaldi if you enjoy listening to his most well-known composition the Four Seasons, a novel inspired by historical events and people, giving a bit of backstory about that famous piece that we likely didn’t know. Just released this past August, The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable tells the story of a young orphan girl who survives the expected fate of many young children without families, and winds up taking violin lessons from the one and only Antonio Vivaldi.

—Tell Me Everything: A Novel by Elizabeth Strout

Being released on Tuesday, from Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout comes her latest novel Tell Me Everything.

“Returning to the town of Crosby, Maine, and to Strout’s beloved cast of characters—Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and more—as they deal with a shocking crime in their midst, fall in love and yet choose to be apart, and grapple with the question, as Lucy Barton puts it, ‘What does anyone’s life mean?’

“It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer Lucy Barton, who lives down the road in a house by the sea with her ex-husband, William. Together, Lucy and Bob go on walks and talk about their lives, their fears and regrets, and what might have been. Lucy, meanwhile, is finally introduced to the iconic Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known—’unrecorded lives,’ Olive calls them—reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.”

British Finds

—Nights Out at Home: Recipes and Stories from 25 Years a a Restaurant Critic by Jay Rayner

Both a memoir and a cookbook, British restaurant critic and award-winning writer and broadcaster Jay Rayner’s book Nights Out at Home debuted this past Tuesday in Britain (not yet available in the US, but you can order from Blackwells today) and “gives us delicious, achievable recipes inspired by the restaurant creations that have stolen his heart over the decades, for you to cook in your own kitchen.

“With sixty recipes that take their inspiration from restaurants dishes served across the UK and further afield, Nights Out at Home includes a cheat’s version of the Ivy’s famed crispy duck salad, the brown butter and sage flatbreads from Manchester’s Erst, miso-glazed aubergine from Freak Scene and instructions for making the cult tandoori lamb chops from the legendary Tayyabs in London’s Whitechapel; a recipe which has never before been written down.”

“Seasoned with stories from Jay’s life as a restaurant critic, and written with warmth, wit and the blessing, and often help, of the chefs themselves, Nights Out at Home is a celebration of good food and great eating experiences, filled with irresistible dishes to inspire all cooks.”

—Sarah Raven, 25% off

British gardener Sarah Raven is having a sale to take note of and explore if you live in the UK (unfortunately, she doesn’t ship to the US yet, and oh, how I wanted the wooden dibber you will see below!) To welcome the fall season, use promo code AUT0924 and save 25% off your order. I have shopped just a few things below, but there are so many items including bulbs and plants you won’t want to miss out on, especially if you are a gardener.

Giverny table

Jewelled (more colors) Tagine Glass Vase

Wooden Dibber

Film

—His Three Daughters

Released to theaters today and later this fall to Netflix (September 20th), when His Three Daughters premiered at Toronto last September, critics praised it widely. Starring Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon, the story captures “the tense, touching, and funny portrait of family dynamics follows three estranged sisters as they converge in a New York apartment to care for their ailing father and try to mend their own broken relationship with one another”. Have a look at the trailer below.

—I’ll Be Right There

Starring Edie Falco as Wanda alongside many other well-known and enjoyable actors, I’ll Be Right There tells the story of a woman who “wants to take care of everyone in her life” and in so doing “barely has time for herself, not that she would know what to do with it anyway”. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

—Matt and Mara

Premiering at Sundance this past January, Rotten Tomatoes have given Matt and Mara 8.2/10, and it is in this unique friendship between the two whose friendship began in college and then life took them each on their separate paths before reuniting them that we have a plot that asks the viewers to contemplate much about their own life journey without giving us any answers. Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters beginning today.

Francophile Find

—At Home in France: Inspiration and Style in Town and Country by Timothy Corrigan

Interior designer Timothy Corrigan’s new design book At Home in France was published this past Tuesday, and if you are looking to step inside beautifully adorned interiors that involve much historically sourced décor, as well as shared secrets from the designer himself of where to go in Paris and beyond, At Home in France is a book to add to your library.

Owning homes in both locations – the French countryside and Paris city proper, “in the first section of the book, Corrigan invites readers into his dazzling Paris apartment, walking them through the history of the building and his design plans, from the entryway through the salons, dining room, and bedrooms. In the second part, Corrigan shares his enduring love for French country homes. Traveling through his spectacular new château room by room, he tells the story of its purchase, restoration, and decoration. Layered throughout are insights and advice on topics ranging from antiquing in Paris, hanging art in the French style, hosting with panache, and exploring the French countryside.”

—Emily in Paris (or maybe Rome!), season 4, part deux

And the wait is nearly over! The second half of Emily in Paris will have us going skiing in the French Alps as well as, yep, heading to Rome for a getaway. Have a look at the trailer below and look for the series to return on Thursday September 12th.

—Master Crimes, MHzChoice

A new series just arrived on MHzChoice, and after having watched the first two episodes, I quite like it and think you will too. French actress Muriel Robin stars as Louise Arbus, a renowned criminologist who now teaches criminology at Paris’ Sorbonne. The series originally debuted in France last year, and with a likable cast, affable connections between the reoccurring characters, I think this will be a series to enjoy. Have a look at a glimpse of the first episode of Master Crimes below (two new episodes drop each Tuesday).

—The Paris Flea Market: Les Puces de Paris, Saint-Ouen by Kate van den Boogert

After reading an article last week about the author of The Paris Flea Market, Kate van den Boogert, I immediately want to learn more her new release (August 2024). Boogert, who lives in Paris, introduces readers to approximately “twenty or so of the market’s key dealers, inviting readers into their worlds and revealing the hidden workings of their trade. Vibrant double-page spreads immerse readers in this little-known world. With expertise and specialties ranging from mid- century modern and Art Deco, to Memphis Milano and Louis XVI, these antique and second-hand dealers drive the market’s rich and eclectic profusion, not only preserving the history of the decorative arts, but also shaping future design trends.”

Most definitely a slightly different approach to talking about the famed promenade on the outskirts of Paris to find endless treasures, and with the spotlight placed on the artisans and talents behind the scenes, we will appreciate all the more what we discover when we visit. (read my post sharing 11 Helpful Tips for Visiting and Shopping the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen here.)

Décor

—Eden Woven Raffia Box (two colors)

If you have been hunting for a simple, yet stylish box for your jewelry or special items you want to ensure never become misplaced, One King’s Lane has paired up with Jamie Young Co. who has made these Raffia Boxes, completed with a polished ox bone as latch. Take a look at the dimensions below and the two color options.

Shopping

—Emerson Fry Frankie Angled Slingback black leather heels

Pointed heels with a style design that elongates the leg with its angled toe top, yet keeps it comfortable with only a slight height lift. Simple and beautiful.

—La Ligne Jack Sweater (different stripe colors available)

Made from 100% lightweight and super soft Merino, this sweater is not too long but not too short and the perfect regular fit. Available in six different stripe color pairings, La Ligne’s Jack sweater provides the right amount of weight to transition into fall.

Navy and Camel

—Looney Legs workout clothing

Over the summer I needed to find some light-weight leggings for yoga and during my search came across the British brand Looney Legs. I ended up purchasing the blue and white floral print you see below and am loving them. They take about two weeks to arrive, but I couldn’t be happier as they are light-weight, long enough for my legs (cropped sizes are available) and with so many colorful, fun patterns, your personality will come to class along with you.

—Mango Cotton Trench Coat with Belt

A simple trench to carry you just about everywhere this fall in style and without the excess buttons.

—Mango’s Double-Breasted Cotton Trench Coat

For $30 more than the trench above, the classic double-breasted trench coat that comes in a wonderfully midi-long length and the quintessential classic hue.

—Sézane Michele Jacket, blue & beige check, wool

I had saved this wool jacket to include in the Fall Shopping Guide but neglected to do so, and now, here it is! This fully lined wool jacket is classic in design and could be worn easily as a coat for fall or indoors for that winter activity when the room never seems to warm up.

—Vince Dolman-Sleeve Blouse in Long Sleeve, dark ivory (black also available)

Subtly chic and classically fitted for a loose, yet flattering fit. Wear with a French tuck as seen here, and be both comfort, timeless and effortless when you pair them with your favorite jeans or pants.

Television

—English Teacher, FX/Hulu

After looking at the trailer, and then watching the first two episodes, I think the new series English Teacher might just be a hoot to watch and spark quite a bit of worthwhile, thoughtful conversation. Check out the trailer below and look for it now on Hulu. New episodes air each Monday.

When you know, you know. And sometimes, the universe helps us ‘know’ something when we likely wouldn’t have taken action but in some small but wise part of us, we knew we needed to make that decision we’ve been hemming and hawing about. Or by taking action we would be making an investment, a risk, we really didn’t want to have to make, but we realize that the time has come as the opportune moment is far too good to pass by.

Two such instances happened in the past week in my own life that now that I have made the decisions I didn’t necessarily want to make, but knew, in one scenario, it needed to happen for true growth to occur, and in the case of the other, was the wise and sound investment. As a result, I feel a tremendous liberation and a deep joy as I have invested in what value and demonstrated confidence in myself (not gonna lie, I am a bit nervous, but in my bones, I feel deep relief and am grateful to be able to bet on myself.)

Such nudges made by whatever you want to call it, the universe, God, something that we have no control over but somehow knows what we are capable of accomplishing more than we do, especially when we find ourselves exhausted, overburdened or stuck, gives generously, and it is when we choose to be brave and muster up our courage that we often reflect back and acknowledge that trusting that nudge turned out to be one of the best ideas and made the difference in traveling forward well and fruitfully.

And speaking of fruit! The peaches here at Le Papillon may be few in number, but oh my goodness are they delicious. September is here and with its commencement brings not only harvest time in the literal garden, but a garden of hopes to be harvested and savored in the everyday as you begin something new, return to something you love or step forward into something known but with a renewed and improved you.

This past week on the blog has been full of posts and content – including video and podcast offerings as well – for you to reflect, change, explore and enhance your wardrobe to your everyday. I hope you have found something that spoke to you, and a few more finds are just below – articles and one video I thought you might enjoy. Thank you for stopping by today, and until Monday, bonne journée !

~And the date is set! Notre-Dame de Paris will be open and completed after its long steeple reconstruction and interior repair on December 8th!

~12 ways to respond to unkindness [Wildmind]

~How to eat for a long and healthy life [NYTimes, gift link]

~If you preordered Ina Garten’s memoir, The New Yorker shares some quite personal first excerpts about her childhood and young adult life. Look for the book to be released on October 1st (order it here). Have a read here.

~And one of Ina’s favorite people, Jennifer Garner, gives a tour of her California home, and it’s cozy and grand all at the same time. Stunning and full of inspiration. Take the tour here. [Architectural Digest]

~Save this one! The best French restaurants in London [CN Traveler]

~A quick check on healthy brain habits [NYTimes, gift link]

~The complete guide to planting those spring bulbs. The time for looking ahead to next year’s garden is upon us! [Gardeners World]

~Escape to Normandy and tour the home of interior designer Laura Gonzalez, full of mosaics, ceramics, color and touches of English trusted fabrics and wallpapers brands. [House & Garden UK]

~One series I have been eagerly waiting to return, The Diplomat announced that its sophomore season will arrive at the end of October, and we now have a peek. A favorite actor from West Wing will join the cast this year. Find out who here.

~And just for fun. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu et Bruno Gouery of Emily in Paris decide which traditional French items in pairings are Chic ou Cheap. An opportunity to brush up on your French as well!

~Explore last week’s This & That: August 30, 2024

Between books and Labor Day sales, there is much to explore. Novels and the exploration of a British palace, a sale on one of my favorite dog bed and accessory companies, a must-have office item that is inexpensive and high quality for all you creatives who just need a really good writing utensil and eraser. Books about the many ways we can exercise intelligence, a new memoir from a beloved gardener and still so much more. 

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