A little over a year ago, Cumulus reached out, offering to send me their iced coffee machine. I was intrigued but a little skeptical. I already have my beloved Miele machine (review of that here)! I don’t like to have a lot of stuff on my counter. If I want iced coffee, I pour my Americano over ice, or make it the night before and stick it in the fridge. A year into owning it, I can honestly say that I love this machine. It’s so nice being able to make fancy iced coffees (nitro cold brew!) at home.

The thing that got me was when I saw that it had a nitro setting. Nitro cold brew is heaven! I still remember the first time I ever had nitro cold brew (at La Colombe back when I lived in New York). I absolutely loved it. The thick foamy “head,” like a Guinness. The velvety flavor. I got curious, and excited about it as I haven’t found anywhere in Charleston besides Starbucks (at least on the Peninsula, within walking distance!) that serves up nitro cold brew.

This product was gifted to me but I wasn’t obligated to write this post: I wanted to. And right now the brand is having their Father’s Day Sale – it’s 20% off! Use code FATHERSDAY20

Cumulus Coffee Machine Review

The Cumulus Cold Coffee Machine is a high-end, single-serve coffee maker designed for cold coffee enthusiasts. It was developed by former Starbucks executive Mesh Gelman and offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy café-quality cold beverages at home.

The Cumulus Machine

This machine has three settings: you can make nitro cold brew (my personal favorite), standard cold brew, or espresso. Nine times out of ten, I use it to make nitro cold brew, but it’s nice to have other options. The espresso setting is really fun for martinis and iced lattes.

What is Nitro Cold Brew!?

Nitro cold brew is a type of cold coffee that is infused with nitrogen gas to give it a smooth, creamy texture and a frothy top—kind of like a stout beer (as I mentioned above, think Guinness).

Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (usually 12–24 hours). It’s naturally smoother and less acidic than regular hot-brewed coffee.

Nitro cold brew takes that cold brew and infuses it with nitrogen gas under pressure. The result is a coffee that is:

• Creamier and silkier, even without milk
• Slightly sweet-tasting, despite having no sugar
• Topped with a foamy head, like beer

Pros:

• I love cold brew! The nitro setting is amazing, and it is fun to be able to make cold espresso for martinis. Making real cold brew at home is time-consuming (the lengthy soaking process!). I love how convenient it is.
• It’s relatively compact. The slim profile measures 19” x 6” x 16”, and is designed to fit comfortably on kitchen countertops. It tucks into the corner of my counter and does not take up much space.
• Sustainable Capsules: This is so much easier than other capsule machines I’ve had (like Nespresso for example). These aluminum capsules can go out with my regular recycling; no need to mail in.
• No external gas canisters: Its patent-pending technology eliminates the need for separate nitrogen cartridges by extracting nitrogen directly from the air.

Cons:

• It’s expensive. The machine clocks in at $700, and the capsules are around $27 for ten. That is $2.70 a pop, which is less expensive than going out for coffee, but still a pretty penny.
• Proprietary capsules. Right now, it currently supports only the proprietary capsules available through the company’s website. I hope as the company grows, this will change (less $ capsules would be a gamechanger!)
• Another countertop machine! I know a lot of you have small kitchens, too. I will say that it has a more narrow profile than my Miele. It really doesn’t take up that much space.

How the cumulus coffee machine works

Unlike traditional coffee machines that brew hot coffee, the Cumulus uses recyclable aluminum capsules filled with a super-concentrated liquid coffee extract. When a capsule is inserted and the machine is activated, it reconstitutes the concentrate with chilled water, delivering a cold beverage in about 75 seconds. The machine’s internal compressor cools the water to approximately 34°F, ensuring that the drink is served cold without ice, which can dilute the flavor.

Beverage Options

The Cumulus offers three distinct cold coffee styles at the touch of a button:

• Cold Brew: A smooth, full-bodied coffee that’s less acidic than traditional hot brews.
• Nitro Cold Brew: Infused with nitrogen gas extracted from the ambient air, this option delivers a creamy, effervescent texture with a frothy head, similar to a stout beer.
• Cold Espresso: A concentrated shot of cold coffee with a rich crema, suitable for sipping or mixing into beverages like espresso martinis .

How To Use the cumulus coffee machine

This machine is super easy to use. I recommend keeping the water tank filled ahead of time (it chills the water over time so that it can make your drinks on demand).

1. Insert Coffee Capsule:
   • Press the Cumulus logo to open the capsule holder.
   • Insert a capsule with the tab side down, sliding it in from the side until it clicks into place.
   • Push the capsule holder down to lock it. The brew button light ring will pulse white, indicating readiness.
2. Select Beverage Type:
   • Rotate the beverage selector dial on top of the machine to choose your desired drink:
     • Still: Cold Brew
     • Nitro: Nitro Cold Brew
     • Espresso: Cold Espresso
3. Place Your Glass: Position your glass on the drip tray beneath the spout.
4. Start Brewing: Press the brew button. The machine will begin the brewing process, delivering your selected cold beverage in approximately 75 seconds.
5. Post-Brew:
   • Once brewing is complete, all lights will turn off, and the capsule holder will unlock.
   • Press down on the capsule holder to open it, remove the used capsule, and recycle it.
   • Close the capsule holder to prepare for the next use!

How To Clean Cumulus Coffee Machine

The machine is pretty easy to clean, and it takes about 15 minutes. The machine will prompt you for maintenance after approximately 150 brews by displaying an orange alert light. The cleaning process takes about 15 minutes and involves four key steps:

1. The purge cycle removes any residual water from the machine.
2. The cleaning cycle cleans and refreshes the internal components. You’ll need the blank cleaning capsule and Cumulus cleaning solution (both come with the machine).
3. The rinse cycle flushes out any remaining cleaning solution.
4. And then, you’ll replace the water filter. Easy peasy.

My Honest Review Of The cumulus coffee machine

I love my Cumulus. This is definitely not something I would have bought myself, but now that I have it and have experienced it, I absolutely would spend my own money on it. I use mine every day and like it a lot. But this is more of a luxury item than a need! It’s perfect for coffee snobs or anyone who prefers cold coffee over hot (I am both things!).

Where to buy the Cumulus Cold Coffee Machine?

You can buy it from Williams-Sonoma, or the Cumulus website. If you buy it from Cumulus, use GRACE100 for $100 off.

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Cumulus Coffee Machine Review appeared first on The Stripe.

Today, we are styling these chic silky pants, this fun graphic tee, and this beautiful printed Staud dress. PS – for more of this, you can see last week’s post here.

La Ligne’s Freya pants are like a summer-weight version of my favorite Colby. The chiffon makes them super light and airy, perfect for warmer weather. We’re adding a feminine tank, a pendant necklace, and this fun bag (I just got it — the coolest!).

I love a graphic tee and this one has me nostalgic for my New York days. Add long shorts, pretty beads, and unexpected accessories like this yellow belt and these white flats.

This Staud dress is stunning, I can see why so many of you loved it. I love her with the darker shoes and necklace to add a little dimension, and this fun raffia clutch from Courtney Grow’s Reformation collab.

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Styling Last Week’s Best-Sellers, Vol. 8 appeared first on The Stripe.

Happy weekend, friends. For whatever reason, I got onto Croatia time pretty easily, but getting back into the swing of things on US time was rough. I woke up at 4 or 5 every day, and felt dead to the world by 3 or 4! I am slowly feeling a little more normal. I have pilates and a friend’s birthday today, and am planning on a very book-forward couple of days, both with reading and writing. Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s great! xx

Melinda French Gates continues to be the best. Time

I just got this simple white top and it’s perfect.

How to get the biggest mental health boost in just fifteen minutes outdoors. Time

How to dress for summer when it’s very hot outside. Glamour

I really love this oversized bandana pareo: so many ways to wear it.

Omg omg – everything we know about the Evelyn Hugo movie. I’m so excited. Marie Claire

The happiest door mat, love this so much! (Use GRACE15)

Violet Witchel is making beans sexy. Yum. NY Times gift link

I’m into this travel trend! Conde Nast Traveler

These pretty lace shorts are perfect for hot nights and hanging at home.

Have you read about the loneliness influencers? This sent me down a rabbit hole. Honestly, they seem pretty happy. The Cut

I really love these striped chartreuse shorts.

I’m absolutely drooling over Tory Burch’s resort collection. Vogue

Jimmy Kimmel would stop if he could. Vulture

Paige has been killing the dress game. Love this mini.

I’m into Anne Hathaway’s “coastal city girl” style. Bustle

I really love this neutral stripe shirt.

Everything to stream in June. The Everygirl

North America’s 50 best restaurants. Eater

Very into this happy terrycloth beach bag. The yellow!

Is Texas about to weather a big blue storm? Vanity Fair

A really good Father’s Day gift.

The kitchen in this house, wow. Homes & Gardens

This San Francisco home is everything. The colors, the molding, all of it. Architectural Digest

This pointelle sweater is the perfect summer layer.

Charleston’s charm hides a bloody history. I think about this a lot. NY Times gift link

These striped pants are such a great color combo.

How to handle an airplane seat kicker. Travel & Leisure

Easy weeknight dinners for June. Bon Appetit

Now this is a fabulous beach tote.

How to have the best Sunday in LA. LA Times

For the man in your life: the best linen button-down.

Loved this: how to make your back yard feel like Provence. Homes & Gardens

Where to eat in New York right now. Grub Street

I’m not huge into gingham but I love this simple shift.

A first look inside the new LGBTQ+ Museum. Vogue

I’m really into these puffy jelly flip flops – they feel cool and interesting.

A happy roundup of seashell earrings. Glamour

This Soho loft apartment stopped me in my tracks. It’s magic. Architectural Digest

I really love this footwear collab and think I want to buy these.

I’m excited about this collab! Marie Claire

Such a fun summer dress — I love the print!

7 new books to read this June. Vulture

I’m thrilled that there will be a second season of Margo’s Got Money Problems. Allure

The best everyday sundress now comes in a pretty eyelet.

How to check and see how full your flight is. Conde Nast Traveler

The perfect “it’s too hot for real clothes” dress. Use GRACEA20

Last month’s best beauty launches. W

What’s the difference between all the different types of tomatoes? Bon Appetit

Very into this fun mirrored coverup.

Easy summer pasta recipes. Food & Wine

Hermes Oran vibes for under $100.

Don’t you just love this reading nook? Apartment Therapy

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Weekend Reading 6.6.26 appeared first on The Stripe.

We are back with our biweekly edit of under-$200 favorites. There are so many great pieces in this week’s round-up, especially the accessories. I especially love this fish necklace and this straw tote . . . and these Rothy’s sandals are so comfy.

Under $200 summer finds

I am a broken record about this, but if you are new here, I have a “great style under $200” section on my ShopMy page that I update multiple times a week, if not every day! Both Carly and I spend quite a bit of time tracking down pieces at this price point that feel well-made, special, and fun.

I aim to share a roundup like this every two weeks (the last installment is right here) as there are so many great items out there that won’t break the bank. Right now, a few personal favorites are:

• Everything about this pretty day dress.
• Anthropologie has so many great pieces right now. Do not sleep on this beaded wooden bag. I got the citron color. I also love this floral mini and these kitten-heel flip-flops.
• These striped denim shorts are really fun.
• These breezy, pull-on gauze shorts are only $30!
• Mounser’s candy rings are becoming a bit of an obsession. I just ordered this green one.
• The perfect beachy sweater.

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Under $200 Summer Finds appeared first on The Stripe.

Carly is back with the tenth installment of Carly’s Cut. You can read her last one here. If you are new here, Carly is The Stripe’s Creative Projects Manager. She has such great taste that I wanted to give her a monthly column. Think of her as our younger buddy, telling us what we should know about.

May—you gave, you took, and then you gave some more. This month left me with new bookmarks in my shopping folder, new perspectives on life and work, and a deeper desire to read more books and sit among strangers in theaters more often. May also marks the time of year in Charleston when life simultaneously speeds up and slows down, forcing you to linger in the density of the heat just a bit longer to soak in those extra minutes of daylight.

Admittedly, May was not my best month, but certainly not my worst. This year has been an absolute whirlwind, and I can’t believe we’re nearly halfway through already!

Carly’s Cut, Vol. 10

Shopped //

This month I was struck by something major—a hunger for wide-ranging window shopping. If it caught my attention, it made its way into my cart. Very few things actually made it through checkout, but the summer has only just begun… There wasn’t much rhyme or reason to these May clicks, which makes it all the more amusing to look at the pieces collectively. They lack cohesion in the best way—some more aligned with the season than others, given the Charleston heat we’re working with.

Starting with shoes, I was especially drawn to the TKEES x J.Crew collaboration flip-flops. There’s something so unserious about them in a way I really love, evoking a bit of nostalgia for the sandals I used to throw on in classic New England summer fashion. They’ve been sitting in my cart for weeks, and it feels like it might finally be time to commit before they disappear.

Staying in the footwear category, I’ve also been intrigued by the slightly offbeat nature of these Jamie Haller leather sandals. The shape is unconventional in a way that might read as unappealing to some, but to me feels like a clean intersection of fashion and function. I’ve been admiring the Tory Burch Mary Janes from afar for quite some time as well, and I’m honestly pleased with my restraint in consistently avoiding the checkout button. Last but not least, I’ve fully fallen for the Seavees slip-ons—saved away in my bookmarks for a future need of elevated house shoes.

In the accessories department, I’ve been circling the urge to splurge on an Emily Dawn Long crochet hat, along with this oblong tote from COS. This cowhide hair belt was a discovery via Kelly Klein, and something I feel surprisingly committed to, even though I haven’t owned anything purple since the 8th grade. To close out my ongoing search, I’ve been drawn to lighter knitwear and recently came across J.Crew’s summer iteration of their classic rollneck sweater. The weave looks just open enough to breathe while still offering structure. I’m also considering a Flore Flore cami and a Jamie Haller button-down, which would pair effortlessly together.

Watched //

Horror films are back! I went with a friend to a very late-night screening of Obsession, which was simultaneously the best and worst idea we’ve ever had. I’ve expressed this sentiment before, but Obsession belongs to a category of films that seem to metabolize after the credits roll. The longer I sit with it, the more enamored I become. The viewing experience felt strikingly similar to Weapons in that I swept through a majority of the jump scares with my eyes covered. While that admittedly defeats the purpose of seeing the film at all, it introduces an unexpected layer of comedy into the theater-going experience. Rather than subjecting myself to the inevitable adrenaline spike, I instead watched my friend’s reaction unfold beside me—clenched fists, furrowed brows, shoulders tensed in anticipation before the scare had even fully landed.

At its core, Obsession explores themes of consent, communication, emotional longing, and desire without reciprocation. Creator Curry Barker—a 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker—allows the film’s discomfort to simmer rather than explode outright. What unfolds is a surprisingly sharp examination of how quickly fantasy curdles when reality strikes. The film does veer heavily into gore, so if that’s not your speed, consider this your warning. But if you’re looking for a movie capable of keeping your Oura ring aglow (which happened to my friend Skye for nearly the entire runtime), this one’s for you.

Read //

Exit Lane had been at the top of my reading list for quite some time, and as I’ve made abundantly clear, I tend to struggle with extended seasons of reading drought. It takes a very particular book to get me back into the swing of things, and I couldn’t imagine a more fitting one for the job. After meeting author Erika Veurink a few weeks ago—and being a longtime fan of her Substack Long Live—I felt even more eager to linger in the world of her writing.

As described on the cover, Exit Lane contains the best parts of When Harry Met Sally, Normal People, and Lady Bird, all wrapped in a Midwestern bow. Reading the first few chapters brought back the same feeling I had when I first picked up a Sally Rooney novel in 2019. Teddy and Marin, the two main characters, feel familiar enough that you want to root for them, but fictional in a way that keeps you suspended just outside their reach—watching their “will they, won’t they” from close enough to care, but far enough to never fully intervene.

In an article written by Elle, Veurink was described as a modern-day Meyers (Nancy, of course), and I’m curious to see how she continues to evolve while carving out her own space as both a fashion writer by day and romance novelist by night.

Saved //

The summer months in Charleston are dreadful for a reason. The dense humidity and already-climbing temperatures by early morning create the ultimate challenge for anyone looking to express themselves through fashion. How are we meant to feel inspired to explore our closets when the weather practically demands the thinnest tee and loosest pair of shorts available, solely in the name of sweat prevention? For all of those reasons, I find myself spending hours sifting through the internet in search of a plan for cooler weather that still feels impossibly far away.

While doom-scrolling Instagram at an ungodly hour of the night, I came across this canvas jacket on Molly Blutstein’s profile. It stopped me in my tracks so abruptly that I felt momentarily transported to the crisp air of a Charleston fall day—which, admittedly, still hovers around 80 degrees at its peak. I loved the way the canvas had been intentionally distressed, giving the jacket a lived-in quality that feels especially coveted right now; it’s the very reason people remain so drawn to vintage outerwear in the first place. The slightly oversized, rigid silhouette also lends the piece a more masculine energy, something I find myself gravitating toward time and time again.

Ate //

One of the many perks of working with Grace is the shared community we’ve built around her. She has a way about her that seems to encourage the very best kind of people to drift into her orbit. One of those people is stylist Kelly Klein, who recently swung through Charleston for a brief trip to collaborate with Grace. Kelly is someone I admire for a multitude of reasons, her incredible taste in clothing being just one of many. As an end cap to an extremely productive afternoon working together, the three of us celebrated over a delicious bottle of wine and shared plates at Chez Nous.

I think Grace and I would collectively agree that Chez Nous is one of—if not the—best restaurants in Charleston. If you’ve never been, or simply haven’t yet been introduced to it, you’re surely missing out. Their daily menu is released each morning, built around ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors throughout the Charleston area. I’ve never had a bad meal there, and tend to reserve it for special occasions: anniversaries, birthdays, and other meaningful milestones. Whether you’re seated inside or out, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between inviting and intimate. The service is exceptional, and the food—well, the food speaks for itself. Pictured above is their braised fennel with parmesan and bottarga alongside a mushroom conserva tartine. Compliments to the chef!

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Carly’s Cut, Vol. 10 appeared first on The Stripe.

Every Wednesday, I’ll bring you a list of ten things that I think you should know about. I’m excited for this. I often stumble across something interesting and will share it on Instagram, but it has no real place to live. Maybe it’s a new launch, a really great podcast episode . . . maybe it’s an independent designer or a must-have shopping find. It will be a different mix every week. Here’s last week’s!

1. The Mélisse trunk show on Moda Operandi is to die for. I wanted everything, but limited myself to just one bag—this one! This was my runner-up, and I really wish this one hadn’t sold out before I had a chance to shop.
2. The shape of this clutch is truly cool.
3. Courtney’s Reformation collab is as good as I hoped it would be! I ended up snagging three things: these pants, this track jacket, and this dreamy purple (!!) satin clutch. I typically almost always size up in Ref.
4. Another really great source for vintage graphic tees.
5. Holy moly, Valentino bag of my dreams.
6. This has to be the best value I’ve seen in a long time: $149 for $803 worth of beauty products. Bluemercury does this every year, and it always sells out quickly.
7. My favorite laundry detergent pods now come in the most delicious Brazilian vanilla scent. I have always been loyal to the Himalyan Cashmere, but this is my new favorite.
8. These Loewe sandals may be even cooler than my go-to Marni pair. Want. Someone else get them, I’m not allowed!
9. I got a few pairs of Commando’s butter relaxed shorts, and I love them for at-home hanging (this shelf-bra tank is the perfect companion), and I also love these hipster briefs. The fabric is just so soft and cozy, similar to Negative’s whipped collection but not sheer.
10. Lucy Delius’s new black pearl collection is everything. I especially love this long necklace and the tassel pendant. Wow.

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post The Wednesday Ten, No. 8 appeared first on The Stripe.

Today, we are styling this happy green French Connection taffeta top, these breezy La Ligne striped pants, and this beautiful sundress, also from La Ligne. PS – you can see last week’s post here!

I love brown and green together. It would be easy to style this top with the matching shorts, but why not have a little more fun? These casual pants juxtapose the dressiness of the top, plus fun textures with the beaded bag and leopard sandals.

Next up are these striped pants! This feels very Kelly Klein: a button-down as a light jacket, paired with a graphic tee for an effortless, cool look.

This La Ligne dress is gorgeous. It’s a showstopper on its own, so we’re pairing it with simple neutral accessories (and the prettiest shell hairpin).

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Styling Last Week’s Best-Sellers, Vol. 7 appeared first on The Stripe.

This month’s reading was heavy on thrillers, which probably isn’t surprising if you’re a regular here. From a thought-provoking sci-fi-adjacent page-turner to a glamorous romp through the Hamptons and Lake Como, these books kept me up way past my bedtime.

I also snuck in a cozy mystery set in Melbourne that completely stole my heart (Sally Hepworth is a genius with her characters), an art world thriller that made me genuinely anxious (in a good way!), and a twisty podcasting  whodunit. Plus, a Block Island love story and a Lena Dunham’s memoir (that might just be the book of summer?). Let’s get into it!

Everything i read in May 2026

I would really love to hear what you’re reading in the comments! And if you are new here, check out The Library. I have kept this page meticulously updated for the past twelve+ years. It has every book I’ve read, and you can search, filter by genre, and rank from best to worst. 

PS – Last month’s list.

Thrillers

The Take, by Kelly Yang

This is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read in ages. It reads like a fast-paced thriller (I gobbled it up on a Saturday), but it’s more than that. Similar to books like Yellowface and Such a Fun Age, it’s also a meditation on power balances, race, and class (and in this case, aging). Ingrid Parker is a (white) veteran film producer, with piles of money and a successful career. But she can already see her shelf life fading as she begins (at age 53) to feel irrelevant and her (white male) counterparts no longer seem to give her the time of day. When she learns of a cutting-edge medical procedure that can take ten years off of her life, she hires Maggie Wang. Maggie is a smart Asian American writer: young, broke, and in need of mentorship (and income). Ingrid offers Maggie $3 million and mentorship in exchange for ten experimental medical sessions. The only thing? As Ingrid ages in reverse, Maggie may age 10 years doing this. As the women’s relationship intensifies, they use each other in complicated ways. I couldn’t put it down. I cringed at times, I gasped at others . . . but ultimately, it made me think. It would be a great book club read as there’s so much to talk about! Overall Score A- // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

The Plunge, by Lila Raicek

This one is a wild ride. It starts out sleepy and then takes you from New York to the Hamptons to Lake Como. Liv is a writer in her early thirties and fresh off the shocking death of her fiancé. She spends her days, listless, unable to write . . . living in the maid’s room of an old mentor. One night at a party, she runs into Damon, her former (very magnetic) neighbor. He is a high-end jewelry designer, and by his side is Isabel, an equally magnetic older widow. Liv finds herself drawn into their glamorous world of parties and trips out east (and later, to Italy). There is an incredible spark between Liv and Damon, and they find themselves having an affair. Meanwhile, Damon is married and leading Isabel on. As Isabel confides in Liv, and Liv has her affair with Damon, the tension builds and builds. All the while, there is another man in Isabel’s orbit, Rex. Rex is a journalist, who threatens to reveal Liv’s most haunting secret. I couldn’t put this down. The writing is beautiful and transportive, and the pacing is perfection. I felt almost relieved when it was over though (a testament to the writing!) — the dynamic between the characters was toxic and stressful. Overall Score B+ // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

The Paris Widow, by Kimberly Belle

This is a fun read-it-in-a-day thriller set in Paris. (The setting was my favorite part, I felt like I was right there!) Stella is on vacation with her husband, Adam, when a massive explosion takes place in the square. She survives, but cannot find Adam anywhere. As she races around, trying to find him and figure out what happened, she learns that Adam was keeping secrets and may have been the target of the explosion. The French authorities tell her that he was stealing rare antiques and selling them to a roster of criminal clients. Another source tells her that he was forging these items. Stella is not sure who to believe. Was her beloved, down-to-earth antique store-owning husband a random victim, or was something more sinister at play? She can’t reconcile it, and can’t believe that the man she loved may have done such terrible things. Stella won’t leave Paris until she figures out what happened to her husband. To do so, she must put her own life in danger as she confronts both her own past and her husband’s potentially shadowy actions. Overall Score B // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Mad Mabel, by Sally Hepworth

If you loved The Maid, you will love this. Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is a cantankerous eighty-one-year-old living in a quiet suburb of Melbourne. She loves her life, her street, and even some of her rather annoying neighbors. But when one of them (her nemesis!) turns up dead, the past that Elsie worked so hard to conceal gets dug up. You see, when Elsie was fifteen, she was known as “Mad Mabel,” the youngest convicted murderer in Australia. As Elsie finds herself a suspect in her neighbor’s death, she has to make a decision: will she finally share her side of the story? The book alternates between modern day and the fifties, where Mabel grew up as the town pariah with negligent parents and (thankfully) an amazing aunt. It’s one of those rare cozy mysteries that’s also very heartwarming. I couldn’t put it down, and I loved all of the characters. Grumpy Elsie, her Aldi-obsessed neighbor Peter, seven-year-old Persephone, suspicious Joan . . . they were all lovely in their own ways, and very memorable. Overall Score A- // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

The Fine Art of Lying, by Alexandra Andrews

This was the Reese’s Book Club pick, and if they choose a thriller, I will order it without knowing anything about it. And that is what I did here. I was absolutely delighted when I realized it’s an art world thriller! I tore through it in just a couple of days; it is incredibly twisty and highly stressful (in a good way!) to read. Clare Best is feeling a little bit lost. She’s married into the wealthy Bast family and suddenly finds herself a stay-at-home mother, with an abandoned PhD. The one thing saving her is her husband Jed’s boss’s wife, Tasha: a well-connected socialite who sits on the board of the museum of contemporary art. Suddenly, Tasha is introducing her to curators and gallerists: the dream! Things take a turn when Clare starts up an affair with a handsome older art dealer. She feels herself coming alive again until (murderous music plays), she finds herself at the center of a horrible murder (and stolen masterpiece). A true “wrong place, wrong time” scenario, Clare must now rush to hide her affair, and figure out what happened . . . or risk becoming the police’s main suspect. What has she gotten herself into? This book made me extremely anxious . . . in a good way! Overall Score A- // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

This Story Might Save Your Life, by Tiffany Crum

This book is a rare blend of thriller and love story. Joy and Benny are best friends who host a podcast together. From the first episode about Joy’s severe narcolepsy, it’s been a runaway success: a comedy podcast about life-or-death situations and survival stories. Now managed by Joy’s husband Xander, Joy and Benny are on the verge of signing a massive $30mm deal with one of the biggest podcast networks. One morning, Benny heads to Joy and Xander’s home to record, only to find broken glass and neither Joy nor Xander anywhere to be found. An investigation takes place, and Benny (armed only with Joy’s unfinished memoirs) is determined to figure out what happened. Things get more and more complicated as Benny discovers secrets about Joy and Xander’s marriage, that someone was stalking Joy, and that something darker was at play with one of their advertisers. Meanwhile, he finds himself at the center of the investigation, a suspect in their disappearance. I will say no more but this is very very twisty and definitely kept me on my toes! Overall Score B+ // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Contemporary Fiction

June Baby, by Shannon Garvey

This one was a like, not a love. But still very enjoyable, especially as a beach read, and even more so if you are from New England like I am. My two qualms were a) a messy younger woman as the female lead (I struggle with this type of main character) and b) that the two love interests seemed a little bit one-dimensional. Otherwise, it was great. After her mother passed away when she was seventeen, Ruth spent summers on Block Island with her mother’s friend Diana. Diana is a very talented photographer who ultimately became a mentor and a very close friend. When Diana passes away from cancer, Ruth is grief-struck once more. She returns for her funeral. In returning, she’ll also reunite with Charlie, Diana’s nephew (the man she’s loved since they were teenagers). Dianna has left her a box of her possessions, revealing a shocking secret that makes Ruth question everything she knew about her mother and her mentor. Meanwhile, just as Diana is about to confess her feelings, it turns out that Charlie has his own explosive secret. Drama!! My favorite part was the setting; I felt like I was right there on Block Island. Overall Score B // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Non-Fiction

Famesick, by Lena Dunham

I listened to this, and I am glad I did. As with any celebrity memoir, it’s fun to feel like you’re spending twelve hours with your new best friend as they tell you their life story. In this case, the writing is so excellent that I think it would be wonderful to read on paper too. My big gripe was how much medical stuff there was. It’s a lot. If you get squeamish about those sorts of things, you may want to skip or read it on paper and skim through those parts. There were a few parts in particular where I felt nearly sick to my stomach / wanting to pass out! That being said, I ultimately loved it. Dunham is so vulnerable about the cost of fame, about her relationships and friendships. Of course, there are always two sides to every story, but I felt like she did a great job holding herself accountable and acknowledging what she could have done better. She’s also an incredible writer and storyteller. My favorite parts were the early chapters about Girls, the later chapters about breaking up with her best friend, and all the bits about her parents — I love how close she is with them. It’s hard to believe that she started writing (and filming) Girls when she was just twenty-three. This seems to be the book of summer. I’m really glad I read it! Overall Score A- // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Everything I Read in May 2026 appeared first on The Stripe.

Happy weekend! Today we leave the island; I’ll spend the night in Zagreb and fly home tomorrow. What a week! It was the furthest thing from a vacation, but that’s what I wanted it to be. Learning, improving, time to really focus on writing and seek out inspiration in a beautiful place. Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s great! xx

Why is it so hard to be ordinary? The New Yorker

My fave running shorts come in more colors! I go up one size as they are short. Use GRACEA15

The movie star isn’t dead; we just have to look beyond Hollywood. Time

The novels everyone will be reading this summer. NYT gift link

Cute, affordable lace shorts.

How Hacks rededefined greatness. The Atlantic, gift link

In case you were curious, I got the tomato rug for my kitchen. Very excited. GRACE15 works.

How the best skincare peptides can deliver Botox-like results. Vogue

What’s new on Cape Cod this summer. Conde Nast Traveler

My favorite lightweight summer lounge pants.

The coziest, most serene Malibu home. Homes & Gardens

The best way to quickly fix dried out summer hair.

Bazaar editors’ favorite beauty products from May.

Look at this magnificent historic Houston home. AD

The perfect summer mini dress.

I love Allison Bornstein’s advice on what to wear to go out this summer. The Cut

Sandals that feel like jewelry.

The most anticipated new books of summer. The Everygirl

An interesting (sweat-proof?) foundation trick. Bustle

This mini skirt is a great price; it looks like Hunter Bell or Alemais.

A fabulous profile of Tory Burch. LA Times

This cobalt button-down is seriously perfect. Use code GRACE10

8 new movies you can finally watch at home this month. Vulture

I want to make this green curry-glazed salmon. Bon Appetit

I love these shorts when I want to look polished but be secretly comfy.

Loved this interview with Colman Domingo. Elle

The details on this summery button-down are fabulous.

Summer’s best swimwear trends. Marie Claire

Antiques dealers and designers share their most extraordinary finds. Homes & Gardens.

This set is so cute and comfy. Don’t size up!

“I got the face lift, I took the shot, I still hated myself.” Glamour

This fish pouch! So fun!

Is this the next “it” bag? Bustle

A highly enjoyable profile of Robert De Niro. GQ

The happiest red sunglasses. I brought them on my trip. Use GRACEATWOOD15

Summer’s edgy, unbothered makeup trends. Allure

This sheer maxi is so chic. Perfect for a summer party.

This was a fun list: the best new hotel spas all over the world. Conde Nast Traveler

A little Boucheron jewelry history lesson. W

I love the color of this embroidered bandana. The perfect pop!

A look at the women of The Odyssey. Elle

I love this beaded bag.

Wow, Nabela Noor’s home is incredible. NYT gift link

“David Sedaris is in on the joke.” Bazaar

This madras shirt is giving me alllll the nostalgia!

The best science-backed way to wash your hair. Time

Such a comfy, classic summer sweater.

Vipp’s US guesthouse looks like a dream. Vogue

TikTok’s “transitional blush” controversy. Allure

I just ordered these white pants; they’re exactly what I was looking for.

This loaded antipasto dip looks seriously amazing. Food & Wine

Another really great summer day dress.

What to wear with capri leggings. Glamour

The sweetest North Carolina beach retreat. AD

I love the color palette of this summer mini.

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Weekend Reading 5.30.26 appeared first on The Stripe.

I love putting together a little wish list every month; it’s almost as much fun as actual shopping. This month’s round-up is a nice little mashup of fashion and jewelry, with a few fun home finds thrown in.

What’s on my MAY wish list

Before I dive in, I wanted to share two hyperfixations. The first is a big fringe piano shawl. When Kelly visited a couple of weeks ago, she had one on, and I became obsessed. She bought hers at a thrift store in Brooklyn, but as it turns out, Etsy has so many. I wound up buying two: a vibrant yellow and a more classic ivory. These seem to me like the way to add a chic vintage vibe to Charleston’s many garden parties and events, where everyone is wearing dresses.

The second: vintage Chinese Tang jackets. This started for me (as so many things do right now) with Conner Ives. I really want this. Alas, it’s very expensive and impractical. One of my favorite vintage accounts had a big drop and posted this vintage coat, which I actually like even more. I nearly bought it, but I think it would be too small. What is interesting about that one is that it’s a set: a fur collar and a silk jacket. Which got me thinking. A removable fur is so much better, especially if you live somewhere warm. I have my grandmother’s fur collar that I could easily add to a silk jacket. Then I got on Etsy and had an absolute field day. It was an actual treasure trove. I ordered three jackets, none of them more than $200. Also, not my size, but this $50 gold brocade jacket feels so similar to the Kallmeyer one I pre-ordered on Moda a couple of months ago.

Anyway, the rest of my wish list is below. So many fun things.

PS – April’s wish list!

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post What’s on My May Wish List appeared first on The Stripe.