Twelve books, omg. I am almost embarrassed to tell you how much I read this month because, truly, my social life was non-existent. The most exciting thing I did in July was a sleepover with my niece. Most of my friends were away, Geoff was in Denmark with the Boy Scouts, and I was just hanging out at home with my books.

Everything i read in July 2026

I have to say, I really loved everything I read this month. I did DNF a few titles, but everything that made this list is worth reading. My mom said that The Calamity Club is her favorite read of 2026 so far. A big statement, but I loved it so much. The characters were incredible; I want more! Other “loves” this month (a love would be equivalent to an A or A+ back when I was grading books) were A Killer Wedding, Love You More, Hollow Bones, and Whistler.

I know some of you are peeved that I removed the grades. I appreciate that feedback, and am working on making some changes to the library page to better highlight the books I loved most. And you’ll notice that I’ve added a new feature to each review to give you an idea of other books that are similar! 

Lastly, 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

Julie Chan is Dead, by Liann Zhang

Julie Chan is struggling to make ends meet as a supermarket cashier. Meanwhile, her estranged twin sister, Chloe Van Huusen, is a popular influencer with what seems to be a glamorous career. The two were separated at a young age when their parents died, and Julie got the short end of the stick, while Chloe was adopted by a wealthy Manhattan couple. One night, Julie receives a call from Chloe that just says, “I’m sorry.” When Julie goes to her apartment, she finds her sister dead. Instead of calling the police, she steps into her sister’s “perfect” life full of high-end fashion, parties, and skincare. Will her followers notice? It seems easy enough at first, but Julie soon realizes that her sister’s life wasn’t as perfect as it had seemed. When she finds herself trapped on a private island with Chloe’s inner circle (an elite crew of influencers), she must keep up the act as events spiral out of control. Julie discovers sinister forces at work that may have led to her sister’s death. Is she next? Really Liked It!

Read this if you loved: Yellowface, The Herd // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

With Friends Like You, by Amy Chozick

Emily is in the thick of a postpartum haze. A new mom, feeling misunderstood by everyone in her life, missing her college roommate Daisy who disappeared after dancing at a seedy strip club. Emily begins a search for Daisy, convinced that if she can just find her, everything will be okay. The search takes her across message board after message board, to high-end strip clubs, then a trip to Atlantic City and then Texas. Just as she is about to give up, Daisy reappears, seemingly out of thin air. Daisy brings bakc a sense of purpose to Emily’s life. She has access to an empty luxury skyscraper, and the two use it to launch a luxury mother’s group: think matcha on tap, sleep pods, beautiful decor, Aperol Spritzes in the afternoon. But as the two grow closer, Emily needs to take a hard look at Daisy. Where has she been all these years? Is she the key to all of her problems or her undoing? It starts out slow and goes off the rails very quickly (in a good way!). I loved the ending and will be thinking about it for a while. Liked It! 

Read this if you loved: Anything by Emma Rosenblum (especially Mean Moms), A Special Place for Women, or you really liked the ending of Yesteryear and want something that will give you that feeling. // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

The Housewife by Natalie Barelli

This was a wild ride, with loads of twists and turns along the way. Jodie grew up poor with abusive parents (and has only just now been released from jail after serving five years), but has built her dream life. She lives in LA and is married to a handsome, wealthy (older) therapist, Roy. They live in a gorgeous home, and she has everything she could ever want. She spends her days cooking and cleaning (which she genuinely loves) and butting heads with their housemaid, Marie. The other women in her neighborhood could be kinder, but ultimately? Her life is pretty ideal. Still, she can’t let go of the sneaking suspicion that Roy murdered his previous wife, Deborah. Everyone (including Roy) talks about Deborah constantly. There are photos of her all over the house. Is Jodie just jealous, or did Roy do something sinister?  Liked It!

Read this if you loved: Any of Freida McFadden’s books (straightforward writing, loads of plot twists), Happy Wife  // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Hot Girl Murder Club, by Ashley Winstead.

This was a wild ride, with loads of twists and turns. Ten years ago, Scout Sage and her best friend Isabel attended a swanky Hollywood party with Scout’s little sister Georgia. Only Georgia never made it out, she ended up murdered (in a case that remains unsolved). Now, in modern day, Scout has finally succeeded as a mid-tier popstar, with a close network of equally successful (hot, too!) girlfriends. When a slew of targetted murders makes L.A. headlines, all signs point to Scout as the killer. Scout knows she is being framed. Overnight, she goes from pop star to the world’s most famous alleged murderer. Everything she’s worked so hard to build is on the verge of falling apart unless she can prove she’s not guilty (or hand the FBI another suspect). Meanwhile, the young, ambitious detective assigned to her case is dealing with her own sister’s unsolved murder. As she dives deeper into her investigation, it seems like maybe these cases are all connected. I couldn’t put this down. It goes a little bit off the rails but is highly enjoyable, the sort of book that’s meant to be devoured in a single afternoon. Liked It!

Read this if you loved: The Comeback // Order on Amazon or Bookshop

The Unknown, by Riley Sager

In 1926, five women disappear from New Avalon, a remote island in Vermont. It’s rumored that the women were practicing witchcraft. The only remaining sign is five dresses hanging from the branches of an old tree. A hundred years later, a major motion picture about the unsolved mystery is about to begin filming, and Marin Keane is stunned to have been cast as one of the leads. The only catch? The cast and director must spend a weeklong research trip on the island. When Marin arrives on the island with her castmates, she is immediately awed. There’s Violet Wright, a legendary actress (I imagined Meryl Streep) and famed director Ronan Peters. It all seems too good to be true until cast members begin disappearing and she hears strange voices at night. When a health emergency leaves them stranded on the island without their phones, all bets are off. Is someone trying to derail the movie, or is the island’s rumored supernatural past actually coming true, a hundred years later? I couldn’t put this down. It was scary! I finished it in under 48 hours. Really Liked It!

Read this if you loved: Any of Riley Sager’s books, this feels classic Sager, right up there with The Only One Left, Final Girls, and The House Across The Lake // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

The Divorce, by Freida McFadden

I never miss a Freida McFadden book. I like to set aside the evening and read her books in one sitting, like watching a movie. That is how they are best consumed. I really liked this one; it had some great twists. Naomi is living her perfect life. She’s married to the man of her dreams, with an adorable son. Then, without any warning, he kicks her out, drains their accounts, hires a divorce lawyer, and takes up with a twenty-eight-year-old. Veronica is beautiful, charming, and kind . . . too good to be true, thinks Naomi. She quickly becomes obsessed with Veronica, fixating on her past and digging up old secrets. Naomi will go to any lengths to keep her family together, but at what cost? I flew through this, couldn’t put it down! The ending is a little bit off the rails, but that’s kind of the point! Really Liked It!

Read this if you loved: Any of Freida McFadden’s books. She has a formula. Straightforward writing and killer twists. This one is one of her better ones, in my opinion! // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

A Killer Wedding, by Joan O’Leary

This was an absolute delight; I couldn’t put it down. It has all of my favorite things: rich people behaving badly, the beauty industry . . . and, it’s partially set in Charleston. Christine Russo is a young journalist at Bespoke Weddings, and she’s just gotten the assignment of a lifetime: covering billionaire Gloria Beaufort’s favorite grandchild’s wedding. Gloria is the founder of the billion-dollar beauty empire Glo, and the wedding will be set in an old castle that’s been turned into a five-star hotel off the coast of Ireland. It sounds like a dream! A dream until: Gloria turns up dead on the first morning of the celebratory weekend. The family insists on having the wedding go business as usual, keeping Gloria’s death quiet until after the wedding. And as Christine gets to know the wedding party, she can’t help but wonder if one of them is her murderer. Fast-paced with loads of twists, this is unputdownable and extremely fun to read. Loved It!

Read this if you loved: The Guest List, by Lucy Foley, The Rules of Fortune, by Danielle Prescod . . . or anything with rich people behaving badly! // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Contemporary Fiction

The Calamity Club, by Kathryn Stockett

Oh my goodness, this book. My mom kept telling me to read it (it’s her fave of 2026 so far), and I kept putting it off because it’s so long (nearly 650 pages). Don’t be like me. Read this immediately, though you will not be able to put it down. Birdie is living with her mother and grandmother in rural Mississippi. They are down on their luck and behind on taxes, so she heads to Oxford, Mississippi to visit her sister Frances. Frances has married into a well-to-do Southern family and Birdie hopes to ask them for a loan. All is not what it seems. Meanwhile, Meg (a smart and feisty eleven year old) is living in an orphanage, abandoned by her mother and hated by the head of the orphanage. When Birdie and Meg’s stories intersect (Birdie helps out with bookkeeping at the orphanage), the two form an unlikely bond. And when Charlie (a young woman fresh out of prison with nothing to lose) joins the plot, they make a plan to reclaim what they’ve lost. I loved this. I had absolutely no idea where it was going, so I won’t say anything more or give spoilers, just say that the story is incredible, the characters are delightful, and I wish there could be a sequel! Loved It!

Read this if you loved: The Help (obviously). To be honest, I haven’t read anything quite like this. The plot is really creative. I would say City of Girls in the slightest way (a huge compliment, I loved that one) because of the bold, brave feminist characters that jump off the page. // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Love You More, by Emily Giffin

Billie has built the life of her dreams. She’s a successful doctor in New York, running her own medical practice (with two of her best friends!). She’s newly engaged to a man she adores (Dean) after spending years trying to move on from Mick, her high school and college sweetheart. Everything seems absolutely perfect, until one morning, Billie gets a call from Mick. He has tragic news to deliver and in an instant, her whole world changes. Billie is pulled back to her hometown in Wisconsin. Old friendships, old choices, her old love. This made me cry (something that doen’t happen very often!). I really loved it — I read it in a single 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down. Loved It!

Read this if you loved: The Light We Lost (the books are very different, but tug on your heart in similar ways: read this if you want to have a good cry!) // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Hollow Bones, by Jodi Picoult

Like many Jodi Picoult books, the less you know, the better, so I’m purposely keeping my review a little bit vague. It’s better that way, trust me! I will note that there is a content warning for sexual abuse and postpartum psychosis. That out of the way, this one starts sleepy (the first hundred pages were a little slow for me) and then bonks you over the head with a big twist. So if you’re bored at first, stick with it — the payoff is worth it. Also, there is a fun tie-in to My Sister’s Keeper. Molly Fitzgerald runs the Rhode Island Department for Emergency Preparedness, keeping the state safe from whatever disasters might occur. But when her own life is upended, everything implodes in a way that even she, the most prepared person ever, couldn’t have anticipated. This is packed with twists, it’s really heartwarming, and the storytelling is just as you’d expect (amazing!) from a Jodi Picoult book. Loved It!

Read this if you loved: The Lies That Bind // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Whistler, by Ann Patchett

I loved this and couldn’t put it down. The way that Ann Patchett builds characters and writes about family (especially complex family relationships) is incredible. Daphne is 53 years old and at The Met with her husband when they realize they might be being followed by an older gentleman. When they say hello, they realize he is actually Eddie — her beloved but estranged stepfather — her mother had divorced him when Daphne was nine, after a traumatic event. Daphne and Eddie form a new friendship as adults, determined to never let the other one go again. I loved the characters and wanted more of them. I wish Eddie was my friend; he’s one of the best characters I’ve read. I loved how imperfect each character was (but how you root for them all—there are no villains here). The book is simple in its nature, but wonderful. I felt completely transported to Daphne’s world and could picture every character so vividly. This one is definitely more characters > plot but the characters are so fabulous that they more than make up for the sleepier pace. Loved It!

Read this if you loved: Any of Ann Patchett’s books but especially The Dutch House or Tom Lake; if you love the way that she writes about family, you’ll really love this. // Order on Bookshop or Amazon

Non-fiction

 London Falling, by Patrick Radden Keefe

I listened to this book and found it to be so gripping. It’s the story of the Brettler family, living in London. One evening, their youngest nineteen-year-old son, Zac, jumped into the River Thames. Across town, his mother, Rachelle, is worried about him. Zac told her that he was staying with a friend, but then he didn’t come home. Days later, the police confirm her worst fear: her son was dead. As Rachelle and her husband Matthew struggle to understand what happened to their son, they unlock secret after secret. Zac had his troubles, but he never seemed suicidal. Only after his death did they learn that Zac had an alter ego. He’d been known to some as Zac Ismailov, the son of a Russian oligarch. Under this alias, he’d become entangled with slippery businessmen and gangsters. It’s a truly wild ride, I cannot believe it’s a true story. Liked It!

Read this if you love: The Talented Mr. Ripley, true crime podcasts! // 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 July 2026 appeared first on The Stripe.

My slooooow summer continues; I had a friend’s birthday party last night and today I’ll probably just be reading by the pool. I am reading this romance novel, which absolutely everyone has raved to me about, and I’m really enjoying it. Otherwise, not much to report. But a whole lot of links, and I hope you enjoy those! Happy weekend! xx

Lol: It’s okay if you hate summer. NY Times, gift link

The perfect breezy day dress.

I simply cannot wait for the Thomas Crown Affair reboot starring Michael B. Jordan. Chills watching the trailer — March 5th! Vulture

I could not be more excited for Gap’s fragrance re-release. Bustle

I just got this lightweight button-down and am a little obsessed with it. The fabric feels like nothing on hot days.

How to stop being so defensive in arguments. Time

I’m craving silky mini dresses right now and love this, this, and this!

Can the OG Glossier playbook keep up? The Cut

Every type of blush and how to use them. Allure

I just got these track shorts and love them. Size up!

I love all the gorgeous stone in this neutral (but still interesting) kitchen. Homes & Gardens

A great deal on my favorite t-shirt bra.

Quick protein-packed breakfast ideas. Bon Appetit

Airport mistakes that cost you money! Travel & Leisure

I really love my new sneakers.

I was excited to see Sophie Lou Jacobsen profiled in the New York Times. I am a fan. (gift link)

This bag looks and feels like The Row, for under $300.

The year’s best art, design, and fashion books. W

Whoopi Goldberg was and always will be the whole show. The New Yorker

This silky Staud top is in my cart.

Why yes, red is a neutral. Here’s how to style it. Vogue

I would totally use this leopard laptop sleeve as an (under $100) clutch. Cute, right?

The best places to visit in October. Conde Nast Traveler

This fall’s biggest travel trends. Elle

Very into this Farm Rio mini, the pattern is perfect and it’s so easy to wear.

I gasped at this English Tudor home! Homes & Gardens

I really love this patterned runner; the colors are beautiful.

The new iPhone underclass. The Atlantic, gift link

Braised chicken with marinated artichokes. Food & Wine

Madewell has some great new arrivals; I love this dress.

This Austin home feels like a museum (in a good way!) AD

This pretty Doen-esque blouse is a great price right now.

The most glamorous ways to do longevity. Bazaar

“Welcome to the age of the floating five-star hotel.” W

A sweatshirt baby tee is honestly such a brilliant concept.

Robinne Lee’s book recommendations. Elle

My favorite top layer! I love this ultra light anorak so much.

“The only thing better than a summer tomato is smelling like one.” Allure

16 underrated romantic comedies to add to your list. The Everygirl

This tiger print mini was an immediate add-to-cart.

Three of summer’s best thrillers. NY Times gift link

OK Naturalizer, I see you!

I am intrigued by this tomato and plum salad. Yum. Food & Wine

I thought this article about the changing influencer economy was interesting. Vulture

The clean lines on this black midi dress are timeless and elegant!

How Ruby Rippey blew up — and then rebuilt — her life. Vanity Fair

I love this cute plaid top. I’d pair it with track shorts!

Boutique shopping is bouncing back. Vogue

The secret to great style? Looking like you have a life. Glamour

I absolutely love this short trench for fall.

This Marie Claire feature has me wanting to book a trip to Menorca.

I love this easy chambray shirt dress.

How restaurants are leaning into handmade touches in the age of AI. Eater

What a gorgeously colorful Los Angeles home. AD

I switched back to this eye cream and forgot how much I love it. The best for dark circles.

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 8.1.26 appeared first on The Stripe.

This post is a little older (from 2022) but I still love a comfort movie so I’ve updated it and brought it back to the top. It was a reader request back during the pandemic (and a post I felt — and still feel — we need right now!) but it took me a while to pull together the post as I have so many. A list of comfort movies. Do you have comfort films? The ones you watch when you are sick, sad, having a bad day, feeling a bit blue, the world is in turmoil, etc.

I love hibernating with my favorites, so it felt like the timing was right for this post. A comfort film can be different for everyone. Some of these are Oscar winning classics, others are just feel good favorites and box office hits. It’s just about what brings YOU comfort! Whether it’s an old favorite like Good Will Hunting or one of your favorite romantic comedies, there is no right or wrong here!

Here are mine, please (please!) share yours in the comments!

Note from Grace – As the times change, some of these might not hold up as well anymore. I have tried to flag anything (like the weight comments in Bridget Jones’ Diary) I remember as offensive and I don’t think there is anything on this list that is terrible, but wanted to make that caveat: sometimes there is just comfort in watching something old. I think you can cringe a little bit, give thanks that times have changed, but still enjoy the nostalgia of watching something older.

33 of the Best Comfort Movies

These films are all comforting to me for different ways. Clueless makes me laugh. The Princess Bride transports me to my childhood (same with Back to the Future). Love, Actually reminds me of all the different forms of love. A good comfort film can help you get through a tough day, distract you when you are sick, or just transport you away when real life feels like too much. No matter how bad things get, there will always be movies. I am not a big re-reader of books but love to rewatch old movie favorites. After a long day, for me, there is nothing better than a glass of red wine and a good movie.

I will say that putting these in chronological order made this such a walk down memory lane. I graduated high school in ’99 and remember blasting the Cruel Intentions soundtrack around that time. Then I graduated college in ’03 and remember fantasizing about Kate Hudson’s workwear wardrobe in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. After graduation, I was watching The Holiday and The Notebook on repeat.

PS – I didn’t put what streaming service these are available on, as that is ever-changing, and I own most of these on Apple TV, but JustWatch is a great resource for that. Just input all your favorites, and they will tell you where to watch it!

Also, you might enjoy the list I made of everything I watched when I was sick with COVID. It was quite a long list! Also, I keep a running highlight for both movies and TV on my Instagram page.

Nancy Meyers is our queen.

Did anyone else notice themselves falling back in love with Nancy Meyers during the pandemic? The old(er) people romances. The cozy kitchens. The beach houses. Gah. She is our queen. I love her films so much.

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

This is my all time favorite from Nancy Meyers. It’s Complicated is a close second but this is the favorite. Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton are just too good together. The meet-cute is hilarious: Jack’s character is dating Diane’s character’s daughter (played by Amanda Peet). The two wind up getting together, but he can’t settle down, and then Diane meets a younger man (played by Keanu Reeves).

The Holiday (2006)

Everything about this movie. The expected and the unexpected. Kate Winslet and Jack Black for example: a couple I’d never put together in my head, but it just WORKS! Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz both go through tumultuous breakups and decide to house swap for the holidays… LA and London! It is charming and sweet and one of my all-time favorite movies anytime I am feeling sad.

It’s Complicated (2009)

My second favorite of Meyers! Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep have been divorced for years. Meryl is still single; Alec has a younger (nightmare!) wife, played by Lake Bell. The two wind up in bed together, sneaking around… but Meryl knows Alec is no good! Luckily, a good man is waiting for Meryl: her handsome architect, Steve Martin. This is just so charming.

The Intern (2015)

Robert De Niro is a little bit bored and decides to apply for an internship at a fashion start-up (think Net-a-Porter, with Anne Hathaway playing a loveable workaholic boss). There are so many good elements here: the friendship between him and Anne’s character, an “old person romance” (my favorite!) between him and a beautiful massage therapist… I just love this one. It’s sad to think that this may be Meyers’ last film… released with Warner Brothers in 2015, she hasn’t committed to film anything else, I hope she’ll do more!

Home Again (2017)

This is adorable. While Meyers did not direct this, she produced it and her daughter directed it, so we will still count it. Reese Witherspoon returns “home” to LA after a split with her husband. Somehow along the way, she winds up “adopting” three younger guys in their twenties, who temporarily move into her guest house (she’s hooking up with one of them). It sounds like a mess but it’s great and oh-so-heartwarming, plus Candace Bergen plays her mom and of course (true to Nancy Meyers form) the house is absolutely beautiful.

And Tom Hanks is King?

Big (1988)

I will always love Big (and also, 13, going on 30, which was the female version). Tom Hanks plays a teenager who wishes to be big and then suddenly there he is, living in New York and having to fend for himself. It’s charming and cute and so nostalgic.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Another old favorite. I grew up watching and loving this. Just so much nostalgia… plus that Empire State Building moment. I love this.

Forrest Gump (1994)

I watched this when I had COVID and forgot how much I love it. It’s truly epic (spanning childhood all the way through middle age, a war, etc.) with such great characters. I could watch this again and again and again!

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Tom and Meg forever… plus bring in book shops? Love. This is a forever favorite for me.

Other favorites

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

This is one of my all time favorite old school films. It’s just… iconic. I mean, Sean Penn’s performance alone is just everything. I could watch this over and over again.

Back to the Future (all 3 of ’em! – 1985, onward)

Just a classic. I love love love these films and get happy just thinking about Marty McFly on his hoverboard or Doc and his time-traveling DeLorean.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Takes me back to my youth! It has been a little while (a long time!) since I last watched this, I think that needs to change. It’s an epic saga and just so delightful. Robin Wright dazzles as Princess Buttercup. It’s hilarious to compare her to Claire Underwood when you think about it.

Beaches (1988)

I remember as a kid not being allowed to watch this because it was too sad. Once I watched it, I understood. I sob every time I watch this film. It’s incredible, and so is the soundtrack. Bette Midler forever.

Mystic Pizza (1988)

This is another one of those feel good films I always reach for when I am sick. Pure nostalgia. It’s about three young waitresses working at a pizza shop in a small town… Julia Roberts is divine!

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

An absolute classic, another one that I could probably quote line for line. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. I love that it spans from graduating college and moving to the “big city,” all the way through adulthood and relationships. It is just… the best.

Steel Magnolias (1989)

Another classic (with old school Julia Roberts AND Sally Field!) Julia plays the bride-to-be and Sally is her mom. Dolly Parton is their hair stylist and Daryl Hannah is an aspiring beautician who is helping out. Does the cast get any better? This is sad, but heartwarming, and an ode to the bond between women.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Along the lines of Fast Times (a great binge would be this and that for all the old school high school nostalgia). Just a wonderful old favorite. I haven’t watched this in a little while. Directed by Richard Linklater (a favorite!), with a breakout performance by Matthew McConaughey, it’s just a wonderful classic. I love this one!

Clueless (1995)

I just love this movie so much. It is cheesy and campy and utterly quotable. Alicia Silverstone plays Cher Horowitz, a spoiled but utterly lovable teenager growing up in Beverly Hills. This + Legally Blonde + Mean Girls = a dream Sunday.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

It’s hard to believe that this came out in 1997. It’s still one of my absolute favorite films. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Robin Williams… what a cast! I think for me there is an element of nostalgia having gone to school outside Boston and lived in Cambridge for a handful of years after.

Cruel Intentions (1999)

This is not exactly comforting, but it IS! Ryan Philippe, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair, Sarah Michelle Gellar.. it’s just so vicious and good. Before there was Gossip Girl, there was Cruel Intentions. It’s just the most fun to watch and rewatch over and over again. Like I said above, watching this transports me back to my high school experience. Not because mine was anything like theres, but because my friends and I were so scandalized by it… and… that soundtrack!

Legally Blonde (2001)

“What… Like, it’s hard!?” This may be one of my all time favorite Reese Witherspoon films… Reese is also my queen, I love her so much. Reese plays Elle Woods, determined to get into Harvard to win back her boyfriend (Selma Blair plays his new, brainy but mean fiancé.) It is campy and fun, and I think this is when I developed my crush on Luke Wilson.

Bridget Jones Diary (2001)

These movies will always be so comforting to me. Maybe because they make me feel better about myself (and like no matter how messy life can seem, things always work out okay!), but vintage Hugh Grant, Renee Zellweger, and Colin Firth are an absolute yes for me. (Though I will say I do find the weight comments bothersome; Bridget weighs all of 130/140 pounds and is considered chubby. Ah, okay, right… I just ignore those bits.)

School of Rock (2003)

This is so cute. Jack Black plays an overly enthusiastic guitarist who is kicked out of his band. Desperately in need of work, he finagles (lies) his way into a job teaching at an elite private elementary school. It’s an uptight environment and he teaches his students about the rock & roll gods he idolizes. It’s adorable watching these precocious and polite kids get into rock music.

Love, Actually (2003)

A classic. It’s one of my favorite Christmas movies but just like with The Holiday I will happily watch it any day of the year. The Hugh Grant dancing scene, Colin Firth getting a second chance at love.. there’s just so much goodness in this one.

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (2003)

I definitely have a thing for romcoms set at magazines. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are working in the media biz (her at a top women’s mag; him for an ad agency). He strikes a bet that he can make any woman fall in love with him (while she is simultaneously writing a feature on how to lose a guy); chaos ensues.

Mean Girls (2004)

This is another one I could quote all day long. We love a high school drama, and this is beyond fun. Lindsay Lohan has just moved to the suburbs of Illinois (after being homeschooled by her parents in Africa). High school turns out to be really clicque-y, including a “cool” group of girls dubbed “the plastics.” Rachel McAdams plays the queen bee Regina George so brilliantly. This is an all time favorite.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

So charming and nostalgic; and yes, another romcom set at a magazine. Jenna Rink (played by Jennifer Garner) just wants to skip her teenage years and go straight to being thirty. When that actually happens, she wakes up in New York living the dream: an insane closet, a great job as a magazine editor, and a beautiful apartment. Of course, she soon learns that it’s not all as it seems and she realizes that the popular kids actually weren’t all that great.

The Notebook (2004)

Gahhh, a classic! For me, this is the ultimate love story. Is this what started my crush on Ryan Gosling? I think so. I feel like I don’t need to tell you about this as we’ve already seen it a million times but I always reach for this when I am sick or feeling sad. It’s so romantic, plus the Charleston scenery makes me happy.

Hitch (2005)

Another fun New York one. Will Smith is New York City’s best matchmaker (I particularly love the match he makes in Amber Valetta + a schlubby but sweet accountant). Eva Mendes co-stars; I loved the chemistry between the two of them!

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

A forever classic, I feel like I (and probably most of you) can quote this movie line by line. Anne Hathaway stars as Meryl Streep’s assistant at a prestigious fashion magazine. It’s a job “a million other girls would kill for,” but at what cost!?

Midnight in Paris (2011)

This is one of my favorite movies. I have my opinions about Woody Allen but can put them aside for this. Just the fantasy of being able to transport back to the age of Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald… the fantasy is too much! Plus major wanderlust with Paris (I have not been in years and miss it!)

Wonder (2017)

I can’t remember what prompted me to watch Wonder but I loved it. Somehow, Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson work as a sweet married couple and are just the best parents to their son. Augie Pullman was born with facial differences that had prevented him from going to a mainstream school. When he starts fifth grade, his family and new classmates discover their compassion and acceptance. It’s heartwarming and a tearjerker… I loved it so much.

The Hustle (2022)

This is a newer one (I watched it a month or so ago on Netflix) but I had to add it to the list as I found it really comforting. Adam Sandler and Queen Latifah play an adorable couple (turns out they have a longstanding friendship). Adam Sandler plays a basketball scout, taking a chance on a talented newcomer. I loved this. It helps that I have a massive soft spot for Adam Sandler.

The post 33 of the Best Comfort Movies. appeared first on The Stripe.

Making these lists is so much fun. Would I spend $650 on rubber flip-flops from Phoebe Philo? Absolutely not. Do I love them? Yes. They really nailed the shade of green.

My July Wish List

What I am coveting most this week is actually on the home front. Porta released all these amazing mirror-polished metal pieces with cabochon stones. There’s the round tray, the rectangular tray, and this stunning vase. Oh and this little triple bowl set. I want them all; they feel like jewelry for the table. Makes me want to throw a dinner party . . . and wear this incredible crochet kaftan? Obsessed!

PS – June’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 An End of July Wish List 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 to Instagram, but it has no real place to live. Maybe it’s a new launch, a can’t-miss sale, a really great podcast episode . . . maybe it’s an independent designer, an artist, or a must-have shopping find. It will be a different mix every week. You can read last week’s installment here.

1. Tata Harper is having their big sale. 25% off sitewide! Use code BDAY25. My personal faves are the resurfacing mask and the nourishing oil cleanser.
2. I just learned about this site from Carly — it helps you source designer pieces from past seasons plus rare, hard-to-find pieces. Cool!
3. Look at this cool olive oil dispenser. Would make a great gift.
4. Meow, I obviously need this. Honestly, this whole trunk show.
5. TWP launched their new denim campaign this week. Their denim is an investment, but it’s really well made and gets better and better with every wear. The Tiny Dancer is an OG favorite, but I am also eyeing these and these. And omg, this belt!
6. I am really into an anklet right now and love this one.
7. Emese Gormley (very dangerous person to follow on Instagram) linked this personalized basket bag, and I ordered it pretty much immediately. It takes fourteen weeks to arrive but I don’t care.
8. Donni’s iconic taffeta pants now come in cute polka dots.
9. A little obsessed with these safety pin earrings. (use GRACE15)
10. I will leave you with this insanely beautiful ($$) bag. 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. 16 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 installment; I hope you enjoy!

a sunny under $200 edit

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:

• Ann Taylor really hit it out of the park with this set (top + skirt). Instant order. It reminds me so much of Molli!
• Loove these lime green flip-flops.
• This button-down is a good one, and you don’t have to iron it. Take your usual size for an oversized fit.
• I just got these zebra mules and love them.
• My ideal day dress.
• I just got this oversized striped tee, and it’s the perfect big and cozy thing to throw on when I just want to be comfy at home.
• These red flip-flops are selling fast, but they’re perfect, nearly identical to the pair I got from Jamie Haller.

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 A Sunny Under $200 Edit appeared first on The Stripe.

Today, we are styling this chic smocked dress, this simple dropped waist dress from La Ligne, and this super fun “going out top” from Veronica Beard.

PS – Last week’s installment!

This dress is actually pretty neutral, so we’re pairing it with one of my favorite color combinations: purple and red. I couldn’t resist this pendant necklace; I preordered it this week. A simple flip-flop and a cute little bucket bag tie it all together without feeling too done.

I just love this La Ligne dress! If you’re new you can use GRACE10 for 10% off. My favorite way to style a white dress rhese days is with simple black accessories — the combination feels fresh and modern! Comfy sandals, a chic little bag, you’re ready to go!

I just love this top from Veronica Beard. The best way to make it feel fresh and cool? Sandwich it (to use Kelly Klein’s term!) with something sporty like these knit pants from Tibi. Tonal slingback sandals keep the look from going too off the rails, plus a punchy pop of chartreuse!

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. 14 appeared first on The Stripe.

Happy Saturday. This was a rather uneventful week. I talked about the summer slowdown in this Substack essay. I’m trying to just embrace this slower season as I know it will pick back up in a month or so and I will miss being a little bit bored. My niece is sleeping over tonight, and I can’t wait. We’ll have arts and crafts, pool time, a bubble bath, maybe a movie! Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s great. Xx

Welcome to the age of broke TV. The New Yorker

I really love this geometric printed mini dress.

The best thriller and horror books of the year, according to Goodreads. The Everygirl

How to repair and hydrate skin after sun exposure. W

I just got these zebra mules from the Nordstrom sale and love them.

How to master color theory for clothing. Vogue

Such a good easy day dress.

Oh my goodness, this Channel Islands farmhouse is positively dreamy. Homes & Gardens

A recipe for Dover sole meuniere. Bon Appetit

OK loveee this fringe shirt: instant add-to-cart!

We’ve lost the plot on “maxxing.” Allure

My very beloved tomato rug (I have it in my kitchen) is on sale.

The best jewelry launches of July. Elle

How to turn your phone into a personal health dashboard. NY Times gift link

Ordered this week: one of my fave button-downs in a chic, creamy plaid.

Loved this profile of Dr. Annie Andrews. Vanity Fair

I’m craving cute track shorts! Love these, these, and these.

The prettiest color trend of the season has arrived. Marie Claire

Finally, a reason to celebrate being single. The Cut

Such a good deal on my favorite eyeshadows.

20 rice bowl recipes! The Everygirl

This dry shampoo is so effective and smells so good.

Ransom Canyon and five other shows to watch this week. NY Times gift link

This all-inclusive resort in Maine sounds like a dream. Travel & Leisure

My favorite creatine gummies now come in a variety pack.

The most incredible Palm Beach home. AD

I really like this pink-on-pink button-down. Bonus points: it doesn’t wrinkle!

Yum, I want to make this shallot-herb compound butter. Food & Wine

Glamour’s guide to repeating outfits at work.

This would be a fun going out top. A little unexpected.

The insider’s guide to Comporta, Portugal. W

I just got this scalloped quilt and really love it. It’s on sale!

The 100 most powerful directors in Hollywood. Vulture

The most beautiful airports in the world. Conde Nast Traveler

I just got these shorts and love the color so much.

Christopher Nolan’s plot to change the way we watch movies. The New Yorker

This is a very good striped shirt.

Bazaar editors’ favorite beauty products from July.

Can Summer Fridays be beauty’s next legacy brand? Vogue

The best lounge shorts.

Layered tanks are back. Glamour

A really good deal on the best gym socks.

I love this colorful Boston home. Homes & Gardens

I will leave you with this candy pink villa inspired by Le Corbusier. AD

This asymmetrical top was a best seller last week, and now it comes in navy!

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 7.25.26 appeared first on The Stripe.

Happy Friday! This post is originally from 2020 (hence the pic on my cute little porch in Brooklyn!) but I found myself referencing it last weekend and wanted to republish it. The spritz is a summer favorite. The Aperol Spritz is the classic, but there are so many other unique and interesting spritzes to try.

All hail the summer SPRITZ! I love a good summer spritzer. It’s light and refreshing, easy to drink, and lower in alcohol. Perfect for drinking outside in the sunshine; the ideal summer refreshing cocktail.

The spritz has definitely been one of my summer go-to’s. I will either fill a Zalto wine glass or two with ice cubes (I love this ice cube mold BTW… it makes perfectly square ice cubes!) and then make one or two spritzes OR make a whole pitcher of spritzes! This reader-sourced post is amazing… I’ve been referencing it all summer long as it’s chock full of summer cocktail ideas (wine spritzer recipes included!) but today I wanted to talk about spritzes in particular.

What is a spritzer?

A spritzer is any beverage that mixes liquor or wine with seltzer, carbonated water (club soda, tonic water, sometimes even ginger ale!) or sparkling wine. They’ve typically been known to be a wine-centric drink, but I’ve been seeing more and more NA options as more non-alcoholic apéritif brands emerge!

11 Summer Spritzer Cocktail Recipes

The Aperol Spritz

I love making a big pitcher of these! I just go all in: 1 cup Aperol, 2 cups Prosecco, 3 cups sparkling water or club soda!

ingredients:

• 3 parts Sparkling Water
• 2 parts Prosecco or sparkling wine
• 1 part Aperol

instructions:

Fill a big wine glass or goblet with ice and add the ingredients. Garnish with an orange wedge.

The Negroni Spritz

This one’s a little strong so I top it off with sparkling water.

ingredients:

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part Sweet Vermouth

instructions:

Fill a big wine glass or goblet with ice and add the ingredients. Top with soda water to make it a little lighter on the alcohol. Garnish with an orange peel.

The Chambord Spritz

It’s like a Chambord Royale but lighter!

ingredients:

• 3 parts Sparkling Water
• 2 parts  Prosecco
• 1 part Chambord

instructions:

Fill a big wine glass or goblet with ice and add the ingredients. Top with sparkling water if you’re a lightweight. Garnish with a lemon wedge (I love how a little lemon juice cuts the sweetness) and top with a few fresh raspberries. You can also add a little lemon or lime juice.

A few more spritzers to try out!

• Elderflower Spritz – I love elderflower liqueur this time of year.
• Giada’s Rose Spritz – yummm, grapefruit and mint!
• Red Wine Spritzer – I’ve actually never made a red wine spritzer but am intrigued as I’m such a red wine person, I feel like it would be a lighter take on lambrusco.
• Blood Orange Wine Spritzer – a fancier take on the white wine spritzer!
• Grapefruit Spritzer with Tarragon Simple Syrup (so delicious and easy – remember that simple syrup is just sugar and water!)

PS. Try these summer sangria recipes.

photo of me by Allie Provost.

The post 11 Summer Spritzer Cocktail Recipes appeared first on The Stripe.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve dipped my toe into doing slightly more invasive things to my skin, namely micro-needling and the Clear & Brilliant laser. I’m going to write a big post about these things in next Monday’s Substack (you can also reference last year’s post!), but in the meantime I want to talk about what I do after a treatment. After something like microneedling, your skin is very red for a few days. It’s sensitive and vulnerable! My facialist says “no actives for five days!!!!” and truthfully, sometimes I go longer than that, just because my skin still doesn’t feel fully like its best self.

Here are the super gentle products I rely on to make the healing process a little easier.

My skincare recovery kit

CeraVé Hydrating Facial Cleanser: A creamy, ultra gentle non-irritating cleanser. When I got my first Clear and Brilliant laser, my aesthetician sent me home with a small bottle of this. I’ve since repurchased it a few times as it really is the best when your skin is under distress.

For moisture:

CeraVé Daily Moisturizing Lotion: A great basic moisturizer that will not irritate your skin. After my Clear & Brilliant I would apply this a few times a day! It’s pretty lightweight so I found myself constantly putting on more.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm: When I get microneedled, my facialist begs me to only use this on my skin for at least the first few days. I really try, but it’s soooo thick. And it leaves behind a white cast. That said, it speeds up the healing process and feels amazing on your skin. So I generally find that using the CeraVé for daytime + this at night is the winning combination

Revision Skincare Hydrating Biocellulose Mask: Immediately after my Clear & Brilliant, my aesthetician put this on my face while she did my hands and chest. RELIEF!!!! That treatment basically feels like having your face electrocuted (I am dramatic, yes), and my skin felt so hot afterward. This brought on the most wonderful cooling, calming sensation—incredible after a procedure. She sent me home with another one to do before bedtime. That night, I sat in front of the TV with this on for a full hour. It felt so good — soothing and hydrating. It’s an excellent way to add moisture back after something more invasive… without any irritation. I immediately purchased a six-pack, and now I use this the night after I get microneedled as well.

In Lieu of Makeup

SkinBetter Advanced Mineral Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 75: Sometimes you do just need a little coverage. I remember after my Clear & Brilliant, I really wanted to go to a cocktail party a few hours later, but I was so red! My aesthetician put this on me (this is when I first fell in love with the product), and I was blown away by how much better my face looked. It really covers up redness (while giving your skin extreme SPF protection, which you need after a treatment like microneedling or a laser because your skin is so vulnerable). For touchups, I really like the compact.

For Everyday Redness Relief

Elta MD UV Skin Recovery SPF 50: This is a great SPF and it’s easier to take off than the SkinBetter (that one is just so thick — in a good way!). It makes a noticeable difference in redness.

InnBeauty Calm the Red Down: This makes a noticeable difference in redness! If my skin still feels irritated (like 3 or 4 days after a treatment), I will use this before makeup; it cancels out any redness in an instant.

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 My Skincare Recovery Kit appeared first on The Stripe.