Some personal news: I’m giving up!!
Hey friends,
Lately, the world is spinning a little faster—markets teetering, routines disrupted, group chats pinging with bad news. And yet, the most comforting thing might be the most mundane: making your same morning coffee. Putting on earrings before a Zoom. Watching a show you've been looking forward to. Small rituals. Same time, same place.
Turns out, there's science behind that comfort. During the 2008 recession, researchers found that people who stayed connected to art and culture, like reading, visiting galleries, and listening to music, reported higher well-being, even amid financial stress.
Art and culture aren't just distractions; they provide structure, they sooth, and they strengthen. Style is a framework. A favourite book is a soft place to land. And dressing purposefully is sometimes the exact thing that keeps you from unravelling.
The world might be chaotic. But your rituals? Sacred.
Emily @ Hard Copy
📺 Watch
Given that Mad Men is one of my favourite shows, there was no way I would skip out on Jon Hamm's return to a starring role in the drama Your Friends & Neighbors. We are treated to an entertaining fall from grace of a NY Hedge fund manager, who then turns to petty crime to maintain his lifestyle. If you love to watch the 1% suffer, you'll love this. Don't sleep on Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn's performances, either. (AppleTV+)
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Influencing exposes the realities of children in content creation and its shaky legal guardrails. The three-part series centres on the LA-based creator Piper Rockelle Smith, now 17, covering her ascent online, most of which was engineered by her mother, Tiffany Smith. Tiffany invited several aspiring child stars to join her daughter in front of the camera. However, as time passed, several members of The Squad and their parents began to feel that something was seriously wrong. If you want to read more, Time Magazine has thorough coverage. (Netflix)
If you're game to head to the theatre, you won't be disappointed by Drop, starring Meghan Fahy (The White Lotus) and Brandon Sklenar (It Ends With Us)! It's a ridiculous, fun thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously and received rave reviews at SXSW.
Also out this week: season 4 of Hacks, season 7 of Black Mirror (I'm afraid to watch it, tbh, so report back, pls), and the final season of The Handmaid's Tale.
🎧 Listen
There's a lot of great new music out! Last night, I enjoyed cooking with Elton John & Brandi Carlile's Who Believes In Angels serenading me in the background, and this morning, I've had a few religious experiences listening to Bon Iver's SABLE, fABLE. I might indulge in a luxe skincare routine this evening, and I'll have Bnny's One Million and Three Love Songs enveloping me in all the zen vibes.
For something more upbeat, we've got a radically dance-worthy playlist aptly titled "Time to shake out the yayas!"
📚 Read
Early Thirties by Josh Duboff is a buzzy, hilarious, and heartbreaking debut novel. It follows thirtysomething best friends Victor and Zoey as they navigate love, ambition, and the shifting nature of adult friendship in New York City. As their bond is tested by heartbreak, career changes, and a life-altering tragedy, they're forced to confront what growing up really means—and whether their friendship is the love story that matters most. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Dolly Alderton.
If you're looking for a sweeping, deeply human novel that blends stunning prose with big ideas, Richard Powers' Playground is a must-read. This panoramic story follows four lives: from a 12-year-old girl in Montreal with one of the first aqualungs to a pair of high school opposites connected by an ancient board game to an artist raised on Pacific naval bases, all converging on the remote island of Makatea in French Polynesia. There, a controversial plan to launch floating, autonomous cities sparks a vote that could shape humanity's future. Set in the vast expanse of the Pacific, this novel explores technology, the environment, and the essence of connection, showcasing Powers at the height of his powers.
Katie Kitamura's A Separation made a big splash—it's been translated into a whopping sixteen languages, and a film adaptation is underway. Audition is her long-awaited follow-up. Set in bustling Manhattan, it tells the story of an accomplished, older theatre actress who becomes entangled with a younger man. Even as they grow closer, much of their relationship remains a performance.
🛁 Indulge
Casual doesn’t mean careless—it just means knowing where to dial it down and where to elevate. The formula I’m loving right now? Oversized button-downs, slouchy jeans, and accessories that say yes, I did this on purpose. Think sleek hair, sharp sunglasses, a structured bag, or a bold gold bracelets. The contrast between loose silhouettes and polished details makes the look feel effortless and intentional...like you rolled out of bed straight into a mood board.
Denim stripe shirt, Gap. Oversized western shirt, Gap. Oversized denim shirt, H&M. Hair claw, Sophie Buhai. Necklace, Mejuri. Ring, Pamela Card Jewelry. Bracelets (bangle and links), Jenny Bird. Sunglasses, Saint Lauren. Oversized jeans, Zara. Cuffed jeans, Citizens of Humanity. Baggy jeans, Agolde. Sneakers (blue and brown), Adidas. Slouchy bag, Anthropologie. Tote, Cuyana. Straw tote, J.Crew.
