Monday Missive: October 26

What We’re Reading and Watching

The Queen’s Gambit is my new favorite Netflix watch! It’s about a girl who is orphaned, discovers she is a chess prodigy and then enters the world of competitive chess. If you love chess, you will probably love it, and if you don’t know how to play chess, you will still enjoy it as I have! - D
I’m still obsessing over this Financial Times profile of Edo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice’s new husband. I can just imagine how chic their new life is together from reading it! - D
Rebecca with Lily James and Armie Hammer. They’re both so good looking and the clothes and sets are gorgeous. I definitely watched it more for the eye candy than the plot, and I’m now ready to cut my hair in a bob, invest in some wide-legged trousers and travel around the Riviera! - E
I finally got to read Majesty by Katherine McGee and it was so good. The second book in her American Royals YA series, it’s a fun imagining of what life would be like if America had a royal family. I really enjoyed the second book and I want to hug Sam and Beatrice and hit Jefferson over the head to try to wake him up!

Giving myself manicures is definitely a big part of my self care these days, and I’m transitioning to moodier fall and winter colors. The Essie Berry Naughty is the perfect shade of dark red and my new favorite. - D
I’ve been on the hunt for causal jeans and just ordered these ones from Frame to try. I’m excited about the folded hem and the straighter fit. I’ll let you know if I like them once they arrive! - E

I haven’t been making much this week, except for obsessing over the election and creating potential maps of how the race could go on Five Thirty Eight. Is this unhealthy? - D
My sweet tooth has been out of control this week, so when I came across this recipe for vegan apple pie bars from Sweet Laurel on Julia’s website, I had to copy her and make it. It’s so yummy, doesn’t have sugar and uses almond flour instead of regular flour. Pro tip-the vegan caramel sauce is insane and would be so good as a topping for almost anything. - E