THE JANUARY SELECTION
Belated monthly round-up
TV: Younger
Full disclosure: I almost didn’t share this old show I’m streaming on Netflix because, honestly, it can be cringy, a little crass, and dated (it premiered in 2015, when millennials were the hot 20-somethings). But here we are. The show centers on Liza Miller, a recently divorced 40-year-old whose husband left her in debt, with a daughter’s college tuition to cover and no recent work experience after years of being a stay-at-home mom. To reenter the workforce, she ends up lying about her age, cosplaying as a 26-year-old marketing assistant in a large publishing house in NYC.
What keeps me coming back to this Darren Star creation are the Shakespearean-level comedic hijinks, the pre-pandemic charm, and the standout supporting cast, especially the hilarious Miriam Shor and the Darcyesque, Peter Hermann.
MUSIC: Charley Crockett
On a late drive home after a rare night of dancing to a No Doubt cover band with my sister and brother-in-law (yes, you read that right ), he queued up… contemporary country. My husband and I exchanged horrified glances. What happened to our Pink Floyd-loving brother-in-law? Where were his staples: Paul Simon, The Grateful Dead, even Sigur Rós? They unabashedly confessed to falling down a country rabbit hole during the pandemic. Maybe it was the simple melodies, the nostalgic, wholesome lyrics… whatever the reason, they’d developed a newfound appreciation for the genre.
“Fine,” I relented, “but can you at least play some Outlaw Country? Willie Nelson? Johnny Cash?”
“I know who you’ll like,” my brother-in-law replied, turning up a soulful, mournful voice that filled the car with underdog vibes and bittersweet longing. If you’re like me, and picky about your country artists—you might just love Charley Crockett.
FOOD: Eggs Benedict Quiche with Hollandaise Sauce
Do you love brunch? A hot breakfast? A sucker for Hollandaise sauce? Then this easy-to-make Sunday go-to is a must.
STYLE: Peacoats and hats
According to “tailor to the stars” and fashion entrepreneur Dimitry Toukhcher, we should’ve seen Trump’s victory coming… just by paying attention to style trends. He points out that fashion had already started leaning conservative, echoing the post-war era with its tailored silhouettes, structured fabrics, and timeless elegance.
As someone who’s always loved a classic peacoat and appreciates the sophistication of a well-fitted, structured hat on both men and women, I can’t say I mind this shift. At least Winter will look sharp.
POD EPISODE: Dad Saves America: Kennedy on Gen X, Embracing Religion, and the MTV Glory Days
While I like to consider myself more Xennial than straight Gen X, this podcast will really hit home for those of us in our 40s or early 50s. A long form convo, this episode touches on a wide range of interlacing topics like politics, covid, raising children, philosophy and God. A deep and worthy listen.
QUOTE: Tennessee Williams: