Was the Met Gala Boring? Has the Royal Family Lost their Luster? And Thank Goodness for "Mid" Movies, Shows, & Books.
There is no shortage of thoughts, opinions, and recommendations today. In our normal spirit of 'all the things' we have ball gowns, royals, mediocre (and great) movies, recipes, and sunhats. What fun!
Everything is happening. All the things, all at once. My brain is scrambled eggs most days. And my gosh, it is good to be at a faster pace. The slow winter was nice in theory, but emotional mush in reality. Note to future Adelyn; you have not yet found your sweet spot of pace and that is ok. We’ll figure it out someday, maybe.
And for today, we have much to talk about!
Met Gala 2023: Contentious & Boring?
May 1st was the Superbowl of fashion - The Met Gala. By name and function, it is a fundraiser, but to most, it operates as the most fashionable fete for some of the biggest names in the entertainment, fashion, and beauty industries. It is the ultimate red carpet (though the carpet is rarely red). And every year there is a theme that coincides with an exhibition that also opens the same night. This year, it was: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”
And it was complicated.
It was complicated because Karl Lagerfeld is complicated. His legacy intertwines some of the most iconic fashion looks of the last century and a man who spewed hate most of his life.
Most people said nothing despite the controversial theme because separating the art from the artist is not cut-and-dry, and because of Anna Wintour: the force behind the gala, and also the fashion industry. She dictates who becomes someone, and facilitates an astonishing amount of connections - from designers and buyers to beauty brands and the celebrities who become their spokespersons. She ends careers and starts them, and she is not someone most people are able to cross and continue to do well in their industry (See: Jameela Jamil).
So with all of that in mind, I was curious and cautious as last Monday rolled around. And then I was bored. While a few people really blew me away with their looks (especially the men), it was overall very neutral, quite literally. So. Much. Black and white. But I had a wonderful time talking about it with many of you on Instagram and live-reacting as guests walked the red carpet (this is saved as a highlight on Insta if you’re curious).
The Coronation: Have the Royals Lost Their Luster?
Speaking of things that used to thrill me but have lost their luster: the coronation of King Charles III happened over the weekend. Perhaps it is the American in me, or maybe it’s residual ‘ick’ after Harry & Meghan have shared their royal experience (which could be its own newsletter series. Do I believe everything they say? Of course not. But I’m far less enamored with the British royal family than I used to be), regardless my fascination with the royals has dropped off a cliff.
For the coronation, I followed along a bit with my favorite royal reporter, Elizabeth Holmes, but for the most part, I tuned out. The separation of us (the royals) and them (the people) was never so sharp as when the royals stepped out on their balcony (after riding in a carriage that put Cinderella’s to shame) in crowns that could barely stay atop their heads (I’m surprised this is still a problem in 2023), fur lined capes, and offered the tiniest of waves to the thousands below standing in the rain. Simply put, it was weird.
The Rundown:
Watching: It’s been a while since I enjoyed watching a movie in theaters as much as I enjoyed this one. (And I would give a lot to share a meal with Viola Davis). Seth and I just finished this show that is getting so much buzz and also restoring hope in humanity just a little bit. If you enjoy sitcoms, I think you’ll love it. Last night I finished (and enjoyed) the pilot episode of the spin-off of a ridiculously popular show. And last weekend I saw this movie with a friend. It is giving classic 90s rom-com vibes with lots of cringe, a dose of nostalgia for a different era of movies, and was overall enjoyable in its simplicity.
Baking: I have three fantastic recipes you should bookmark and try:
Strawberry shortcake biscuits. It is strawberry season and this spin on strawberry shortcake is well worth the try. They’re simple, look festive, and taste amazing.
Doughnut muffins. The recipe calls for blueberries but my sister used freshly picked strawberries instead and they were divine.
This is the only bakery chocolate chip cookie recipe I will be using in the future. They are huge with chewy outsides and gooey centers, and everything I want in a chocolate chip cookie.
Reading: I cannot stop thinking (and talking to everyone) about this book. And I just started this one. It is reminding me why I love well-done historical fiction.
Listening: I stumbled upon this young artist on Instagram. He has the spirit of Elton John and David Bowie. Also, a new Jonas Brothers album dropped today. One of my longtime favorite musicians, Jon Bellion worked on it with them and it is very fun.
Wearing: This sweatshirt and these espadrille wedges - not together, though that is a thought. (note; I wear a half size larger than my usual in the wedges)
According to my camera roll:
Here’s what I’m delighted by this week:
It’s all about SPF & sun hats, and I can’t stop thinking about this one.
An interesting read about life after influencing. I especially appreciated the thoughts on the cost of what is a dream for so many.
Emily Henry, who writes my very favorite beach reads, has a new book available. And I can’t wait to read it.
Every single room in this house tour was slightly unexpected and delightful.
This beautiful cream bag is under $100 and reminds me of Mansur Gavriel.
I’ve been looking for replacement everyday gold hoops, and these are perfect (and much more affordable than they look).
A note: for those of you who are navigating complicated feelings this weekend as we sit eye to eye with Mother’s Day here in the U.S., I’m with you. And I hope you’re able to be gentle with yourself this weekend. Seth and I are escaping to the coast for a few days (I have been jokingly saying it’s to put our heads metaphorically in the sand, but also I don’t think I mean that jokingly at all). I have no comfort or wisdom to offer but know I’m a bit panicky about Sunday too. And any thoughts or feelings you’re having, millions of us are experiencing as well - we aren’t alone in our musings and heaviness. So whether you’re like me and turning off your phone and sitting in the sunshine with a book and knowing there will be tears of processing and sadness for what was lost, or if you’re not able to avoid the world this weekend, I’m thinking about you and sending you an armful of hugs.
Adelyn