Romancing the ordinary
Good films, a few things on my radar, a facial worth mentioning.
I’ve been nursing a head cold over the past few days, my foster pup curled up on my lap. There’s a potential new project in the mix, along with a few other moving parts that will likely be more formalized over the next few months. For now, I’m in a bit of a holding pattern and doing my best to lean into the downtime while it lasts. Fostering also means I’ve been home more than usual, which has significantly increased my watch time — so today felt like a good moment to share what I’ve been enjoying lately.
bonjour tristesse (2024)
I watched this a few nights ago and couldn’t get enough. The slow zoom on Chloë Sevigny slicing a pineapple. The sun-soaked seaside cliffs. That vacation home. They spend their days swimming, reading, and lingering over long dinners — my ideal. It’s not the lightest watch, but I’m a sucker for films set anywhere in or near France.
in vogue: the 90s
For fans of Love Story, may I suggest In Vogue: The 90s (also on Hulu). It's a six-episode docuseries I’ve slowly been savoring over the past week — everyone from Anna Wintour to Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sarah Jessica Parker makes an appearance. I was born in 1990, so watching it feels like peeking into a world I technically lived through but was too young to fully appreciate. It’s so fun.
oscars picks
This is one of the first years I’m genuinely excited for the Oscars — not just for the fashion, but because I’m very invested in these films. Hamnet wrecked me (I saw it alone in a theater and was fully sobbing), as did Song Sung Blue. Sinners surprised me — supernatural / horror isn’t usually my go-to genre, but the acting and storyline pulled me in right away. Sentimental Value did everything my favorite films tend to do, and I’ll watch anything Renate Reinsve is in after seeing her in The Worst Person in the World.
currently reading
For fans of Exit Lane, or anyone who enjoys a good love story set at a vineyard in France (so…most of us?), you’ll likely love Grape Juice too. Same publisher (831 Stories), similar length, similar will-they-won’t-they energy. I also just finished Heart the Lover, which I can’t recommend enough.
saved this week
Margot Robbie’s outfits lately have been on another level. I’d love to recreate this one — comfortable but still a little girly. A perfect day-to-night spring look.
a very good facial
If you’re in Los Angeles (or New York), you’ve probably heard of Spencer’s Spa. I’ve gone a few times in recent months and always see Angelina. You get these chic little socks when you walk in. Prices are reasonable, given how luxurious the space feels too.
on my radar
Jimmy Fairly — The Meg Eyeglasses
I’m really in need of some new shades. Also loving this slightly more playful pair.
Never added something to my cart faster.
In black and/or white. Perfect for spring.
from the archives
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Thanks so much for reading. I’m Jess — a content and editorial strategist based in LA. You can shop my curated picks here, or find me on Instagram and TikTok.
P.S. This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Images sourced via Pinterest.
“The slow zoom on Chloë Sevigny slicing a pineapple. The sun-soaked seaside cliffs. That vacation home. They spend their days swimming, reading, and lingering over long dinners — my ideal.”
There’s something about that pace that feels aspirational in a quieter way. Not just the setting, but the way time is being used.
so glad you recommended sentimental value to me - such a brilliant film