ENTERTAINING WAYS TO GET THROUGH WINTER: BINGE-WORTHY SHOWS & BOOKS

As it is truly the dead of winter, I thought we might need a little lift - so I’ve gathered “bits & bobs” as the Brits say, a random assortment of things to keep us amused until Spring! From what to watch, read and see - here goes….

While not exactly a “feel good” series, I LOVED A Very British Scandal (avail on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S.) starring Claire Foy who played Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. It is based on the true story of the Duke & the Duchess of Argyll, their courtship, divorce and LOTS of mayhem. Incredible acting, scenery & fashion.

Much of the action centers around Scotland’s Inveraray Castle & beautiful rugged countryside….

Image of Inveraray Castle (Argyll, Scotland) via Tatler

But there are ample scenes shot in London (and some in Paris), so it should appeal to country mice & city mice alike.

Do not confuse this series with the way-too-similarly-named “A Very ENGLISH Scandal” (also avail on Amazon Prime Video) starring Hugh Grant, which is also great. It is based on yet another British sex scandal, in this case focused on a member of Parliament. (Is it me or do the Brits have a lot of these??)

If all this debauchery gets you feeling kind of low about the human race, order up a copy of Justine Picardie’s beautifully-researched and reported story about Christian Dior’s younger sister Catherine.

Titled Lady Dior: A Story of Courage and Culture, it is the true story of Catherine Dior’s heroic efforts in the French Resistance during WWII, which saved countless lives - likely including Christian Dior’s.

After the war, Catherine was instrumental in building her brother’s fashion empire. In fact, she was the inspiration and namesake for his legendary perfume, Miss Dior. I truly could not put this book down - mostly because of the historical parts about the War, but also about how the French fashion industry sprung back to life afterwards. Can’t wait to read Ms. Picardie’s next book!

Marion Cotillard as a present day vision of Dior’s famous 1947 “New Look”

Another fashion-related book I just adored is the memoir by the recently departed Andre Leon Talley called A.L.T.: A Memoir. It is hard to find in print (try used book store sites) but his second book, New York Times’ best seller, The Chiffon Trenches is worth reading too.

Or, you could check out the documentary about him, The Gospel According to Andre — the high-jinx, globe-trotting adventures will definitely take your mind off of winter doldrums!

Anna Wintour & Andre Leon Talley in their perennial front-row seats at NY Fashion Week.

I just got a copy of Home: A Celebration: Notable Voices Reflect on the Meaning of Home, compiled by designer Charlotte Moss. It is chock full of reflections on home from diverse group of luminaries ie; Alice Waters, Joyce Carol Oates, Steven Gambrel, & Julian Fellowes.

Although it is a beautiful book, as you can see above, it is also a vessel for positive change — with proceeds going to No Kid Hungry, a non-profit aimed at ending childhood hunger in the U.S. If you’re at all interested, please think about buying a copy for you or as a gift - it’s a good one.

Image via John Derian, who also contributed to Home: A Celebration (benefits No Kid Hungry)

Last but not least, you could binge the new season of Ozark (Netflix production)- SO. GOOD. Actors Laura Linney, Jason Bateman, Julia Garner & the whole cast - unbelievably rivoting performances.

I don’t want to give anything away but let’s just say I inhaled the entire new season already — despite my husband’s protestations that I was galloping ahead without him (hey, it’s the dead of winter & I’m in a foreign country so a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!:).

In the meantime, my dog Mory has had enough of my TV/reading & wishes I’d get outside with him!! So off I go - hope you all are staying warm and busy to get through these last few weeks of winter. What are you watching & reading? DM me pls! @elegant.mayhem - I need new material:)

xo
Lee