Weekend reading: 8.7.26

A new fitness trend, best tips for applying blush, a movie remake I'm excited about + new for fall at Nordstrom!

1. DESIGN

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the history and restoration of Coco Chanel's Riviera home and gardens in Architectural Digest yesterday! She originally purchased the property in 1928, but sold it to a publisher in 1953 after a nearly 15 year hiatus from working. The property was repurchased from said publisher by the House of Chanel in 2015, and the architect Peter Marino got to work bringing it back to its former glory. Marino, who has designed Chanel's offices and boutiques for decades, worked with Chanel's Heritage team to go through the archives for inspiration as he planned out the restoration. Take a peek here to see before and after photos of the property! The photos of Peter in a black all-leather getup amongst the flowers is the cherry on top.

2. FITNESS

There's a new fitness trend on the rise, but is it worth the hype? Red light therapy has been a popular tool in beauty, skincare and wellness for the past several years, and now it's making its way into the fitness space! If you're unfamiliar, red light therapy has been shown to boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow - so it seems like a no-brainer to incorporate it into your workout routine, no? In addition to the skin benefits, full-body red light therapy can also boost mood, relaxation and promote overall longevity.In a workout setting, it appears to be most beneficial for supporting exercise performance and recovery - something as a non-stretcher I'm sure I would benefit from! I don't currently work out at any fitness studios (I have a gym in my apartment building), but I'd definitely be interested in trying a class that offers this!

3. BEAUTY

As a creature of habit, I tend to stick with using the same products over and over again for years. If I do decide to venture out and try a new formula, there's always a bit of an adjustment period of learning how exactly to use it/incorporate it into your existing routine. For example, until I purchased Rhode's pocket blush, I'd only ever used powder blush. There's definitely a learning curve to applying a blush stick!! Where to dot it, what to blend it in with, how much to use... if you're not patient, you may decide to throw in the towel on a product that's actually really amazing. Thanks to this, now you never have to guess! This article goes through every type of blush formula (powder, cream, gel/jelly, stain, liquid blush) and shows you how to apply each one. I could have used this YEARS ago! So many great tips so you get the application right every. single. time.

4. INDUSTRY NEWS

In news that will probably shock nobody, Chanel's sales are up 16% in the first half of 2026! I think it's fair to say it's all thanks to Matthieu Blazy's debut collection for the storied French fashion house this spring/summer. People were chomping at the bit to get their hands on items from his first collection, which debuted in October 2025 to rave reviews! While Chanel has long been iconic in the luxury fashion world, Blazy's perspective breathes new life and a playful energy into what has been maybe a little stale in recent years. There are only so many ways you can reinvent the tweed jacket and classic double-flap bag! Not only did this new collection turn the classics on their heads, but it brought with it fresh silhouettes, unexpected textures and striking color palettes that shock and awe in the very best way. Luxury fashion has been struggling in recent years, so it's promising and exciting to see at least some business is looking up!

5. ENTERTAINMENT

The Thomas Crown Affair was SUCH a good movie!!! I never saw the 1968 original, but watched the Pierce Brosnan remake and loved how bold, sexy and thrilling it was. In case you haven't seen the previous two versions, it's about a dashing billionaire who dares to pull off art heists just for the fun of it. It's getting the remake treatment with the help of Michael B. Jordan who will be directing and starring, but he's calling it a "reimagination" not a remake. Instead of "rich white guys stealing for fun", he's upping the stakes with a more personal touch to the story. I, for one, am SAT for this!

6. TRAVEL

Ever wondered how people get dual citizenship to live and work abroad? Here's everything you need to know! This is something that I'd never considered before, because I didn't know it was even possible unless you were a descendent/relative of a native... but that's not the only way! There are "golden passport" schemes, as well as residency visas with a pathway to citizenship if you spend enough time in a particular country. Definitely something to think about as you plan for the future and want to retire somewhere abroad!

+ WHAT I’M EYEING

NEW FOR FALL AT NORDSTROM: TRENCH COAT // BLACK CASHMERE SWEATER // SUNGLASSES // DENIM SHORTS // SANDALS // LACE CAPE TOP // PRINTED DRESS // LEATHER JACKET // SUEDE CLUTCH // EARRINGS

+ END OF WEEK EXTRAS

• Hosting a party or game night soon? Make these dirty martini-marinated mini mozzarella balls as an app!

• I’ve been using these three products exclusively at night and they’ve made such a huge difference in the tone/texture of my skin! Expensive, but worth every penny.

• New slim shades from Saint Laurent? Say less.

• Can someone please explain to me why a movie like this is needed? Are we trying to encourage this now?

• My new Instagram obsession is @myfriendhannah__ - her outfits are SO good and I adore her cheerful, bubbly personality!

• These black satin slingbacks from The Row are at the top of my wish list at the moment.

• If you’re in need of some fresh outfit inspo, don’t miss these street style looks from Copenhagen fashion week!

• I love how Grace styled her red athletic shorts! Such a cute idea for a comfortable #ootd.

• Aureum just launched a new bag style that I am obsessed with!

• Dying to make these crispy rice paper shrimp bites but I no longer have an air fryer...

• Heading to the Hamptons soon? Add these farm stands to your list.

• I’ve decided I’m going to ship my biggest piece of luggage to California, so just ordered a fresh set of these clear shipping label holders!

• Kind of digging cropped sweaters for fall - this one and this one caught my eye!

• New York girlies, don’t miss the Fashionphile pop-up happening in SoHo this weekend! It’s on from 11am-8pm Friday-Sunday at 131 Greene Street.

• Between Sheldrick Trust’s posts about Bumpy and Conde Nast Traveler sharing these Triple Crown hotels I’m majorly chomping at the bit to book a trip to Africa.

• File this under another bag I want. The Manuka color is rich AF for fall!