Weekend Reads for 10/11

Weekend Reads

Catch up on these latest weekend reads covering politics, culture, fashion, and lifestyle—perfect for a quick, insightful weekend dive!

Why María Corina Machado deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. (The Atlantic – gift link)

Extremely offline: what happened when a Pacific island was cut off from the internet. (The Guardian)

Gen X men on TV are really going through it. (Whatever Nevermind on Substack)

Debt by data. (Lux)

Social media’s midlife makeup guru. (New York Times – gift link)

OMG, Wicked-themed ethical size-inclusive sleepwear? Yes please! And use ALISON10 to get 10% off!

Meet the women launching OnlyFans later in life. (Us Weekly)

The new age of entrepreneurship: 70 to 79. (Wall Street Journal – gift link)

The viral moments you may have missed at Fashion Month. (British Vogue)

Last call at Zoxx Social Club. (The Baffler)

What is Colonial Williamsburg for? (The Atlantic – gift link)

I want these socks in both colors.

Karen Mulder tried to tell the world about the elite prostitution ring she was ensnared in…with Prince Albert, too. (Kirby Sommers on Substack)

In times of uncertainty, Gen Z is “locked in.” (Vox)

Shutdown specials and Unhappy Hours are taking over the D.C. bar scene. (Wall Street Journal – gift link)

And a peek into my neighborhood: Letter from Greenbelt, Maryland: Amid setbacks, our new home shows resilience. (Christian Science Monitor)

Sale Alert & Style Inspo

Love it when a classic comes back as a trend; there's a good chance it's already in your closet or it's a lot more likely you can find a great option thrifting or via resale. And the Fair Isle sweater is back. Primarily crewneck pullovers and cardigans, you will see some turtlenecks, roll necks, and longer wrap or boyfriend style cardigans. Check out our Sweater Weather Must-Haves for inspiration and styling tips.

Top row: red (XS-3X & petite/tall) | brown (4-14) | blue (XS-XXL) | green (XS-3X) | camel (XS-XL)
Bottom row: tan (XS-XL) | white with blue (XS-3X & petite) | white with pink (XXS-XL) | camel (XXS-XXL) | red (XXS-XXL & petite/tall)

Another sweater trend I see this season are dog sweaters. Personally, if I had a dog in one of the breeds being featured I'd buy one for me, maybe the whole family, and plan our holiday card photo. I think they're super cute, even if you're not a dog parent!

Top row, from left to right: tan (2-14) | navy (XXS-XXL) | gray (XXS-XXL) | blue (XS-L) | cream (XXS-XXL & petite)
Bottom row, from left to right: cream (XXS-XXL) | blue (XS-3XL & petite/plus petite) | red (XXS-XXL; link to 1X-3X) | navy (XS-XXL) | white (XS-3XL & petite)

See/Hear/Read

I love Toni Collette and if I see she's in the cast of something, I'm going to put it on my must-watch list. So I knew I had to check out Wayward, a newish limited series on Netflix starring Collette and actor/comedian Mae Martin, one of my top picks for weekend reads and binge-worthy entertainment.

Wayward takes place in 2006 in rural Vermont. Collette's character, Evelyn Wade, runs a private reform school called Tall Pines in a small town of the same name. Mae Martin stars as Alex, a police officer in a committed relationship with Laura, a graduate of Tall Pines. Alex and Laura move from Detroit to Tall Pines to start a fresh life and prepare for their baby (Laura is pregnant).

Alex gets a job on the Tall Pines force and almost immediately realizes something odd is going on at both the school and in the town. Also starring in Wayward is Sydney Topliffe as Abbie and Alyvia Alyn Lind and Leila, two Canadian high school friends whose parents sent them to the Vermont school thanks to the recommendation of their principal, also a Tall Pines grad.

The concept of Wayward is really good, and I think would make for an excellent novel. But there were so many holes in the eight-episode script it felt as though each episode used to be two hours and they lost a lot on the cutting room floor.

I couldn't tell if Mae Martin is a crappy actor, or if they just were supposed to look perma-confused and lost. Collette as usual is excellent. The ending felt a bit lackluster and again made me wish this was a novel. That being said, I keep thinking about Wayward, my husband and I keep discussing it, and I've read reviews saying the experience at Tall Pines (minus what I deem to be frog-related) is not that different from other real schools of a similar purpose. This is definitely one of my weekend reads worth sharing. Have you seen Wayward? Would love to read your thoughts!

For Your Entertainment

Girl Tones is a Kentucky-based duo formed by sisters Kenzie and Laila. Brad Shultz from the band Cage the Elephant heard them, liked what he heard, and signed them to his label and had the group even tour with his band. Inspired by Riot Grrrl bands and The White Stripes, their story is a must-see for weekend reads, and you can enjoy the video for their latest single, “Burnout.”

Looking for Your Next Weekend Reads?

No matter your interests in fashion, culture, lifestyle or politics, these weekend reads have something for everyone. Take a moment to relax, stay informed, and get inspired with this curated mix of stories perfect for your weekend downtime.