What’s a trust fund baby to do when he discovers that decades of extravagant spending have depleted his inheritance? In the eyes of his overbearing mother, the solution is to find a wealthy wife...at the luxury resort where his sister’s wedding is taking place. There, he’s presented with three contenders — a hotel heiress, a venture capitalist, and the daughter of a doctor — and pressed to make the age-old choice: marry for money or love? Oh, and did we mention there’s also a murder? If you’ve missed the twists, laughs, and jet-setting of Kevin Kwan’s glamorous novels, check out “Lies and Weddings” immediately. We asked Kwan a few questions. Here’s what he had to say…
Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?
Kwan: “Wives Like Us” by Plum Sykes. I read it in one night and need her to write a sequel ASAP.
Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?
Kwan:Olverum, an addictive bath oil that smells like a wintery alpine forest.
Q: If you could be the world’s leading expert on one thing, what would it be?
Kwan: I’d like to be an expert on moving to Italy and restoring a villa with minimal expense or headaches.
A toast to the aunties. Thanks for all the late-night talks, vintage hand-me-downs, and “just checking in” texts.
This week’s edition of Men Can’t Help But Insert Their Opinion: Sundresses are the latest victim.
We Dare You To Find a More Delicious Grilled Cheese
theSkimm
Everyone knows the best grilled cheese is the one served at your hometown diner. But Life As A Strawberry’s Blackberry Grilled Cheese offers an unexpected, flavorful, and decadent twist on the comfort food staple. Layered with goat cheese, mozzarella, juicy blackberries, and fresh basil, this colorful Caprese-inspired sandwich is a showstopper. And trust us, it tastes even better after a refreshing Batanga — or two.
The Time Commitment: Twenty-five minutes. Yes, it takes a bit more time to make than your standard grilled cheese, but it requires way less prep (read: no peeling, chopping, or dicing) than most weeknight dinners.
Key Tips: Before assembling your sandwiches, Life As A Strawberry recommends taking the butter and goat cheese out of the fridge and letting them sit for 15-30 minutes, so they reach room temperature. And if you really want to go the extra mile, add some crispy bacon bits or prosciutto — you won’t regret it.
The Timeless Capital That’s As Good As Everyone Says
theSkimm
Chances are you’ve heard of Rome (or maybe its history is all you think about?). The truth is, it’s popular for a reason. Between the 2,000-year-old ruins, majestic fountains, world-famous carbs, and lively piazzas, the Eternal City earns its must-visit status in spades. Oh, and if you sign up for this flight club before midnight tonight, you can fly roundtrip to European hotspots like Rome for less than $300. Skimm’rs get an exclusive 93% off lifetime access (that’s $1,500 in savings). And members save up to 90% on every flight they take — ever.
🛏 Stay in the lap of luxury and the center of the city at Hotel d’Inghilterra. With 80 rooms, beautiful artwork, and first-rate service, this recently renovated spot is worth a splurge. For something a little less central (but conveniently located near Termini station) and a little less bougie, opt for the charming Hotel Sonya.
💐 For beauty on beauty, The Villa Borghese has to be on your itinerary. Spend time in the gorgeous, peaceful gardens (which are free to the public), and then make your way to the Galleria to see art by the likes of Raphael and Bernini. PS: Get a ticket online beforehand for a timed tour.
🏛️ Spend an afternoon strolling through the Centro Storico to check some major sights off your list: the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Piazza di Spagna, which sits at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. And even if they’re crowded, you don’t want to miss the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which are about a 20-minute walk away.
🍴 “The food is good” is the understatement of the century. Start off with a pastry at Love. Make time for an intimate meal at Roscioli (but book the rez well in advance). Venture to Trastevere, a picturesque neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber River, for dinner at Da Enzo, and while you’re there, have the wine bar experience of your dreams at Latteria Trastevere.
Psst…you can get to Europe for up to 90% less this summer by joining this club at a 93% discount before midnight tonight. You plan your trip, they’ll take care of the rest — like updating you on incredible flight deals (Rome from $289, Paris from $303, Honolulu from $198, etc.) as soon as they find them. Hey, they’ve got 1 million travel-happy members for a reason. Wheels up.*
We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:
Q: “I love my friend, but she checks her phone incessantly when we hang out — even though it’s nothing urgent. How can I tell her that it’s hurtful?”
“A conversation needs to be had [at the start of your hangout to set expectations]. Try saying to your friend: ‘When we’re together, I really want to talk with you and have face time. Can we have an agreement? We can check on our kids, our parents, [or whatever else needs to be checked on] before we sit down [but then] we give ourselves 15 or 20 minutes of just interaction. Do you think we can do that?’
[Their behavior] may change, or it may not. If it starts going downhill, don’t get dismissive or upset. Instead, say, ‘I was really hoping we could spend some time together and we agreed that we would do this. So when would you like to get together again?’ Also, take the high road. Say, ‘Can you let me know when I’m looking at my phone?’ If you say it, you have to be willing [to be accountable as well]. At the end of the day, extend grace. We know we’re going to transgress. It’s going to happen from time to time.”
Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
A sale on polo shirts for Father's Day.
If he's been wearing the same shirts for years (and it smells that way), grab him some of these Twillory shirts that are on sale until June 5.They're made of sweat-wicking performance fabric but look nice enough for dinner — aka, they're all he'll be wearing for the foreseeable.
Vacation's Classic Whip SPF 30 is soft, creamy, and a lot less sticky than other sunscreens we've tried. We also love the vacation-inspired fragrance, a nostalgic combo of coconut, bananas, and pool toys.
PS: Want more product recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram.
Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.
If you can’t keep up with all of the hacks, products, and methods hitting your feed, we can help.
Every week, Skimm Well breaks down the science — or lack of it — behind the latest wellness fads. We also round up the health news and expert tips you need to take charge of your health. Subscribe to Skimm Well to stay ahead of the curve — or at least feel less lost in your group chat.
