four-course meal | #05

Hi, all! And welcome back to Four-Course Meal.1 It’s been a very difficult few weeks here in the States, so I’ve more so been prioritizing dissociating by any means possible than using my brain to write this newsletter. I figured a four-course meal installment was the perfect way to venture back into writing this year because it’s silly and low lift. These are quite fun and relaxing for me to write, and I hope reading them can help you take your mind off things as well.

But let me be clear when I say none of this stuff I’m writing about today matters — I mean obviously. That’s sort of the point. It feels pretty dumb writing about clothes and pop culture at the best of times, let alone in the midst of this abhorrent administration and what we’ve been seeing on the news every day. What’s happening in Minnesota matters; talking about what’s happening in our country matters; calling your representatives matters. When you need a reprieve from all of the doom, I hope these articles can at least fill you with a little joy, laughter, or just a five-minute distraction. Because when everything feels so dark, that matters too. Taking the time out of my day to write this was really nice, so thank you for being here to read it. Okay, please enjoy. 🫶

Hors D’oeuvre

Dissociation tip #1: If you need to distract yourself for many, many hours, try your hand at decoding every last detail of a budding celebrity relationship. Therefore, I’m starting our meal in the only way I know how, with a Paul Mescal feature on an Insta story à la Gracie Abrams. With a graphic tee fit by the gods (two sizes too small), I believe it should be a required silhouette in many a man’s wardrobe. I also love how dorky it is. Let us remember that the best fashion is a little silly, not too pretentious. I imagine Paul walking off the set of Hamnet, swapping his Shakespeare costume for his Shakespeare t-shirt, and into the arms of his beloved. #AlsoILoveHimSurprise.

I really love a celebrity couple, and Paulcie? Graul?? is one of my favorites. We’ve yet to see any red carpet appearances with this duo, but thankfully, our Gen-Z queen keeps us fed with cameos of Instagramless Paul on her socials. I, for one, am still in a daze from all of the Glastonbury PDA. A huge win for Boston. The humble Red Sox baseball cap finally getting the notoriety it deserves.

Appetizer

Speaking of Boston — but first, allow me to dedicate this course to the girl at the dentist I saw wearing ballet flats in the dead of winter, because girl, you opened up my world. I’ll start by saying that Boston isn’t exactly known for being the most fashionable. So when you see someone in an outfit that screams, “I know how to pronounce the word Loewe,” I feel seen. I feel at home, comforted, briefly wearing my Boston-ness with slightly more pride.

The stylish girl at the dentist reminded me that although the ballet flats I currently own (the bendy kind, or I don’t know, mesh) aren’t going to fare well on the winter streets, a sturdy leather pair can do just fine. Is it the most practical? Of course not. But is it very, very chic? I think yes! I mean, as soon as the snow melts, I really do not see why not. And if you’re a real skeptic, put a low heel on it, I won’t tell!

And don’t even get me started on the sock-portunities. Inspired by an older woman participating in the weekly Seniors of Jamaica Plain ICE-out protests, the hero accessory being her “Deport Stephen Miller” sign, her outdoorsy Mary Jane flats were practical and chic. I mean, can you think of a better way to flaunt your favorite wool socks? Didn’t think so. I like this sporty Tory Burch pair with a sturdy rubber sole. Or I’m always a sucker for a tabi, like this more affordable option from Robeosy.

Main Course

As someone with the common diagnosis that can only be referred to as “Marty Supreme fatigue,” I can’t be the first to say that the Wuthering Heights press tour is my new religion. Oh, how I love Margot Robbie on a red carpet. I couldn’t sleep the other night, so of course I took to my phone and spent far too long stalking Margot’s stylist, Andrew Mukumal, on Instagram. Scrolling with the vigor of a woman preparing to testify in court, I verified that he is, in fact, the same stylist responsible for Margot’s Barbie press tour. It was not until I had this knowledge that I could finally rest. The man has range, and it must be applauded. The jewelry! The sunglasses! The colors! The edge! Two things I am certain of in this world — Margot in Schiaparelli can do no wrong, and I don’t ever want this press tour to end.

Dessert

As someone whose ideal outfit is a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black flats (boring, but with the right pieces, always looks stylish), I have a serious fervor for finding unique accessories to spice things up. Lately, this has come in the form of a mismatched statement earring. There is no better way to add a bit of personality to the simple uniform I’m most comfortable in, and as soon as Spring rolls around, I am confident my earlobes are going to hate me. My favorite brand that I’ve found so far is CompletedWorks. From pops of color to gemstones, to twisted metals, to pearls, they have the best assortment of statement earrings ever. I think I’m destined to include a pair of the diamond or pearl variety in one of my bridal outfits. And then those glossy red ones for everyday, because why not. I’m hoping to snag a pair if they go on sale anytime soon, or work on luring in an anonymous donor.

And there we have it, folks. I implore you to latch onto whatever is bringing you joy these days — whether that’s reading to escape, watching the RHOSLC reunion episodes on repeat (because same), or oogling out-of-budget earrings. For the rest of my day, I intend to do just that. First, I’ll make an afternoon coffee, read my book, snuggle Nelly, and watch the Grammys until I inevitably get bored and succumb to lying in bed fully alert due to the repercussions of my aforementioned afternoon coffee. And that’s when the doomscrolling gets real. Let’s call it research.

Until next time, stay safe and sane out there.

- Ally x