Red, white, & Beau — BEAU SOCIETY issue #092

As a self-proclaimed summer person, I always look forward to the 4th of July. This weekend, I’m pulling inspiration from a vintage Ralph Lauren ad: I want old denim cutoffs, crumpled linen, wicker baskets, blue-and-white stripes, windows down, Angel margaritas in a cooler, a bowl of cherries in the fridge next to a homemade apple pie (see my recipe below). Our plans will be loose and flexible — as the best plans are. But if you need last-minute ideas for what to wear, bake, or watch after your post-beach shower, I have some thoughts…

You can never go wrong with vintage denim. If you’ve ever thrifted a pair of baggy jeans and cut them into shorts, first of all, you’re very cool. Wear those this weekend and never get rid of them! Otherwise, a good pair of Levi’s will do, or these loose and baggy denim shorts from Madewell are perfect — I have a friend who tells me she lives in them all summer. Or, for a lighter option, I’m loving these red lace-y ones.

I’d pair them with a simple white tank or a classic crewneck sweater. If you have it, a big colorful polo would be great, too, or a button-down (preferably borrowed). For accessories, I’m wearing just a tennis bracelet.

I’ve always loved swimwear as a category, but it can be tricky. This week, I did some serious shopping — I linked all my favorite finds on ShopMy. I found myself gravitating towards statement one-pieces with feminine details, like this red-and-white gingham option, this green-striped one-piece, and this romantic peony-print. All perfect for under a pair of denim cutoffs…

I’m a little cherry obsessed lately. Is there anything better than opening your fridge to a big bowl (or bag) of cherries?? I don’t think so. I’d say you can make something with them, but I prefer them as a snack right off the stem, which I’ll be doing this weekend. For meals, I’m making a few things ahead:

Big corn casserole - I love a charred street corn moment, especially on the 4th of July, but doing individual ears of corn can be a bit of a hassle. Luckily, I found this ‘best corn casserole’ recipe that looks so good. I guess technically it’s a Thanksgiving side, but it feels summery to me. I’ve never made it before, so I’ll let you know how it goes. It’s corn and cheese, so I’m anticipating a hit.

Chimichurri burgers - A fresh take on your average burger. We’re obsessed with chimichurri in this house, and you can never go wrong with a grilled onion, poblano pepper, and avocados.

Apple pie - I mean, it doesn’t get more American! (I find pie-making oddly therapeutic.)

When the group is freshly showered and sun-tired after a long day of activities, it’s a good time for a movie. On the 4th of July, I want something that feels like classic summer. On deck: The Parent Trap, Dirty Dancing, and The Sandlot. Crowdpleasers all around.

TO PRIORITIZE: These summer plans.

TO WEAR: A perfect vintage tennis sweater.

TO DRINK: Lemon water with magnesium.

TO TAKE WITH YOU: “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” -John Lubbock

Love,
Hailee
(Beau)

Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, Emily’s response to Lessons learned in your 20s??

“I just recently turned 30 in March, and the biggest thing I’ve tried to implement is choosing what’s best for myself and my happiness! I finally feel like I’m living authentically and making decisions that better me as a partner, friend, and daughter because of it.” -Emily (MBS)