Hi everyone!
For today’s issue, I wanted to answer some of your summer-related questions! I love these issues and know you do too.
Next Wednesday, I’ll be answering an extra batch of questions on a Substack Live! I can’t wait for that, so if you enjoy reading these and want a live video version, sign up for MBS!
Now onto this week’s Qs!
What’s your favorite summer memory from growing up? -Hannah
Every summer growing up, my family would spend a week on Lake Mead, and every single day, from sunrise to sundown, I was in the water. I have the best memories, from splashing around at the beach — always in a huge sunshirt my mom made me wear, which, looking back, I’m very grateful for — to jumping off the boat in the middle of the lake where the water feels so much colder.
To this day, my brother and I still talk about the “lake sandwiches” we ate on our summer vacations. They were the same sandwiches my mom made at home, but they always tasted better at the lake. And we’d always get those nostalgic pink-frosted grocery store sugar cookies. I might try to make them this summer.
Summer parties or gatherings?! I want all the details on what planning it looks like and what your “must-haves” are for throwing a summer party. -Monique
When I’m planning a summer party, I think about the following:
The people! This is the most important part of any party or even just a casual hang. It could be two people or ten, but I start with who’s coming over and plan the rest from there.
The food. What are we eating? I tend to go simple. The other day, we had a little BBQ, and I made a summer salad with whatever I had in the fridge and pantry: avocado, cucumber, hearts of palm (underrated), and some pumpkin seeds over the top. I added a little olive oil and salt. It was delicious, and I wasn’t fussing over it.
The playlist. This will depend on the time of day and the kind of tone you’re trying to set. When in doubt, I’d just shuffle any of my recently played. Currently, it’s mostly Olivia Dean (still), Justin Bieber, and RAYE.
The decor. Again, I’m usually going simple with whatever feels fun for me to do before everyone arrives. I’m not going crazy, but I love some special little extras. Maybe I’m making cocktails with flowers (I’m committed to doing this with Angel this summer). Or writing name tags for the table and propping them up on little place-card holders (a great hostess gift!).
The outfit. This summer, I’m leaning into patterns and colors, which I sometimes shy away from. Lately, I’ve been into polkadots, stripes, and basically everything at Dôen. I want to be walking around my backyard with this top and the matching hot pants.
What are your best makeup tips that include SPF and makeup that doesn’t melt off your face 🫠 -Melissa
Honestly, my best tip is the Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer with SPF 30 built in. I use it all over my face. It doesn’t pill and is a great base under makeup, which I’m really not wearing much of lately. But in the summer, I always do lightweight layers. The thing I’ve learned about makeup is that if you’re scared of it melting, wear less than you think you need. With concealer, I use a teeny bit and only in the spots where I need it. I love the Mary Phillips foundation because it’s really light; I pump a tiny bit on the back of my hand and just apply it with my fingers. If I have extra time, I’ll put on mascara (love this one that’s tubing) and define my beauty marks with a freckle pen! But my philosophy in general is less is more.
What’s something your daughter has already taught you, even though she’s still so little??🥹❤️ -Sofie
Where to start! One of the most unexpected things I’ve learned from my daughter is the importance of modeling unconditional self-love. I’m obviously still learning what that looks like in practice, but during these early stages of motherhood, specifically with raising a daughter, I’ve realized that how I see myself is how she’ll see herself. It’s that simple.
What’s your favorite summer fruit to have in the house? -Tailor
Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon! All summer long.
I just graduated this weekend, so I want to know if you did anything for your graduation. You’ve said you were homeschooled. So what did the end of that look like? And what did the years that followed look and feel like? -Meredith
First of all, congratulations! You have so much to look forward to. My “graduation,” if you can even call it that, fell around the same time I signed a record deal. I was in the Hamptons to meet the label, and they got me a little graduation cake. It was super low-key. I didn’t go to college, which allowed me to jump straight into work.
What’s your favourite summer-vibe movie? -Konny
I’m committed to having a Proper Movie Night this summer. After a day in the sun, there’s nothing like curling up with a good movie. I have to think about my full list a little more, but making the Beau Summer mood board reminded me of some of the movies that feel classically summer to me:
A Little Romance - One of my favorites of all time. Diane Lane, Paris, young love. It’s perfect.
My Girl - I’m crying just thinking about it.
Roman Holiday - After my friend and Dickinson creator Alena Smith told me she’s currently working on an Audrey Hepburn adaptation, I decided I need a Roman Holiday rewatch.
Clueless - Like, duh.
Moonrise Kingdom - Anything Wes Anderson, but especially this.
What’s your phone wallpaper right now? -Meghan
My lock screen alternates between this, a picture of the three of us, and my favorite photo from our wedding.
What’s your favorite “windows down” song while you’re out driving? -Veronica
Oh, I love this question. What’s yours? For a long time, it was “Man I Need.” I played it literally wherever I was in the car. I think the summer version might be “Rein Me In.”
More to come on Live! We’ll be talking in depth about food, fashion, and film. Join us on Wednesday!
You all loved the banana bread in last week’s letter. In the comments, Cindy suggested I try using cinnamon chips instead of chocolate chips, and wow, I can’t stop thinking about it! If anyone knows where to buy cinnamon chips, please let me know. This week, I made a batch of lactation cookies using this oatmeal chocolate-chip recipe (a lot of lactation cookies call for coconut, and I like this one because it doesn’t). Before you ask, yes, anyone can eat them! They’re delicious! I’m about to make more.
TO GIFT: Gentle reminder that Father’s Day is next Sunday. We have your guide. You can’t go wrong with an easy pair of shorts for summer and a framed family photo for his desk.
TO ACCESSORIZE WITH: The Isabel Marant flip-flops I’m eyeing, and a bag I could see myself carrying all summer and fall.
TO CRAFT: Cheeky crochet bookmarks!
TO REMEMBER: You don’t have to save the outfit for a special occasion. Today is a special occasion!
Love,
Hailee
(Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, Amalia’s response to This is BS (Beau Summer)!
“The older I get, the less I’m chasing a perfect life and the more I’m collecting beautiful ordinary moments.” -Amalia
Subscribe for all the BS.
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