Fourth of July's Ruined By Cosplay Dictator Leadership, Fashion, Beauty and More News.
It's a Half-Staff Fourth of July and It's Been a Long Six Months, TBH. Hang in there!
Let’s start off by saying Happy Summer.
I have not written a full newsletter since March.
Whoopsie.
Life was pretty hectic, and I had to regather myself after many months of the most challenging months of my life in a while.
Maybe one day I can talk about it. Today, let’s focus on summer and the things of summer that bring and cultivate joy.
Bella Kate 22 Blog Summer Recap!
First off, what appetizers are you bringing to the cookout?
Not this Fourth of July tbh — any other cookout though would be just fine.
Over on the blog, I shared this caprese skewer recipe that is sure to be a bonafide crowd pleaser.
Cocktail-wise I have been loving the Pepperoncini Spicy Margarita. It is so refreshing, spicy, and delicious— no complaints from me.
Have you tried it before? Do let me know what you think.
Fashion News
Anna Wintour announced her retirement from American Vogue in late June of this year.
What are your thoughts?
Personally, I have not been a fan since her dealings with André Leon Talley, plus her publications consistently uses bad lighting for black cover stars. Overall, as a reader, I find her to be a very boring contributor as of the last decade, although I do think she made bold decisions (and I do think she had one of the world’s toughest jobs), she also attached her decisions to very controversial people and affiliations, and I think that behavior speaks for itself. Is it truly creative if it has to be attached to controversial people, or does the artistry speak for itself?
Something to ponder.
If you have to step over people to get where you need to go, did you really earn your spot?
I don’t know.
Once you use and abuse your colleagues, hire people who can’t light black people to save their lives —— you’re creatively playing in everyone’s face. You know? Also, her weird, mean lady behavior doesn’t exactly scream creative genius — you know? Next.
I know, I know — such a strong opinion to match her strong distaste for black people, even though she did try to rectify it with the 2025 Met Gala theme.
We’ll call it a wash.
More fashion blog side —
Boho chic is in. To learn more, you can read my most recent post about it.
Speaking of trends, we discuss the ever popular “Beach Princess Aesthetic.”
There are not too many new trends to speak of this summer (the trend cycle is burned out thanks to TikTok).
The colors of the summer season are pastels and deeper jewel tones that one would associate with fall and winter, which makes me think that pops of neon may make their way into Fall/Winter.
Beauty News
Rhode Beauty was acquired by ELF Cosmetics for One Billion Dollars.
Just some cool cash, nbd.
I have not used Rhode Beauty yet, but her glaze milk and cheek tints have piqued my interest for some time. I love her packaging, and I love how she embodies her brand in her socials.
Great marketing.
For the greatest brown lipsticks for summer/fall, check out this post.
Political News
The Big Beautiful Bill passed, and America passed away right before the 4th of July (sort of kidding).
Dead bodies are washing up bound on the shore.
MTG released a troubling Fourth of July campaign video, and Donald Trump is such an insecure loser, he is having a Fourth of July UFC Fight on the Whitehouse Lawn to cater to his voter base, which loves to hang out in the swamp of Alligator Alcatraz (again making tour TikToks)— aka, a concentration camp.
Waiting on NATO any day now.
Stay safe, everyone.
TTYL.