HOT 5 - 5/26/24
Dear Hot Friends,
I came across the image above in the latest issue of American Vogue and it stopped me in my tracks! Sure, it features an amazing Chanel suit in luscious tweed adorned with all the Chanel bells and whistles we've come to expect. But what stopped me was the eye-popping color! The image of rich gorgeous green embellished with touches of sky-blue got me thinking about the power of color and how it strongly evokes specific feelings, like the calmness of blues, the high energy of reds, or the pure happiness of yellows. Color can communicate non-verbally, making it an integral part of our lives. I know I'm incredibly affected by color, it has the power to lift my mood instantly. How does color affect you? This week let's look at the top colors for summer and some other colorful subjects, here we go!
This week's HOT 5:
1. Top 5 Colors For Spring/Summer 2024
2. How To Find Your Best Colors
3. Hot Shops Mara Hoffman
4. Hot Pick - Colorful Home Products
5. Sleeping Beauties Awakened!
1. Top 5 Colors For Spring/Summer 2024
Isn't the beginning of summer the perfect time to add more glorious color to your life? It's time to give all those neutrals a rest and embrace boldness when it comes to color. This season designers are particularly taken with color (an antidote to a dark world perhaps?) and these 5 shades ruled the spring/summer runways. Of course, on HOT you can find something fabulous in all of these shades and I've presented them for your perusal below:
Ravishing Red - You won't be surprised to learn this is a personal favorite :) Pair something in red like this fabulous studded turban-style headband or a spectacular silk and magnet bracelet for a cool monochromatic look.
Liquid Gold - Lucky me, this regal color is second only to red on my list! We have many beautiful pieces in gold like these bold gold flower earrings or you might be brave enough to choose this incredible vintage necklace.
Sky Blue - This shade of blue looks very fresh this season! Go cool and collected by pairing it with calming blue accessories like this eye-catching Pono necklace or a fabulous bag by Juditha Sakinofsky.
Glorious Green - I've been a little obsessed with it this season and have added some of this yummy color to my wardrobe. Choose a knockout Lalela printed scarf or stunning vintage bracelet with green stones to pair for maximum effect.
Winsome White - Of course, white is a no-brainer for the summer months! Crisp and cool, you can't go wrong. Keep it interesting by pairing it with bright silver accessories like bold silver hoop earrings with huge white pearls or a unique headband made of silver, black, and white chains!
2. How To Find Your Best Colors
Everyone has favorite colors but do you know what colors enhance your coloring? You might remember the popular 80s company Color Me Beautiful which presented personalized color recommendations based on the seasons. Now you can determine your best color palette by leveraging current advancements in technology. In 2024 there are several high-tech ways to help you find your most flattering colors. Here are a few of those modern methods:
Color Analysis Apps: There are numerous mobile apps designed to analyze your features and recommend a color palette. These apps use the camera to assess your skin tone, hair color, and eye color, then apply algorithms to suggest the best colors for you. Examples include apps like Colorwiseme and My Best Colors.
AI-Powered Tools: Some websites and software employ artificial intelligence to analyze photos of you and determine your best colors. These tools consider various factors, including undertones, contrast levels, and even the impact of lighting. They often provide detailed reports and recommendations. Check out this one.
Virtual Try-On Technology: Many fashion and beauty brands now offer virtual try-on features that use augmented reality (AR) to let you see how different colors look on you in realtime. For instance, makeup brands often allow you to try different lipstick and eyeshadow shades, while fashion retailers let you visualize how clothes in various colors might suit you. Maybe your favorite brands offer this service.
Smart Mirrors: High-tech smart mirrors, like the ones developed by HiMirror, come equipped with cameras and sensors to analyze your complexion and recommend suitable colors for makeup and clothing. These mirrors can also track changes in your skin over time and suggest adjustments to your color palette accordingly.
Personalized Online Services: Some companies offer personalized online color analysis services where you submit photos and receive a professional assessment from a color expert. These services often use sophisticated software to enhance the accuracy of the analysis. Try this one.
3. Hot Shops Mara Hoffman
Known for her colorful, stylish, and sustainable fashion, Mara Hoffman has been a favorite of mine for a while. You might have heard of her popcorn dress which was a viral sensation last year. I was surprised to learn recently that after 24 years in business, Summer '24 will be Mara's last collection. She states on her website that she plans to redirect her vision and energy into other creative outlets, but word on the street is that it has become too difficult to make a business committed to sustainable practices successful. :( Grab something from this last collection, I promise you won't regret it.
4. Hot Pick - Colorful Home Products
Color makes everything better, don't you agree? I'm in love with these delightful items in bright happy colors that will give your home an instant lift!
Great Jones The Great Tool Family $80
All Modern Durant End Table $92
2Modern Jonathon Adler Rainbow Trinket Tray $115
2Modern Eames Elephant $145
Marimekko Bath Towel $49.60
5. Sleeping Beauties Awakened!
I really enjoyed exploring the new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute! Entitled Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, this exhibit had nothing to do with Disney Princesses (apologies to my grandaughter Rachel who lives for princesses:). Instead, supported by TikTok, Loewe, and Conde Nast, the exhibition features approximately 220 garments and accessories spanning four centuries all visually connected through themes of nature like flowers, the sea, and insects. The most engaging aspect of the show was that we were encouraged to use all of our senses — smell, hearing, and even touch — with a little help from new technologies like AI and molecular recordings of smells on decades-old garments and accessories. You have until Sept. 2 to catch the show. In the meantime, check out my photos of the exhibit in the gallery below.
Terry xoxo
