HOT 5 - 6/30/22
Gayatri Malhotr for Unsplash
Dear HOT Friends,
Lately, it seems that whenever I sit down to write this email to you I have to ask myself, how can I possibly write about things like fashion, beauty, and what to buy, when the world as we know it seems to be blowing up?? Having just been through one of the most regressive weeks yet, I'm truly speechless and trying not to be hopeless. I was recently reminded of these words and they helped.
"The struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation." Coretta Scott King
Well, summertime is finally here so let’s at least celebrate that. Here's this week's Hot 5:
1. Color Your World This Summer
2. The Grandma Trends
3. Hot Pick - Sunnies!
4. How Do You Really Feel About What's In-Store?
5. Simple Ways To Recharge This Summer
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR 25% OFF ALL EARRINGS!
Albert Watson for Versace 1980s
1. Color Your World This Summer
Isn't the beginning of summer the perfect time to add more joyful color to your life? It's definitely time to give all those neutrals (and especially black!) a rest and embrace the bold when it comes to color. We all have favorite colors but do you know what colors enhance your coloring? If you've been around as long as I have you might remember the 1980s guidebook, Color Me Beautiful. It popularized the seasonal color theory that determined you were either a Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter based on your hair, eye, and skin coloring. It's not groundbreaking but it can point you in the right direction if you really need some color assistance. Check it out here. I was really surprised that I didn't find updated, high-tech versions of this 30+-year-old quiz! And let's not forget the importance of nailing the right colors in our physical surroundings too. I found this quiz from interiors color expert Lori Weitzner a lot of fun. It consists of 18 engaging questions to help you find the best colors for your home and/or office space.
2. The Grandma Trends
By now you've probably heard of the Grandmillennial trend in decorating but have you heard about Coastal Grandmother? Coined by Tik Tok influencer Lex Nicoleta, a coastal grandmother is anyone who “loves Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, cooking Ina Garten recipes and cozy interiors.” Essential wardrobe pieces in creamy neutrals include long-sleeve cotton button-down shirts, soft oversized knits, cargo pants, white jeans, high-quality Ts, and hats. Another trend this spring with grandma in the name, although this one goes in the opposite direction, is Grandma Jewelry which Refinery 29 defines as deliciously gaudy and wonderfully OTT. I guess I should feel a modicum of pleasure that grandmas are trending so much these days since I'm one! If you'd like to indulge in this last trend have we got the jewelry for you! Here are a few pieces up on the site now:
3. Hot Pick - Sunnies!
Well, I guess it's a bit of a no-brainer to share some picks for sunglasses for summer! I've seen so many great pairs this season and I've been sorely tempted to splurge. I'm not really much of a sunglass wearer because I often feel like I can't see with even the slightest amount of shading in my lenses. This year's amazing array of sunglass choices has me rethinking that, however. One of the biggest trends in sunglasses this season is lots of bold colors but the more traditional tortoise and black frames are looking good to me too. And why not consider an oversized colorful chain to hold your sunglasses like these from Hot?
J Crew Aviators $69.50
Batsheva Hay Dress
4. How Do You Really Feel About What's In-Store?
How are you feeling about the style of women's clothing offered by manufacturers this season? I'd really like to know because I've been curious about the proliferation of what I call Little House On The Prairie dresses that I've been seeing all spring. Then I read this article from the Atlantic. It explains why the stores are all full of the same looks from high end to low. Basically, fashion design has been hijacked by fast fashion processes and we're getting styles that have been created by algorithms instead of humans. It's kind of crazy because I don't think many grown-ass women look good in dresses meant for 6-year-olds, do you? Of course, there are plenty of beautifully grown-up clothes to be had. They just take time and/or money to find.
5. Simple Ways To Recharge This Summer
We all know that even with the ease that can come with these sweet summer months, they can also bring their own type of stress. This article from Thrive (Arianna Huffington's Wellness site) is a good reminder to consciously take care of your mental health by slowing down and doing what's really good for you. The article lists 5 steps you can take to achieve this and you can start by remembering that less really is more. Number 5 resonates the most with me and it's one I'm definitely putting into practice this summer!
Happy summering!
Terry xoxo