HOT 5 - 11/20/23
Hello HOT Friends!
Are you as flabbergasted as I am that Thanksgiving is this week??! I'm already hearing Christmas music in every store I step foot in, and various retailers' gift guides hit my inbox and mailbox before Halloween was even over! The HOT gift guide is coming your way at the end of this month, and I'm excited to present lots of new goodies on the site that will answer many of your gifting needs.
In this week's HOT 5, I'll share some thoughts on the charm of vintage jewelry shopping, an unexpected day trip I took with good friends, and more. Here we go:
1. Go With Vintage Jewels
2. Amazing Winterthur!
3. Hot Pick - Gloves
4. Hot Shops Alex Mill
5. Happy Thanksgiving!
1. Go With Vintage Jewels
Last month while attending the Manhattan Vintage Show I was struck by the incredible amount of vintage jewelry on display! It was much more than in years past, covering every era and displayed to perfection. I love vintage jewelry shopping because it combines the thrill of discovery with a commitment to sustainable values. The joy lies not only in the uniqueness of each piece but also in the stories they carry. Buying vintage gives new life to pre-loved items and reduces the demand for newly produced accessories. And because "there's nothing new under the sun" every trend, style, and type of jewelry is available! Embracing vintage jewelry isn't just about fashion; it's a conscious choice that celebrates history, individuality, and a commitment to a more sustainable and ethical approach to style. We have a plethora of vintage costume jewelry on the site, some special signed pieces too! Here are a few:
2. Amazing Winterthur!
Have you heard of the Winterthur Museum? I had not, but when I was invited to attend a new exhibit at the museum celebrating Ann Lowe, the African-American designer of Jackie O's wedding dress, I jumped at the chance. I went to the museum located in Wilmington, Delaware with two good friends and fellow alums from Wellesley College, Teri and Gay. I couldn't have chosen a better duo to go with since Gay, as a docent at the Whitney Museum in NYC, adds a lot to any museum experience, and Teri, the former fashion editor at the Wall Street Journal, still writes about fashion every chance she gets. Here is her latest fascinating article.
As expected, the Ann Lowe exhibit was brilliant but the unexpected part was how much we enjoyed exploring the grounds of the Winterthur! Once the childhood home of collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont, the estate was transformed into a museum in 1951. Its breathtaking 60-acre naturalistic garden, a harmonious blend of formal landscapes and secluded corners, provides a truly tranquil and stunning setting. The Dupont house, a majestic mansion built in the early 20th century, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a bygone era, and the jaw-dropping 90,000 objects of American art, antiques, and decorative pieces from the 1600s to the early 20th century blew our minds!
3. Hot Pick - Gloves
Here in the northeast, we're just getting into weather cool enough to warrant a pair of gloves. Since wet and freezing weather is a little ways off (hopefully!) right now is the time to wear a fashionable pair of gloves in leather, suede, or a fun knit that might not be warm enough when true winter hits. As always, there are so many examples to choose from but I found 4 great pairs for you to consider below:
4. HOT Shops Alex Mill
Alex Mill is a slightly under-the-radar boutique with just two stores, both in Manhattan. I became aware of the brand because it was constantly mentioned by fashion bloggers and editors for its well-made, classically preppy yet cool pieces. Started as a shirt shop by Alex Drexler, son of Mickey (that Mickey of Gap and Old Navy fame) it expanded to sell women's, men's, and children's wear when Alex, his father, and a brilliant designer friend partnered. Their mission is to create the right styles made with the best fabrics and crazy attention to detail to simplify getting dressed. I'm especially drawn to their jackets and jumpsuits.
5. Happy Thanksgiving!
In just a few days, we'll all be overeating and trying to avoid talking politics and world affairs at all costs. But really, amid global turmoil and collective grief, this Thanksgiving carries a profound significance, urging us to embrace gratitude more fervently than ever. Amidst challenges, the warmth of family Thanksgiving traditions becomes a source of solace, emphasizing the importance of shared moments and connections. These cherished rituals, whether it’s preparing a family recipe, sharing stories around the table, or expressing gratitude, serve as anchors in uncertain times. As we gather with loved ones, the simple act of coming together becomes a powerful reminder of resilience and the enduring strength found in the bonds of family. When I was growing up, one of our family traditions was to watch a movie together after I washed about a million dishes. (I was the only girl and we didn't have a dishwasher:) If that's your family’s tradition as well, here's a list of the 40 best movies to come together to watch in a tryptophan stupor. :) Whatever your traditions, I hope it's wonderful!
Terry xoxo