HOT 5 - 3/4/24
Hot Friends,
At last, spring is just around the corner! March is such a harsh month. It always seems to creep along and delight in teasing us with lovely spring-like days interspersed with dreadful ones. For example, today in Manhattan it's been chilly and pouring the entire day while tomorrow, sun and mid-60s are predicted! I always find this time of year a difficult transition, style-wise. Swapping our uniform of mostly dark heavy layers for lighter fresher pieces takes a minute to master. March is also when we start to see the spring and summer trends in store windows, big fashion issues, and social media. It's time to update our wardrobes with a few new pieces and for help, we'll look at some of the top fashion trends, compelling new beauty products, and more. Here we go...
This week's HOT 5:
1. Spring '24 Top Fashion Trends
2. What's New In Beauty
3. The Hot Pick - Leather Jackets
4. HOT Shops Kule
5. Inimitable Iris!
1. Spring '24 Top Fashion Trends
Do you know what a vibe shift is? Coined by trend forecaster Sean Monahan in 2021, it's when a significant change in a prevailing cultural atmosphere or trend occurs. According to Vanessa Friedman, fashion editor of the New York Times, a shift was revealed in the recent fashion shows for Fall '24 and the current reign of safe and bland "stealth wealth" fashion is over. It's time for more expressive fashion! Fashion that embraces color, and pattern and makes a statement. Let's look at some spring 2024 trends through the lens of runway, real way and lastly something from House of Terrance for the Hot way. :)
Green Goddess -- Shades of green look fresh for fashion this spring and summer! Most everyone can find a shade of green that suits them. Why not consider a piece of jewelry in green like this bold resin necklace by Angelo Moretti? (Real way - Wolf & Badger set)
Highrise Trousers -- If you watched the return of low-rise trousers with trepidation, you can now breathe a sigh of relief with the chic and flattering return of high-rise pants. They call out for an eye-catching belt buckle like this amazing vintage one. (Real way - Uniqlo trousers)
Fascinating Fringe -- Fringe has been swooshing around on the runway for a few seasons now so isn't it time to submit to this fun light-hearted accent? Keep the fun going with this amazing fringed necklace in a modern mix of silver and gold. (Real way - Steve Madden at Nordstrom’s)
Prepster Polos -- What's preppier than a polo shirt? Miu Miu's spring '24 twist on the classic look has us all rethinking this simple and easy-to-wear staple. Why not zhush yours up with a fun pocket square tied around your neck? (Real way - Cos Polo)
Coming Up Roses -- Yes, I know flowers are groundbreaking for spring. However, this spring, it's all about the rose. Wear them everywhere including on your lapel with this frothy delicate one from HOT. (Real way - Reformation Top)
Back In Black -- Most of us (especially in NYC) never gave up on our black fixation, it's finally time to lean into it with exuberance! Commit to the dramatic look of black with this vintage studded cuff bracelet. (Real way - Cos dress)
Metallics -- What's the modern twist on metallics you might ask? Wearing sparkling gold or silver pieces for day. If that's too much for you, get in on the trend with this gorgeous vintage necklace of tiny black beads and large gold lamé ones! (Real way - Teri Jon at SFA)
The White Dress -- Not just for brides this spring, white dresses were everywhere and the ease of wearing one makes this look a no-brainer! Why not pair it with an embellished white headband to elevate the look even more? (Real way - J. Crew white dress)
Getting Crafty -- Craft's influence on fashion continues to be strong and anything embroidered, embellished, crocheted, or knitted belongs in our closets this spring. Go with one of these striking Shweshwe African Moon necklaces to try out the trend with ease. (Real way - Anthropologie top)
2. What's New In Beauty
I'm excited to share these 4 new products because I haven't written about beauty products for the Hot 5 in a while. It's a category that thrives on the excitement of what's new and launches hundreds of new products quarterly. Spring is an ideal time to try a new color or texture after the long, harsh winter. Check these out:
Undone Beauty 4-in-1 Solid Serum
I'm intrigued by solid serums. Have you tried one yet? You can't beat their portability which makes them perfect for travel and they glide on and nourish parched skin. I'm trying this one first.
Osea Collagen Dream Night Cream
I've been loving my Osea Essential Hydrating Oil so I'm eager to try their new Collagen Dream Night Cream. It promises to reduce the effects of stress on the skin at night and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles. I'm in!
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
One of TikTok's 10 buzziest beauty product trends according to WWD is this new body spray by the incredibly successful beauty company out of Brazil, Sol de Janeiro. Did you know that body sprays are back in a big way? This is the one to try!
Patrick Ta Cream And Powder Blush Duo
For me, blush is the quintessential spring beauty product. It brings soft color to your face right in time for brighter days! This gorgeous one is inspired by makeup artist Patrick Ta's technique of layering cream over powder to achieve a long-lasting beautiful blush.
3. The Hot Pick - Leather Jackets
You might think leather jackets are an odd choice for a spring must-have but leather was all over the runways for spring 2024! Leather is a very good choice for spring's schizophrenic weather and instantly upgrades anything you throw it over. This season a new leather jacket is at the top of my shopping list! Here are some worth perusing.
4. HOT Shops Kule
Niki Kule, the founder of this small independent company comes from a retail background and launched the Kule brand of perfect striped Tees in 2015. Known for their playful approach to design, Kule works with small factories around the world and strives to make pieces that will live in your closet forever AND make you smile. I'm instantly drawn to their graphic stripes and cool color combinations. Check them out!
5. Inimitable Iris!
It's hard to imagine a world without Iris Apfel, the indefatigable and inspirational fashion icon we've all been joyfully following for years. Iris died on March 1st at her home in Palm Beach at 102 and I like to think she was wearing stacks of bangles up both arms and a pastiche of amazing prints, patterns, and textures when she took her last breath. Much has been written about the irrepressible Iris and you can read all about her here and here. Enjoy this gallery of some of her iconic looks from over the years!
Until the next time,
Terry xoxo
