HOT 5 - 6/22/25
Hello Hot Friends!
I'm writing this week's Hot 5 on the first day of summer, and it's a glorious one here in New York City! It's one of those crystal clear mornings with low humidity, a fresh breeze, beautiful birdsong, and you can almost pretend all is right with the world. Of course, that couldn't be further from the truth, but I'll pretend for a little while longer :) I hope you enjoyed the longest day of the year and are prepared for next week's heatwave, predicted to arrive on Monday. Yikes!
This week's Hot 5 is dedicated to vintage shopping, as I'm excited to announce that the House of Terrance vintage fashion tab is now live! As I reported in my last email to you, I've decided it’s time to sell some of my special vintage designer pieces on the Hot site. And you all get to have the first peek. I'll be adding more pieces throughout the summer, so please check back often.
This week's Hot 5:
1. Hot Hack Of The Week -- Shop Vintage Clothes!
2. This is Hot! -- Connie Bates' Vintage Necklaces and Belts
3. Obsession Confession -- Vintage Ties
4. Shopportunities -- Nomad Vintage Boutique
5. Celebrate Pride
Vintage jackets at The Manhattan Vintage Fair.
1. Hot Hack Of The Week -- Shop Vintage Clothes!
You already know that I believe vintage and pre-owned shopping is the most fun—and fabulous—way to shop. Over the last 40 years, I’ve shopped vintage all over the world and discovered some of my most cherished pieces, along with a great deal of joy in the hunt. Vintage is defined as something that is over 20 years old. Every piece I've shared on the new Hot Vintage Fashion tab is at least that old, and each piece has a special story and contains incredibly fond memories. The list below is a quick reminder of why vintage shopping is the best kind of shopping:
1. Vintage clothing allows for true self-expression and creativity in dressing.
2. Most things from over 20 years ago are just better made.
3. Vintage items are generally more affordable than buying new.
4. Vintage clothing will most likely be one of a kind, making your look unique.
5. It's more ethical to buy vintage since you aren't contributing to the fast fashion cycle.
Can I add that it's just a more fun way to shop? You really can't beat that thrill of the hunt!
2. This is Hot! -- Connie Bates' Vintage Necklaces and Belts
Several months ago, I had the extreme good luck of receiving a treasure trove of vintage pieces by 1980s accessories designer Connie Bates. That's her striking photo above, and you can read all about the remarkable Connie here. I'm obsessed with her amazing necklaces and belts that are so sculptural and imbued with urban glamour. The designs feel nostalgic and modern at the same time. They are a fabulously bold way to add major style to any outfit.
3. Obsession Confession -- Vintage ties!
A dear friend gifted me the sharp vintage Hermes silk tie I'm wearing in the photo above around 2005, and I'm still finding new ways to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Sometimes I wear it as a belt, and I've even used it as a headband! I've always loved wearing ties, going back to my twenties when I sported lots of floppy silk bows, which I paired with the white shirts and the power suits of the day. Like many young women entering corporate America in the late 70s, I adhered to a preppy look that we thought helped us to fit in better. With the recent interest in suiting and Dandyism, it's high time to embrace the vintage tie! Check Etsy and eBay for a plethora of incredibly well-priced choices.
4. Shopportunities -- Nomad Vintage Boutique
One of my favorite vendors at the venerable Manhattan Vintage Show, whom I met there at least 25 years ago, was Kathleen McDonald. Known for her lovely smile and easy, helpful manner, she always had some of the best vintage pieces at the show. Her fabulously broad selection reflects her passion for color, print, and texture, and the artistry and handiwork of traditional and nomadic cultures worldwide. In 2013, she opened her charming store, Nomad Vintage, in Manhattan's East Village at 208 East 6th Street. She plans on closing the store at the end of this year, so if you're in the city and can get there, I highly recommend a visit!
5. Celebrate Pride!
Could there be a more important year to celebrate Gay Pride?? This year, the NYC Pride 2025 theme is "Rise up: Pride in Protest." It's a more defiant stance compared to recent years and honors the legacy of the first march. "As the LGBTQIA+ community faces increasing hostility and legislative attacks, this year’s theme is a reflection of the Pride movement’s origins in protest—and is a powerful call to action for our communities and allies to rally and march in defiant celebration, advocacy and solidarity," The NYC Pride March, the main parade, and PrideFest, a street festival are scheduled for Sunday June 29th. Find out all the details here.
Stay cool, stay safe, and have fun!
Terry xoxo