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!
This beautiful vintage wrap skirt by Paul Smith Blue is in a striking iconic scarf print in shades of yellow, pink, and green. 100 % silk, it sits on the hips. Great with a white T-shirt. Size Italian 42 or US size 6. In perfect condition.
This is a stunner! Purchased 25 years ago in Italy, this all-cotton shirt by Dolce & Gabbana is heavily embroidered with yellow, green, and brown beading to form sunflowers on the front. A sleeveless button-down with a nice collar it turns any outfit into a piece of art! Size medium and in good condition.
This is an amazing summer top! From Jean Paul Gaultier’s Soleil label, it’s a wonderful summer vacation piece. Structured like an easy-to-wear kimono, it’s very flattering over shorts, jeans, or even a swimsuit! In an arresting leaf print and a size medium, it can fit a wide range of sizes. Never worn, in perfect condition!
This shimmery silk jacquard top is just the thing for a hot summer evening! The vintage top from design maven, Diane Von Furstenberg, has a pleated inset neckline with spaghetti straps and a long tie down the front. It’s marked size 8. In perfect condition.
This is such a brilliant and collectible piece by designer phenom Jean Paul Gaultier. In excellent condition (worn only once or twice), it’s marked size Medium but can fit a variety of sizes due to the stretchy nature of the mesh.
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.
This vintage necklace from 80s jewelry designer, Connie Bates, is a chic gold mesh collar-style necklace holding a square pendant. The pendant is embellished with Czech crystals in shades of green, yellow and blush. Remarkably lightweight and comfortable to wear.
This special vintage necklace called Pamir consists of semi-precious stones, some carved, on a silver chain holding a carved silver pendant. Beautifully crafted by 80s jewelry phenom Connie Bates for her company Fahrenheit.
4 antique gold chains hold 6 large semi-precious stones in this stunning choker-style vintage necklace by superstar 80s jewelry designer Connie Bates
This vintage cream leather belt by Connie Bates is gorgeous and trans-seasonal! It closes with a stunning heavy sterling silver buckle embellished with mother of pearl accents. 2” wide and 40” long, it fits a wide range of sizes. A prolific 1980s designer known for her belts as well as her jewelry, Connie Bate’s designs are sculptural and imbued with urban glamour.
Do you need the perfect belt for jeans? This Connie Bates caramel leather belt features. a fabulous buckle in sterling silver with brown and black stones. The belt is embossed to look like alligator. 1 1/2” wide and 41” long, it fits a wide range of sizes. A prolific 1980s designer known for her belts as well as her jewelry, Connie Bate’s designs are sculptural and imbued with urban glamour. Inspired by the vibrant energy of New York City, the pieces emphasized individuality and strength, making them wearable statements for powerful self-expression.
This vintage tan leather belt by Connie Bates features a stunning buckle of silver loops and gold mesh accents. Can be worn at the waist or at the hip, it elevates everything from a cool maxi skirt to a pair of jeans! It can fit a wide range of sizes. One of a kind, never worn. 41” A prolific 1980s designer known for her belts as well as her jewelry, Connie Bate’s designs are sculptural and imbued with urban glamour. Inspired by the vibrant energy of New York City, the pieces emphasized individuality and strength, making them wearable statements for powerful self-expression.
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